Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Thoughts on Hope, Baseball, and an Undeniably American Tradition
Editorial
Baseball, America’s great past-time. Perhaps no day is more fitting for a trip to the ballpark than Independence day, the 4th of July. The magical thing about being a sports fan is that it is indeed the purest form of equitable opportunity. We all root for the home team, all of us. No matter our socioeconomic status, race, creed, or religion. And the inherent good of it is that for a few hours at least, our commonalities usually win out over our differences.
Often the absolute thrill of a nail-biting win or an unthinkable come back when the ballgame seemed all but lost can bring comfort and joy to so many whom, unknown to those around them, were at that very time amid some personal darkness. So you see, sport gives us hope. And this year, in particular, we are all looking for some sign, any sign of hope.
As I look forward to an all-American weekend trip to my local minor league baseball ballpark, I am somehow reminded of what I’ve lost, what so many of us have lost over the past eighteen months. Last year there was no trip to the ballpark, but there was a phone call to my 89-year-old grandfather to wish him a happy 4th of July. This year there are ballgames to be played but no grandfather to share the day with.
Moments in life are always fleeting. It is up to us to make the most of them. So as we slowly get back to normal this year, let us self-reflect, if just a little. What have we done to spread goodwill, kindness, and understanding among our friends, family, and neighbors this year? The red ones and the blue ones. Who have we forgiven, and who has forgiven us for the unkind acts of frustration we have all committed during this pandemic season?
For myself, I will start with one small act of encouragement. To all who read these simple words, let us all once again share in that great American experience of fresh-cut grass, white chalk lines, and the smell of warm roasted peanuts and buttered popcorn. Let us once again bellow out the old ball game. If not shoulder to shoulder, then perhaps just a little closer than before. I invite you all out to the ballpark this year, and I hope to see you there.
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Photo: Unsplash
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I so enjoyed today’s editorial, “THOUGHTS ON HOPE, BASEBALL, AND AN UNDENIABLY AMERICAN.
It was genuine & patriotic about a great sport and a great country. 🇺🇸