A brief description of my love for baseball

It’s that time of the year again and a new season is upon us. This is by far the best time of the year for me. The extremely long offseason has finally come to an end. I’ve grown weary of watching meaningless Spring Training games. The fulfillment in watching a college game just isn’t the same. I need to see some major league action to help fill the void in my life and spring up a sense of happiness that’s been missing for the last five months.

On Wednesday (March 28) the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners will begin the 2012 season with two games in Japan. While the real Opening Day in the states doesn’t begin until April 4, this signifies the beginning of a new journey through a Major League Baseball season. And though the times have changed and people’s ‘perception’ of this glorious game has declined, there is no doubting the significance of a new season. 

But these are reason why I love this game. For most people these same reasons might not register because my entire life has been enthralled with the greatness of this game. 

Some of my reasons for loving baseball

I love baseball because for seven months out of this year I have something to do almost every day of the week. Most people complain that the season is too long and they lose interest towards the end of summer when the season is 100 games in, but I’m content watching my team go out night-after-night. It gives you a sense of hope every day that this could be a good day. And for most of us your entire mood revolves around whether or not your team wins or loses. 

For the next seven months the players on my team (and on my fantasy team) will be my best friends. I’ll read their quotes, get insight on their character and even though they don’t know it, they’ll be my new companion (or at least for as long as they’re on my team). But as baseball fans we go through the journey with these players. We get a glimpse of the grind they go through in a 162 game schedule. It’s more than just reading the box scores every morning, it’s about having perspective on what’s going on in the locker room and what the next move might be for the team. Being a fan instantly makes you a part of the franchise. It’s a roller-coaster ride of emotions. You get to feel the great times and the bad times as if you were actually involved in the outcome yourself. 

I love baseball because there is no greater thrill in the world than being at a baseball game. It doesn’t matter if it’s a little league, high school, college or professional game, they all have the same appeal that draws us to the stadium. Whether it’s the food (nachos, hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, another hot dog), the smell of the grass, the dust flying off the infield, the crowds that share the same passion as you or the time spent with friends and family. These are just reasons outside of the actual game that make me love the sport. 

I love baseball because of its history. For years this game was built on its history and called the “National Pastime.” Many people have tried to take that label away from them and say football is the new national pastime, but how can a sport that’s only been around for half as long be the national pastime? That’s a story for another day. The fact is this country was built on the sport of baseball. There is no denying that baseball was the first actual sport to gain popularity in the U.S. and it still remains a vital part of this country. 

Men once got together on old dusty fields for pickup games. War heroes played it amongst other soldiers to pass the time and get their mind off the terrible tragedy surrounding them. Hopes, dreams, ambitions were all inspired because of this wonderful sport. It is the backbone of this country and will continue to be so as long as it exists. 

Racism was solved through baseball. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man who did many great things for African Americans, but Jackie Robinson did the unthinkable when he signed up to play Major League Baseball. He brought the country together through his talent on the field during unthinkable circumstances. His play ultimately led to the end of racism (in my opinion) and changed the history of this country. All of this was done through the sport of baseball. 

I love baseball because it is the greatest sport ever invented. You can try to argue the point if you wish, but there is no comparison out there in terms of skill and strategy. Plus if you add all the things above that come along with the game. Baseball is great because an average person like Pete Rose can come along with virtually no skills, but through hard work and determination prove that anything is possible. It’s a game that virtually anyone can play, but only 1 percent of those that do play can do so at a major league level. 

The skill and God-given ability it takes to throw a 96 MPH fastball (with command) just doesn’t happen very often. Then to be able to throw a ball that breaks three quarters of the way to home plate and changes direction is almost unfair. But to be able to swing a wooden bat and connect with one of those pitches and hit it 400-plus feet is the most incredible accomplishment you’ll see in any sport. 

Then there is the defensive side of the game, which is my favorite, that normally is the difference between a normal Joe off the street and a major league player. To be able to field these rocket shots coming off a bat and then in an instant throw the ball to first before the runner gets there is the most underrated talent in sports. These athletes today make it look so easy that it doesn’t get appreciated enough. Go back and watch highlight films of Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel (those are just from my generation) and see for yourself how easy it is to dive to your right, get up and heave a baseball across the diamond in time to get the out. A cleanly turned double-play is the most beautiful thing to watch in this sport. When a runner is on first and the ball is hit on the ground I drop whatever I’m doing so I don’t miss the art form a well turned double-play. 

There are many reasons I love this game and just a few are mentioned above. I try to explain my passion for this game to others in today’s generation and it just seems useless. Baseball is something that’s been ingrained in me since the time I was born and that’s really where it starts. This isn’t a sport you can just pick up like football or basketball, it takes time to develop a feel and sense of pride for the sport. But once you’ve been engulfed by the spirit of the game developed through the years of history, you’ll experience a feeling unlike any other. When the temperature rises and the wind softly blows on a warm sunny day, you’ll feel the goose bumps run up your arm because you know it’s that time of the year and the time for the Boys of Summer is near. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com

Jake also writes for Gloves Off Sports Business.

Tebow can’t catch a break

The horrible tragedy of the Tim Tebow experiment in the NFL took another sad turn this week when it was announced that Peyton Manning would be signing with the Denver Broncos. Not only was that a slap in the face to the man that just led them to a playoff appearance and then upset of the Pittsburg Steelers after all hope was lost, but then they shipped him off to New York where he’ll likely sit behind Mark Sanchez for the next three years or, at best, challenge him for playing time. 

Now I’m not one of those people overly in love with the Tim Tebow mania, but this kid has done everything he can to prove that he knows how to win games in the NFL. He’s a natural born leader and a winner. 

I’m also not one of those haters that want to dissect every aspect of his game that is lacking from what a normal quarterback should look and play like. Being a huge Pete Rose fan (the player, not the person) I understand that you don’t have to have tremendous skills to be a good player. 

Rose often played above his talent level because he had a desire and a passion to be better than everyone else. Tebow brings that same kind of effort to the football field. He may not look like Tom Brady when he throws, but all that matters to him is that he outscores the other team. 

After waiting patiently, he finally got a chance to prove he could play quarterback in the NFL while in Denver. This team was horrible and he was able to inspire them into winning some games and ultimately their division. Their defense was good before he became the starter, but because of him they became even better. And because he knew how to make plays happen, he was able to put enough points on the board to get them the win. 

If I’m Tebow right now I’m disgusted at the way things have transpired this week. I understand the Broncos and Manning had to make a business decision, and they made a good one. But to trade him to a team where he won’t have the opportunity to step right in and be starter just makes me sick. 

They could have easily sent some compensation to the Jaguars to make sure that deal got done. And according to a report, the Jaguars made a better offer, or at least one that wasn’t any worse. Tebow helped that Denver franchise make a lot of money even when they were a bad team because fans still poured in to buy his jersey and watch him play. 

Being back in Florida he would have been adored by his fans and immediately had the chance to compete for a starting position. The Jets on the other hand have just signed Mark Sanchez to a nice three year deal solidifying the fact that he’s their quarterback of the future. 

I’m not sure what the Jets plans are with Tebow, but I doubt the two are on the same side. This entire process was just a mess and a real failure to the sport and all parties involved. Sending him to his home state would have created a positive buzz and enthusiasim this league has never seen. Sending him to the circus that is in New York can only cause a negative stir and bad publicity for the sport and Jets’ franchise. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com

Jake also writes for Gloves Off Sports Business.

Bryce Harper shows how baseball is different from other sports

There are several reasons that baseball is different from football, or football is different from basketball and basketball from hockey. But one of the biggest reasons baseball is so different from all of them, is the fact that it’s not a game that just anyone can come in and dominate. 

Players have to go through a process in baseball before ever given a chance to play at the major league level. Not only do they have to grow in their abilities, but they need to develop the right kind of character that makes you a major league baseball player. 

This example was never more true than the recent news that Bryce Harper has been optioned back to the minor leagues. This kid has been hyped as the best position player prospect of all time. He’s dominated ever level of baseball he’s played. He’s proven that he has what it takes to compete in the majors. The majority of players and even his own coach believe he should be on the major league roster. But for some reason the executives of the ball club don’t feel the same way. And I have to say that I tend to agree with them. 

Now some people will say that they are just keeping him down to gain another year of arbitration from him, and that may be well and true. But the fact remains that this kid is till just 19 years old and he’s not ready to face major league pitching on a daily basis. Even though he’s one of the most gifted prospects of all time, he’s just not ready to dominate the league the way he has at other levels. 

That is not the case in any other sport. When Kobe Bryant or LeBron James leaves high school to go to the NBA, they are ready to instantly become leaders of their team and the league. There is no doubt that they will instantly become the best player on their team. They don’t have to go through some process to become ready for the NBA, they’re ready now. 

Cam Newton and Adrian Peterson don’t need to spend time in the Canadian Football League before they’re ready to compete in the NFL; they’re ready the moment they leave college. At least in football you do have to spend three years in college, but at age 20 most of these kids are prepared to become major factors in their sport. 

You can say the same about hockey with Sidney Crosby or any other teenaged winger that can instantly put up 50 points in a season. And in any other sport there isn’t normally a process that players absolutely have to go through like in baseball. 

But that process is what makes this sport so much more special than any other sport. Stephan Strasburg, Harper, Derek Jeter, they all HAD to go through the minor league ranks and perform before they were ready to join the big leagues. Playing baseball is so different from any other sport. You could be the best player on your high school, college or minor league team but you still might not have what it takes to succeed in Major League Baseball. 

I’m sure a month or two from now Harper will get the call to “The Show” and he’ll do just fine. But the fact that this supposed phenom of the sport has gone through more than one season in the minor leagues and still hasn’t proven he’s ready, just shows how difficult this sport really is, and how demanding it can be on even the greatest of athletes. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com

Jake also writes for Gloves Off Sports Business.

What a day for sports: College basketball, Crosby returns and MLB on TV

I woke up with a smile on my face as I normally do on Thursday because it’s usually my favorite day of the week. This time my grin was a tad bit larger and for a very good reason. 

Today kicks off one of the best days of the sports season and this year there is added reason for it to be even more exciting. Not only will the NCAA Tournament kick off today (I don’t count those pointless play-in games), but Sidney Crosby is “supposed” to be returning to the ice against the Rangers and more spring training games are starting to be televised. 

NCAA Tournament

I know there have already been several articles hyping up the best tournament in sports, but now that the day is here I’m truly thrilled to watch some college basketball. The first weekend is always the best as there are games on all day and you’re bound to see a great finish. 

This is when the amazing upsets happen and where Cinderella teams get their starts. I even went as far as to download the March Madness app on my phone so I can watch games while at work. 

If you’ve filled out a bracket you already have an interest in this tournament and that thrill of keeping your bracket clean for as long as possible is pretty awesome. I’ve never made it that far in the tournament without losing a game, but I hear it’s exciting when you’re 16 games in and you’ve still got every game correct. 

The excitement level of these games are so high because you know the season is over with a loss and every win gets you last much closer to the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight and hopefully the Final Four. It all starts today. 

Crosby makes his second return to the ice

Let’s all be honest, hockey just isn’t as exciting (to the casual fan) without it’s poster child actually being on the ice. We’ve all started to become frustrated with the injuries of Sidney Crosby but there is no denying that when he is on the ice we all want to stop and watch. 

Not only will he be making his second return to hockey this season, but it will be against the New York Rangers who have been one of the best teams in hockey all season. This will be a great matchup of two of the best teams in the league (the Penguins just took the top spot from the Rangers in ESPN’s power rankings). 

This will be great for hockey fans and the sport in general to have “Sid the Kid” back out on the ice dominating. I hope where ever I’m watching the tournament at tonight will also be carrying this game because I can’t wait to watch it. 

Spring Training on TV

I know Spring Training has been going on for a couple of weeks now, but we are getting closer to having full rosters and more games are being broadcast on TV. Fans are getting their first look at this year’s squad and as the first round of cuts are made this weekend rosters are beginning to take form. 

The next best thing to being at a Spring Training game is being able to watch one on TV. They are more relaxed and seeing the Florida or Arizona sunshine in the back drop just brings smiles to your face knowing that soon the boys of summer will be back on the field. 

Oh what a happy day for sports indeed. You couldn’t beat the excitement out of me. I can’t wait to sit down and enjoy this glorious day for all sports fans. Enjoy it. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com

Filling out a bracket as American as hot wings

OK, so I’m not exactly sure if hot wings are the most flamboyant poster child for American culture, but I plan to devour many of them during this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. March is the greatest month of the year for basketball and the only month of the year many folks actually pay attention to the sport.

If your team didn’t make the tournament there are still plenty of other teams available that you’ll have some sort of interest in to keep you entertained. And of course filling out a bracket is a must for any red-blooded American. 

Stories within the tournament

These teams fight all season long, but none of that really matters until now. They allow over 60 teams to make the tournament, the regular season is just a chance to get a better seeding. 

But college basketball sets up the greatest formula for postseason play by allowing all these teams to get involved and stretching it out over a four week span. By the time this tournament is over you’ll learn everything you missed the past four months and possibly be setup to succeed with your bracket the next season. 

Cinderella stories will come out of nowhere and keep casual fans involved after their team gets knocked out in the first round. These are always the best stories during the tournament and basketball is a game where almost anyone can win on a given night. 

It seems like top high school players are starting to realize they can stay close to home by going to these small colleges and still have a chance to play on a national stage. It opens up so many more possibilities for athletes. 

Filling out a bracket

This is an absolute must for any sports fan. It’s a yearly tradition that will/should eventually become an annual holiday. Some people want to try and act like they’re “too cool for school” to fill out a bracket, but by the first weekend they’re searching the internet to find out if they can start a bracket in the second round. 

Whether you’ve watched a game all season or if you’re an avid college basketball fan, you have a chance of filling out that perfect bracket and that’s what keeps us coming back. 

It’s really just a guessing game. Personally, I’ve watched maybe a quarter of these teams play, and most of those teams I probably just saw bits and pieces of the game. There are only a handful of games I sat down to watch the entirety of this season but I still feel that I have that chance of making the right selections. 

I’ll listen to commentators, read a couple of articles online and then I’ll be ready to fill out my bracket. It’s something I have to do as an American. I know I’m going to be watching the tournament for the next three to four weeks and without a bracket it almost seems pointless. 

Don’t be the guy at Buffalo Wild Wings or wherever you’re watching these games that doesn’t have an interest because he decided he didn’t know enough to fill out a bracket this year. It doesn’t matter how much you know. I guarantee you half the people filling out a bracket this year haven’t watched that much basketball. 

It’s your duty as an American and as a sports fan to fill out a bracket. Not doing so will cause your fanhood and personal integrity to falter. This is your only shot of the year to get involved in something this big. Don’t sit back and watch it pass it you by. Give it a shot. Take some risks. But ultimately, have fun with it because this is about as good as it gets for a sports fan. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com

An easy decision for Manning

This has been an obvious end to a great run by Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Ownership had to do what was best for their franchise and really this was what was best for Peyton. 

The Colts are going to be a bottom dweller team next year with or without Peyton and Andrew Luck. The team is lacking in almost every facet of the game and really needs another first round pick next year to get things going. 

So while this may not have been an easy announcement for either party, it was most definitely an easy decision for each. 

I mean how perfect is it that when Peyton is at the end of his career the Colts just happen to finish with the worst record in the league in time to draft the best quarterback prospect since Peyton himself.? That’s kind of crazy, right? Especially considering the fact that Luck went back to college for one more year to make this whole thing happen. 

The door is open for the Colts to start another dynasty like the one that was built with Peyton. If Luck turns out to be half of the quarterback he’s been hyped to be than the Colts will be a playoff team for years to come. 

But it won’t happen quickly, and at age 36 Peyton needs to go to a team that will help him win another Super Bowl to match his brother Eli and establish himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He doesn’t have time to waste while he rebuilds a mediocre team. He needs to step in somewhere that can win now. 

I heard someone say this morning that the Seattle Seahawks would be a great fit for him. They have a good defense and play in a winnable division where Peyton would almost certainly guarantee them a shot in the playoffs. If they could then bring in Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne to help give Peyton some familiar surroundings, this team could contend for a championship. 

I also like the suggestion of the Arizona Cardinals. They aren’t far from a trip to the Super Bowl themselves with an aging former Super Bowl winning quarterback (Kurt Warner). There he would have one of the best receivers in the game to throw to in Larry Fitzgerald. And their defense is pretty good as well. 

The Redskins and Dolphins have also been thrown out there but I don’t think they’re the right fit for Peyton or are ready to contend in their divisions. 

The Houston Texans would also be another contender that Peyton could implement himself into quickly and win. It would also be within the same division as the Colts to make things really interesting. I don’t know if they would be able to run his style of offense there. The Texans are more of a run first and defensive minded team. 

The point is there are a lot of teams out there that Peyton can play for, if he is ruled healthy to play, and compete for a championship. It won’t be easy for him to leave the city that drafted him and a stadium he helped build and grow, but soon enough he’ll realize this was a great day for him and he’ll thank ownership for making this difficultly easy decision. 

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com