Week 3 - America's Sport

When you think of America, what do you think of? Perhaps if you lean one way, you think of corporate greed, xenophobia, and corruption. If you lean another, you may think of moral relativism, radical movements, and corruption. There are three thing that I think of when I hear the word "America." Apple pie, hot dogs, and most importantly--baseball.

I love baseball. I have ever since a was a young boy of 10 years. My older brother got me into it, and that is the only sport I've ever successfully been legitimately interested in. Sure, the World Cup is amazing and really fun to watch, but how often does that happen? Not nearly as often as it should, I say. For me, baseball was a bonding experience. My brother was a pretty typical older brother. He picked on me, made fun of me, delighted in frightening the daylights out of me. But when we sat down and watched baseball together, all that went away. He didn't punch me or insult me or anything. It was great! Soon, as I payed more and more attention to the sport, I fell in love with it. Baseball has the power to strengthen families.

Aside from being miraculous, baseball is the most amazing sport known to mankind. Here's why: in football, the quarterback carries the team. If you've got a bad quarterback, you'll invariably lose. If you've got a good one, you'll invariably win. In basketball, a team is required, but merely to pass the ball when your star player or two are covered. Just look at BYU's basketball team. (I don't follow too closely, so I don't know names) I remember my roommate saying something about how one person on the team scored nearly half of BYU's final score by himself. One man should not be able to carry a team. It's a travesty of sportsmanship. In baseball, you need good pitchers, good batters, and good fielders. If you are lacking in any one of these categories, you will suffer. In addition to the team-oriented playing style, baseball requires the most skill. It may not require athleticism as much (Babe Ruth was definitely a chunk), but you've got to be talented in order to get into the major leagues. If that isn't enough for you, there are 163 games in a normal season (I'm pretty sure on this one). You can see your favorite teams play often, and a team can't get to the playoffs if they have a couple of good days in a row. The system is designed to have to best teams according to real performance, not just luck.

You may say that baseball is too slow-paced, and that it's boring. Patience is a virtue, my friend, and the atmosphere of a baseball stadium is enthralling, not boring in the least If you're watching it on television, go ahead and fold some laundry while you watch. Be productive! Now, the one thing I will give you is that football movies are incredible. I mean who can compete with Remember the Titans, honestly? But hey, at least we've got The Natural and Field of Dreams.