“And you know Steve you get the feeling that Billy Chapel isn't pitching against left handers, he isn't pitching against pinch hitters, he isn't pitching against the Yankees. He's pitching against time. He's pitching against the future, against age, and even when you think about his career, against ending. And tonight I think he might be able to use that aching old arm one more time to push the sun back up in the sky and give us one more day of summer.” –Vin Scully For the Love of the Game
Baseball has become “America’s pastime.” I found chapter four to be very interesting. Baseball went from a bat-and-ball game to “base ball” to a “base ball fraternity.” The change this sport has made is incredible. There is deep history in baseball and I am not talking about the Cubs not winning in 101 years. Who would have thought this backyard pick up game would involve into the sport viewed today? The Knickerbockers proved this game had a great pastime. I feel the amazing part of the story behind the game is how the game, itself, was developed. I was sorry to hear gambling and thrown games became apart of baseball. Then again, the Chicago White Sox thrown World Series does not surprise me. The state of New York and local media did a very nice job of spreading the word about baseball. Most of the credit goes to Henry Chadwick. Also, I was very impressed when the chapter talked about an “all-star” game. The overall setup of game made an easy decision to be called “a Native American Sport.”
One of the more exciting stories to read about was the visit to the White House. Sadly, Cincinnati actually had a really good ball club. At the time, President Ulysses S. Grant had the Cincinnati Red Stockings over to the White House to congratulate them. This success quickly got Chicago into the picture. So here is my appreciation, thank you Cincy!
Another part I liked in the chapter was the post-game dinner for the away team. Now there is the classy characteristic baseball is known for. This part really may not excite any readers but who would actually have thought there was a post-game meal? The parties even included live music and sometimes held a local tavern. Now, how come after my hockey games, I never received a team dinner?
Lastly, I leave my blog readers and Chicago Cubs fans with this…
Dear Milton Bradley,
You say the greatest fans in baseball, Cub fans, are racist? Then, how come Derek Lee, who is African-American, has never complained about us? Last time I checked, D-Lee is having a career year for an underachieving team. Milty, stop with the excuses. You are making $10 million a year.
Let me guess... you are a Cubs fan? I am glad you could appreciate the history of baseball in this chapter. I remember being surprised to read that throwing games because of gambling was not uncommon in the early history of baseball. In fact, in another video that we will see later in the semester, there is a story about people in the stands shooting off their guns so people will miss catching fly balls. I guess I am glad for some of the things that have changed.
ReplyDelete