Independence Day (July 4th) – Baseball players won
their financial independence in December 1975, when
they were awarded free agency. The athletes were no
longer totally financially at the whim of owners. It was
formalized in ’76 and players began to move to teams
offering them the most lucrative contracts the following
year. Best example of the owner-friendly system before
free agency: By the end of 1952, the Pirates’ Ralph
Kiner had led the NL in home runs seven straight
seasons. He asked for a raise. That seemed logical.
His GM, Branch Rickey, suggested a 25 per cent cut,
reasoning that he hadn’t helped his team, which had a
42-112 record and finished dead last. Kiner accepted a
pay cut of 15%, his only other option being leaving
baseball entirely, and he was traded to the Cubs in June
of 1953. Free agency, the players’ Independency Day,
isn’t always friendly to the fans but there’s no arguing
its fairness to the players.
Bastille Day – See the above, but apply that discussion
To French-born players such as Steve Jeltz, Bruce Bochy,
Charlie Lea, Paul Krichell, Mathias LaCombe and Ben
Couvreur. Viva le base-ball!
Homemade Pie Day – falls on the first day of August,
and nothing is more American than baseball. Watching a
well-pitched gem or a good at-bat or a silky-smooth steal
or great diving catch leaves fans with the lingering taste of
apple pie. The only sound better than a grand chorus
energetic applauding is that of truly well-satisfied fans
smacking their lips after observing a delicious play.
Family Fun Month – This fan was taken to a home game
by his daughter and three grandkids, and was reminded why
that is always an experience surpassed by none. I was treated
like royalty – fed, hugged, engaged in commentary, and
watched over like a gem. They shared their excitement and
wouldn’t let me be alone, before, during and after the game.
There is no better way to feel deep love than at a baseball
game. It draws you in and becomes the sweet glue that
clings to families so deeply that they long for a repeat
experience as soon as the current one is done.
THE POETRY OF THE GAME