Friday, September 30, 2005

"Baseball Fever--Catch It!"

the MLB regular season comes to close this weekend, and unfortunately that includes the Rangers. it's been a rocky year for the boys of summer, especially the last 2 months. the beginning of august when they lost 15 of 19 including 8 in a row is what really killed their playoff push (that plus a complete lack of pitching). however, i won't give up on them. there certainly need to be some changes--firing Buck, replacing Hart with Austin Henley, trading Soriano, adding quality pitchers, etc.--but i look forward to another season. there's fireworks (easily one of my favorite things) after saturday's games so i hope to make it. here's a pic from opening day when hopes were high...


like my good friend austin, i too love this time of year in sports--the college football scene is really heating up with some great conference games, and mavs talk has already returned to the airwaves of Dallas. but baseball is at its best right now. not to downplay the freshness the game ushers in during spring training, but the real games are happening now, the pure games. there's excitement in the autumn air as the playoffs role around and strategy takes center-stage over simply skill. the great baseball geniuses of cox, larussa, and scoscia play huge roles as teams battle it out in 7-game series (save the DS). pinch-hitters, sacrifice bunts, match-ups, the bullpen, 3 days rest...all have new meaning in october.

and there's always the hope of historic moments and instant classics. the chance to tell your grandkids some day "i remember watching those no-name indians from cleveland miraculously march on to their first of 3 consecutive world series titles back in 2005" (a guy can dream, right joel). that's what i love about pro-baseball though. the great memories and great players. the kirk gibson, jack morris', and joe carters. luis gonzales, aaron boone, dave roberts, mariano rivera, david ortiz. these are men who triumphed in moments bigger than themselves, and who won't be forgotten. sorry if this sort of thing doesn't appeal to you, but i just think it's pretty neat stuff.

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L.D. quote of the day: (from Gus when Clara questioned their decision to go to Montana as not making any sense and asked him to stay in Nebraska)

"Well, me and Woodrow always like to get where we set out to go, even if don't make a bit of sense. Besides, I'd like to see one more piece of country that ain't settled before I take up the rocker."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

"these are men who triumphed in moments bigger than themselves, and who won't be forgotten".

Pure poetry my friend. Reading this really made me ready for this weekend.

Joel Weckerly said...

Whoa I always knew Brennen was a prophet by his own right, but he totally called the Hart resignation like four days before it happened. I'm not worthy!!!!!!!!!!