America’s Pastime

Speaking strictly from the heart, I love baseball. A baseball cap is constantly glued to my head and I speak in first person regarding the New York Metropolitans. My mood constantly switches based on whether the Mets have won or lost. For these reasons and many more, April is the best time of the year.     

Growing up in the Northeast, early April usually comes with sub 40 degree temperatures and snow on the ground. But nothing is greener than the grass on opening day. At least for a moment you can imagine the warmth of the sun and maybe even attempt to believe that it’s warm out. Baseball carries a different feel than any other sport. 162 games a season forces even casual fans to connect with players whom they see every night. Football gives fans the thrill of entertainment but baseball gives the feel of comfort. I may be a little crazy when it comes to the Mets, but no other sport gives fans the ability to become familiar with radio and TV announcers just because they hear them every day.

Baseball, at its core, is a very good sport. Commissioner Rob Manfred has passed many rules that have increased the pace of play and lowered the average game time. Baseball, though one of the classiest sports, is starting to adopt many of the pompous circumstances that football carries with it. Young players such as Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Yasiel Puig play with raw emotion and get fans excited about seeing something special. Baseball talent is becoming better and deeper, creating a level playing field where all teams can now compete. Give baseball a chance and watch a game. There is still nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon at a ball park.