1
is play the game.
You understand what's behind any move in a game you played, you just see some people running with funny gloves if you haven't.
I never played baseball so even if I really like it, I can't say if a pitch is a slider or a change or understand if a guy have a a weakness against some pitches.
I play soccer since I started walking so I can tell you if a midfielder is having a productive day without having any stat to support me.