The Best 3 Weeks

 Getting Hooked

I was about "this high" when Uncle Henry took me to my 1st baseball game as part of my catholic confirmation gift.  The game was at the old municipal stadium, which could accommodate 70,000 plus.  It was a time of talent, drawing a fair amount of seats filled with a good mix of nationalities, hoping to see good things from 9 better than good players who came from a mix of nationalities.  My then Cleveland Indians haven't played in a world series since Willy Mays pulled their carpet in 1954. when we won 111 out of 154.

Much has changed.  Back then, the American and National League each played 154 games and the winner of each league met in the best of 7 World Series, in September!  Currently, there's 162 games plus tiers of playoffs, finally matching teams, when snow drifts are commonplace, just prior to Thanksgiving!

Technology shows instant replays, arguments between players, umpires, coaches, fans dressed as if they're vying for stage time at, "The Price Is Right," you name it.  All considered, it makes for a fun afternoon or evening.

The past weeks showcased teams from 20 countries, in an elimination set-up, which, on Tuesday night past, Japan bested the USA team, 3-2.  You can watch replays at a variety of online sites, but the best time to watch was the live action.  In my humble opinion, after literally thousands of games, it was right up there with the best I've ever seen, if not THE best!

An unintended lesson presented 20 teams from 20 countries, showing how proud they were in representing their homelands, being coached beyond belief, playing their hearts out, while being so very courteous to all opponents.  Absent were arguments with umpires, temper tantrums, etc.  Confidence without ego prevailed.  Noteworthy, there was not one intentional walk in the series finale!

Summing it up:  For those who witnessed any part were shown the respect shared by such a divergent group.  In my previous letter, I mentioned how great it could be if politicians could be shown how possible it was to accomplish good things when politics and party lines are set aside.

If you could see me now, I just stood up to salute all who played and those who put it all together!!!