9 and 9

Rules and regulations matter deeply in the face of chaos.

Nature is armored by expectations in its seasons, years and days,

In its procreation of life forms and Darwin’s observed survival

Of some species over others. Americans are a nation of laws,

Our birth certificate The U. S. Constitution, a statement of

Laws to live by and to swear to by its worshipers. This love of

Legislated guidance gives us strength and security

Both off and on the field. It wasn’t that way at the start,

But evolution of the game of baseball gave substance to early

Incongruent haphazardry that led to unpredictability. Before 1857,

A game’s winner was the first to score 21 runs, no matter how

Many innings it took. Then in 1856, a 12-12 tie was ended after

16 innings and a truckload of frustration because the players

Could no longer see each other or the ball. The conflict soon became

Seven starting players and seven innings versus nine and nine.

Nature’s rules are indisputable; Man’s are open to adjustment.

A convention solidified the nine-inning game with a symmetrical

Nine players on the field — and here we are.

Americans love their conventions.