The American Sport

What comes to mind when you think of America? Of course, it is apple pie and baseball. As I sit in my chair watching the Red Sox and the Yankees battle it out, I can't help but think about how amazing of a sport baseball is. There is no other sport that you can go to and see such a plethora of people. There will be young children, elderly who have held season tickets for 50 years, first dates, business men in suits, and college age guys with their chest painted. No other sports allows that many people to come to an event and appreciate it the way that baseball does. 

I will say that I am very biased. Baseball is my favorite sport, and it is not even close. I do really enjoy football and basketball (I coach both), but there is something magical about baseball that any other sport can't touch. Baseball is one of the most mental games out there. There is no other sport that you need to be mentally sharp and in tune as baseball. Golf might be a close second- but if you are there live you only see one hole. You can't hide in baseball like you can in other sports. In football, you might miss a tackle but there are 10 other guys on the field that have a shot too. Many times, you are so caught in the mess that it is hard to see anyone that really misses a tackle anyways. In basketball, you might miss a shot or get blown by, but you are right back into the action on the other end. If you miss a ball in center, you might not get another shot until three innings later, if you even get another shot at all. You are standing out there all alone, with everyone knowing that you missed that ball. That can really eat away at some people. You have to be mentally strong in order to be a successful baseball player. What you can lack in physical ability, you have to make up for in mental fortitude. 

Another reason I love baseball is that you don't have to be a world class athlete to be a good player. I know that this is the same reason that some people don't like it, but I love all the "underdogs" that are able to make it big. A couple inches can be the reason why a quarterback isn't even give a shot. How many second baseman are there in the MLB that are 5 '8 and 177 pounds? A lot. Determination and hustle can get you a long ways in the sport of baseball. Not saying that they can't get you a long ways in other sports, because obviously they can- but they are even more prevalent in baseball. 

Just look at Dustin Pedroia. He only received one scholarship out of high school. He was told that he was too small and not strong enough. Even the college that did take him, Arizona State, wasn't sure if he would be able to play at that high level. However, they heard about his work ethic and his tough nosed attitude. Now he is one of the best second basemen that plays in the Major Leagues. It makes you wonder how many of these other athletes there are in other sports that are never given a chance. There are many more chances given to baseball players simply because they have much more expansive minor league systems than in other sports. 

Baseball: American as apple pie.