Living in isolation is hard enough. But no baseball games?
C’mon, that’s just cruel.
Those who love the game know that baseball is a metaphor for life. We learn the value of dedication and teamwork. The importance of being a good winner and taking your lumps. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat…often moments apart.
Baseball is about perseverance and not quitting until the fat lady sings. As in life, you win some, you lose some. And some days it rains.
No cold hot dogs, no warm beer, no stale peanuts and the seats will still be empty. But America’s pastime returns tonight, albeit to honor big TV contracts.
At worst, baseball will be a welcome diversion. At best, fans will come together again and have something to cheer about. Baseball is a common bond, shared by people of all ages and races. And if you need more inspiration, take it from James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams, “America’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball reminds us of what was good – and could be again.”
Here’s my take. Ten days after the 9/11 terrorist attack, the New York Mets played in Shea Stadium. Everyone was still in shock, including the players. When the Mets staged a thrilling comeback, fans saw a glimmer of hope. They could breathe again. And that symbolic victory triggered a rebirth in New York.
Can baseball save us again?
America needs heroes more than ever. And after months of living in quarantine hell, we could use a storybook ending.
Surely, the boys of summer will lead us from the darkness.
You said a mouthful! Than you.