It’s one of the great mysteries; is baseball is more American than apple pie?  We may never know, but we do know one thing for sure; 2011 is going to be one interesting season for Major League Baseball. And if you’re dating someone who is a baseball aficionado or you’re one yourself, you’ll need to gear up for the upcoming season if you’re going to impress your significant other.

Now that the word is out, you can start gearing up for some of the awesome lineups this season. Like the Subway Series battles between the Yankees and Mets.  There’s nothing like pitting New Yorkers against each other to get everyone riled up. So the Yanks failed to nab Cliff Lee, but they still have Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

Meanwhile the San Francisco Giants relied on their pitching to help them win the World Series last year. But the loss of Juan Uribe was painful. However they did become the first NL team, since the Braves in 1997, to have four pitchers who made 33 starts. Not too bad, but only time will tell if the Giants can pull it together.

Philadelphia Phillies fans might have been voted the worst fans ever by GQ magazine, but that doesn’t mean they’re not devoted. At least according to Facebook, which labeled Phillies fans as some of the most loyal in baseball. With the Phillies winning their fourth straight NL East title last year, it would be easy to get complacent. But fans know they’re in it to win it, and with fave Cliff Lee pitching, the Phillies are looking pretty strong this year.

Speaking of Lee, the Texas Rangers may have lost him to the City of Brotherly Love, but not all hope is lost. Derek Holland, who got off to a rocky start, is beginning to prove himself as a versatile pitcher. For the Rangers, who finished as runners-up in the World Series last year, the delicious taste of almost-success is going to be a powerful motivator for 2011.

Regardless of which team you’re a fan of, sharing your love of the most American of sports will bring you closer together. A little on field rivalry can heat up the sparks in the bedroom and if you’re cheering for the same team, you can band together like the unified force you are. So don your jerseys, paint your face, and catch your favorite team at you next game.