Winter Solstice -– The apex of the baseball season occurs
a couple of months before this day, but what makes it special
to fans is that in the midst of winter, this occasion chronologically
announces that the days will commence to remain shorter
and spring training is creeping up on players and audiences.
So, the thoughts of us fans turn to pleasant and enchanting
days when our heroes warm up comfortably, and we look
so forward to showering them with a warm-up type of adoration.
Hanukkah – Miracles happen! Lit candles exceed their lifespan.
The greatly underdog New York Giants sweep the 111-43 Indians.
The Mets go from ninth place to World Series winners in one
season. There are real cinematic angels in the outfield. Jim
Abbott pitches a no-hitter using his only hand. Ryan retires with
5,714 strikeouts. The season for potential miracles begins at the
end of every march. Light the candles and say the blessing that is
played with cowhide, leather, wood, cork, rubber and dreams.
Christmas – – – With a bit of luck and lots of skill and fortitude, ‘tis
the season to be jolly if your players, like jingles, go all the way.
It’s a time for gifts and in baseball terms those gifts are wrapped in
vivacious victories. The scoreboard provides the lights and images
of the season. The birth of the sport is memorialized by recitations
of “Casey at the Bat” and “Opening Day” and a farm system of other
verses as well as the singing of carols such as “Take Me Out to the
Ballgame”, “Talkin’ Baseball” and “Glory Days”. It won’t snow but
most of the playing time fans and athletes will be showered with
rays from the sun, gentle breezes and evening starshine.
Kwanzaa – This holiday week celebrates social values familiar to
baseball fans. Unity is the shared spirit that all teammates encourage.
This leads to a coordinated goal-approach. Think Rockettes with less
sexy uniforms. Players are expected to display self-determination —
that is, a committed focus to reaching specific goals. The principle of
collective work and responsibility defines the standards that build
success, brick by brick. Transition from the hum-drum to the above-
average team brings to life collective economics. (Much as fans wish
to view on-field performances as idealistic and altruistic, pro baseball is
a fiscal enterprise that either Scrooge would be proud of. Follow the
money . . . to the trophy! The best baseball teams have both purpose
and creativity. They focus on the golden path and often find new and
original solutions. At last, teams worthy of emulation have faith in each
other. They hear the same song of victory. They feel the words in their
souls and hearts. They follow coordinated movements as they climb
baseball’s version of Mount Olympus and exclaim VICTORY! As they,
for the final time that season, leave behind the Earth-bound Elysian
Fields that welcomed them as they completed their heroic quest!
New Year’s Eve – Anticipation! Progression or regression? – that is
the question as fans eagerly await the falling of the ball in Times Square,
New York and, soon after, the throwing of the ball in stadiums in Florida
and Arizona, as spring training begins and the new season takes its first
baby steps. Will my team progress toward post-season -– or regress?
As they say, time will tell. Meanwhile, we fans will set our alarms to
“BEGIN!” and we’ll impatiently wait for that ball to drop . . . or be thrown!!
THE POETRY OF THE GAME