Play Ball!
What’s a guy to do when it gets TOO good?
Grew up in the 50′s when baseball was undisputed King (16 teams, I could recite every starting lineup in the N.L.) Dad was a Cards fan (something to do with Gas House Gang), so were his six brothers, and so, so was I. God, how I idolized them.
Lived in NW Indiana. Starstruck- first baseball game, age 7, when the Birds came into Wrigley Field. Bright sunny afternoon, bought tickets at the gate, sat close, saw Stan, Red, and Von and Lindy McDaniel and the rest. Don’t remember the outcome, only the moments, like being allowed into heaven for a sneak preview.
Made one pilgrimage to Busch in June of the late 70’s. Twi-night doubleheader with the Mets. Cards swept, but the Mets won the division. I had never seen Willie Mays in person, but the Giants had traded him to the Mets for his swan song and he pinch hit once in the nightcap. Willie struck out, but I can still see that at bat in my minds eye- he took three of the most vicious swings imaginable. Never seen anything like that before or since.
Moved to SF in ’80 and, loving baseball, became a big Giants fan. Sunny afternoons and brutal nights at the Stick. Loved the Dodger games- bigger crowds, way more passion. I was hooked.
Except when the Cardinals came to town.
There were kids in my grade school that changed caps every year after the World Series, donning the winner’s wear. I never could understand that, because really, it means standing for nothing, doesn’t it? How can someone really experience the deeper nuances of the game by merely bouncing from team to team? Where is the emotional investment? I’m as serious as anyone about the commitment thing.
And so to my dilemma; joy and melancholy. My two teams finish glorious runs to the playoffs and meet in the finals and I hope both teams win and none lose. Any chance of that?
I told myself I’d stay neutral, but knew I was only trying to fool myself. When a team is part of your fabric, your DNA, there is no hiding. So I don my ST. L cap, sweat out these games and hope for a Cards repeat. Just like always, just like old times. The big change is that, if the Birds lose, the Giants go to the WS, and with that monkey off my back, can keep on cheering with a clear conscience.
Thanks for indulging me.
eatmycumulous
Yes, let’s see more dominant pitching and timely hitting from the Giants! Go Giants, GO!!!
October 17th, 2012 9:49 pm
Dr. Feelgood
Play Ball!
What’s a guy to do when it gets TOO good?
Grew up in the 50′s when baseball was undisputed King (16 teams, I could recite every starting lineup in the N.L.) Dad was a Cards fan (something to do with Gas House Gang), so were his six brothers, and so, so was I. God, how I idolized them.
Lived in NW Indiana. Starstruck- first baseball game, age 7, when the Birds came into Wrigley Field. Bright sunny afternoon, bought tickets at the gate, sat close, saw Stan, Red, and Von and Lindy McDaniel and the rest. Don’t remember the outcome, only the moments, like being allowed into heaven for a sneak preview.
Made one pilgrimage to Busch in June of the late 70’s. Twi-night doubleheader with the Mets. Cards swept, but the Mets won the division. I had never seen Willie Mays in person, but the Giants had traded him to the Mets for his swan song and he pinch hit once in the nightcap. Willie struck out, but I can still see that at bat in my minds eye- he took three of the most vicious swings imaginable. Never seen anything like that before or since.
Moved to SF in ’80 and, loving baseball, became a big Giants fan. Sunny afternoons and brutal nights at the Stick. Loved the Dodger games- bigger crowds, way more passion. I was hooked.
Except when the Cardinals came to town.
There were kids in my grade school that changed caps every year after the World Series, donning the winner’s wear. I never could understand that, because really, it means standing for nothing, doesn’t it? How can someone really experience the deeper nuances of the game by merely bouncing from team to team? Where is the emotional investment? I’m as serious as anyone about the commitment thing.
And so to my dilemma; joy and melancholy. My two teams finish glorious runs to the playoffs and meet in the finals and I hope both teams win and none lose. Any chance of that?
I told myself I’d stay neutral, but knew I was only trying to fool myself. When a team is part of your fabric, your DNA, there is no hiding. So I don my ST. L cap, sweat out these games and hope for a Cards repeat. Just like always, just like old times. The big change is that, if the Birds lose, the Giants go to the WS, and with that monkey off my back, can keep on cheering with a clear conscience.
Thanks for indulging me.
October 17th, 2012 11:36 pm