Easter – “There is the possibility that my team,
which finished poorly the previous year, may rise
and walk among the upper atmosphere of teams
this coming year. It has happened before. The
1990 Twins and Braves both finished last, but
they fought each other in the World Series in
1991 (with the Twins winning) – and other teams
did the same. The Miracle Mets, Champs in 1969,
finished ninth in ’68. Miracles happen, so I look
forward to the coming season despite recent poor
results. I will root for my men – – – but it can’t hurt
to also pray a little for them, can it?”
Passover – “Every year, certain fortunate fans
seem to live charmed lives, protected from such
injuries as can devastate other teams of promise.
It is as if an angel (no offense, Los Angeles) passed
by and blessed them with protection. The ’87 Mets
could have used such a celestial visitation. Maybe
the approaching season will be kind to my team
and we will play up to our abilities. Prayers for
players, I say.”
Jackie Robinson Day – – – “This day celebrates the
unity that is the strength of baseball. Symbolically,
each player dons Jackie’s number 42. There is a
universal recognition of the past and the future.
There is no room for racism in a sport that claims
to be as American as apple pie. We strive to be a
more perfect Union. We aim to continue to try to live
up to the ideal of “We the People” and baseball
mirrors our society one step at a time. Jackie would
be proud that baseball has become a universal, with
Asian, Hispanic, European and Australian players
among the fraternity of Major Leaguers.”