cathy33August 11
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
Baseball is a sport you either love or hate. True baseball fans are loyal and devoted to their home team. Through ups and downs, wins and losses they stay true believing in and hoping for that World Series Win someday.
It is a tradition handed down from generation to generation. We play it as kids, we watch it, listen to it.
I love baseball. Summertime meant I got to immerse myself in the game. I remember listening to games on the radio on hot summer nights.
“Take me out to the ball game” was my summer theme song growing up.
We would sing that chorus loud and strong, even though I can’t carry a tune!
“Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and CrackerJacks,
I don’t care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,
At the old ball game.
by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer
Summertime meant playing baseball in the street or backyard. I remember listening to games on the radio on hot summer nights. And going to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox play was the highlight of the summer. There was nothing like a Fenway Frank. The hot dog just tasted better than one at home. Win or lose didn’t matter in the end. It was the thrill of the game, the atmosphere, the ambiance and history of Fenway Park and comradery of the players and the fans that was the attraction.
Pitchers, catchers, infielders, outfielders, good hitters, home runs, fly balls, running the bases. The games, the states, the players. It doesn’t matter if it is a backyard game for fun, a little league team, high school or college, minor league, summertime league or Major League baseball, as long as there is a game to get into or play.
Baseball has a rich history, is referred to as our National Pastime and has even shaped some of our history. Baseball supports and reflects many aspects of American life, from culture to economics and technological advances. It inspires movements, instills pride and even heals cities.
Baseball is an intricate game of fundamentals, details, and statistics. It teaches life lessons, teamwork, adversity, humility, responsibility, time management, and resilience.
It shows us how take it one inning at a time, Practice, practice, practice makes us improve, and get better at whatever we do. You don’t hit a home run every time but if you keep trying you will hit one out of the park.
