100%. The conversation opener is right there - baseball.

Doesn't matter whether you follow baseball or not. If you do, have a back-and-forth and talk about your respective teams. If you don't, ask questions; fans love talking about their team.

Ironically the ability to make small talk with anyone is considered a sign of good breeding. So this person's education may have failed them?

"Did you see that ludicrous display last night?"