The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the Weather Channel is finally predicting something other than nuclear winter, this can only mean one thing; baseball season. We’re only three weeks in but already we’ve had some exciting moments (19 innings with the Yanks and the Sox for starters) and we’re gearing up for many, many more. The true value of baseball is not in the game but in the moments it creates, moments like:
Jerseys: The moment you pull your team’s jersey from the bottom of your drawer, freeing it from the mountain of sweaters and leggings, and slip it across your shoulders you are transported to a realm of power and grace, of achievement and humility. As you fasten the buttons you picture the swing of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the walk off victory music; if you wear it, they will win.
The cathedrals: Known to laypeople as ballparks, these coliseums are so much more. From the Coca-Cola slide at ATT park to the dreaded Green Monster, these brick and mortar shrines house our hopes, dreams, and memories, as well as playing fields and beer stands.
Bottom of the ninth, two strikes, three outs, bases loaded: And no one is moving. You’re not even breathing. The air itself has come to a screeching halt. Your blood pressure rises as you eye the pitcher as intently as the batter does. And when he swings, your heart stops…in the next 4 seconds you will either burst out in jubilation, or throw the remote in disgust. Pop the champagne…or break out the vodka, it’s all on the line…
It ain’t over till it’s over: It’s the eighth inning, your team is down by five, might as well go home now right? NO!! Five runs is nothing! An RBI, a steal, and a well placed bunt is all it takes to turn this thing around! This is where baseball becomes a metaphor for life; patience, perseverance, and timing…
Web gems: Ken Griffey Jr. slamming into the wall after diving for a catch, Aaron Rowand’s nosebleed catch, Derek Jeter landing in the laps of stunned and delighted fans while chasing a ball; 10 second thrills, and you don’t even need a ticket.
Tim McCarver: Just kidding.
Universal language: A white NY in a sea of red B’s, a Mays jersey making it’s way through Progressive field (take a minute to enjoy the irony of that), extra innings and a beer with a fan you’ve known for two minutes; these are our symbols of unity, our beacons of light guiding us towards safe harbor.
Journey: At some point this anthem gets played at every stadium, it was even re-written to rally the SF Giants in 2012 (we’re here to win, but in case we lose, i’m purchasing a case of booze… that’s gold baby!) Don’t. Stop. Believing.
Take us out to the ballgame: We don’t remember anyone teaching us the words but we know them all. And we scream it with the pride and gusto usually reserved for a National Anthem, because it is.
Fireworks: And I’m not talking about the ones in the sky (although baseball has those too). I’m talking about the fantastic meltdowns, courtesy of the managers, coaches, and even the players. Unlike boxing, in which the people involved are fighting presumably due to lack of options, when a member of America’s pastime loses it, it’s an expression of pure, unadulterated passion…in the form of flying bats. Play ball!
