The baseball season is like a macro version of a baseball game.
The team takes the field, the crowd cheers. The nervous energy of anticipation fills the ballpark. The endless possibilities of a game yet played swirls in the minds of the faithful. The first pitch is thrown, and the crowd reacts as if it is the first and last pitch they will ever see.
They react to every subsequent pitch, groaning if goes against their boys, cheering if it is favorable. The home team escapes the top of the first inning, giving their lineup a chance to score first.
The crowd hangs on every ball, strike, and foul ball in the bottom of the first. Each player receives a huge ovation, because their slate is clean. They are major league baseball players with all the potential in the world, and an entire new season ahead of them.
The fans react to every game in April and May as if the season is only 50 games long.
A base hit sends the crowd into a frenzy. A walk shows a player’s plate discipline that will surely last the year. A run makes everyone feel that maybe they’ll be OK after all.
The game settles into the middle innings. The crowd senses the rhythm of the game. They no longer hang on every pitch, but rather watch and wait with patience. There’s still a long way to go, after all. No need to overreact now. They enjoy the sights and sounds. They get a bite to eat and something pleasant with which to wash it down. They forget their troubles and count their blessings.
It’s the All-Star Break. Our team is behind in the standings, but there’s still time. A key player comes off the disabled list here, another rips off a 15-game hitting streak there…no need to panic.
The seventh inning stretch leads into the home stretch. The crowd anticipates the waning moments and dwindling opportunities to make this game a success. Anxiety increases, and every pitch means something again.
Every game is a must win in August and September. Just one more hot streak, one more miracle, just hang on…
Only 6 outs left…5…4…3.
The ninth inning of a close ballgame plays out with all the drama of a tight pennant race. Down by one with men on base, facing the best pitcher the team in the gray uniforms has to offer. The payoff pitch…
Baseball. Welcome back.
4 comments
Mr North Jersey
4/5/2012-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
I was just listening to the Mets GM who was on earlier today with Joe & Evan because I saw Joe & Evan tweet about how they like that Alderson because he gives them crap right back. So I figured there might have been a good exchange between them.
Not really anything interesting as far as exchanges go but I found interesting the GM’s remarks at the end of the interview if only because of how I have read at times by some about him not saying what he did.
What did he say?
He was asked what is an acceptable win total for him?
His reply was he didn’t have a number that was acceptable any number that he actually told them if they reached it he’d be unhappy with it because there was always something else they could of done, another game they could of won. He went on to say how nobody goes home happy from a season except the W.S. Champions so short of that they are not going to be happy.
Now of course by something else they could of done I would read that as something else that fits within whatever the team plans are but the thing for me was how some simply wanted to hear those words said and would hearing it change any opinions?
If I had to venture to guess I’d say no.
Stickguy
4/5/2012-9:20pm at 9:20 pm (UTC -4)
the sandy hating crowd (seems to be concentrated in that one other place) would not believe it anyway. They “know” that he doesn’t give a crap about winning, and his measure of personal success is getting payroll as low as possible. They just know it.!
srt
4/6/2012-7:39am at 7:39 am (UTC -4)
Well, he’s got a point about winning the WS. Only that’s not realistic for at least half the league going in and these clubs know it.
I don’t mind that answer. I didn’t hear the interview but from what you wrote here, I’m thinking he’s saying something along the lines of there’s always room for improvement.
gategem
4/6/2012-12:53am at 12:53 am (UTC -4)
Paul sometimes you have the specter of a game within a game. When the Yankees play the RedSox the game takes on a greater meaning than just another step within the season. The pennant race and the respective standings of the team be damned. The game, fueled by the rivalry, takes center stage. I very really miss a game when the two play each other.
BTW Vin Scully is once again broadcasting Dodgers games. I remember as a lad listening to Scully announce the Brooklyn Dodgers games. At an advanced age he is as perceptive and enchanting as he has always been. The game unfolds from his lips as a wonderful story. Today he related the story of how when Ebbets Field opened in 1913 they forgot the American Flag for the pre-game ceremony.
http://www.projectballpark.org/history/nl/pics/ebbets1.jpg