Baseball is the greatest sport. Ever. No other sport could ever touch the professionalism of the players, the respect demonstrated for those who have gone before, and the the tradition for America that is part of baseball.
I will be the first to admit I am biased. Are some overpaid? Yes. Are some still jerks? Sure.
But there are so many beautifully unique things about this sport I love so dearly:
- It has changed so very little in the last century. The rules are the same. There is no instant replay. It is as pure as when it was the Dem Bums in Brooklyn and the Bronx Bombers.
- It's a game of numbers and statistics. A true baseball fan loves the rarity of certain kinds of triple plays, the percentages of a particular player to hit a ball with a certain co-efficient of restitution (i.e., in the stands), or the likelihood of precision the pitcher will demonstrate in delivering the next pitch. So intense!
- Since 1876, the only change made to an actual baseball is from horsehide to cowhide. Other than that, it's the same as it was before. That's tradition.
- It doesn't need to be made sexy with cheerleaders and scantily-clad women. It's sexy just how it is, and anyone that wants to argue that simply needs to watch Mike Trout at bat. Oh my.
- If a pitcher earns a no-hitter, or even better, a perfect game, the entire league demonstrates respect for that player. In what other sport is anyone else pleased for another team in their division (or even within the league) when they are successful? Can you imagine Kobe, LeBron, Tom Brady, or others being pleased for anyone other than themselves when they accomplish a major feat? I think not.
- Every stadium has the #42 hanging in honor of Jackie Robinson - and even more importantly, in April every year, on one day, all players will wear the #42 to celebrate his efforts in breaking through the social barriers faced and joining the MLB as the first African American. No other sport celebrates their heritage as an entire league in such a momentous and important way. (this was noted rather casually in the movie "42", but as a true baseball fan, this sight brings me to tears, because it is so notably poignant)
Finally, when someone notable who has had an impact on the game retires, it is recognized by the teams in the league during their final season. When I was in Minneapolis a few weeks ago, the Twins presented Mariano Rivera with a rocking chair made of baseball bats. It was such a beautiful, sweet moment between two teams that were set to compete against one another, but in recognition of his career accomplishments. There is no other sport where this would be noted and celebrated (or received) in such a classy way.
To demonstrate Mariano's class, he has been visiting with individuals around the country on a tour of those who support baseball as part of this final year of his career. It is a well-written piece from the NYT and of course, I think it's worth reading - and not just for a Yankees fan. :) Check it out here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/sports/baseball/yankees-rivera-spends-his-goodbye-tour-saying-hello.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20130716&_r=0
Play Ball!
No comments:
Post a Comment