Veteran’s Day – While it is true that more than 500
Major Leaguers were in the U. S. Armed Forces during
World War II, including Ted Williams, Joe Di Maggio
and Hank Greenberg and more than 400 were in WW I,
including Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson, there have
been many veterans of a different kind throughout the
history of the national pastime beginning in 1948 in the
House that Ruth Built in the Bronx, New York. Old Timers,
after all, are veterans of the sport – and are honored on a
regular basis by the teams they played for, as their names
are announced together with their notable achievements,
to the well-earned fan-appreciation ovations. The highest
echelon of pros are even honored for their veteran status
and career accomplishments by their uniform numbers
being retired and then displayed for all attendees to see,
remember and respect.
Thanksgiving – Gratitude. Togetherness. Love. Family!
Much as these concepts apply to those closest to the
baseball fans via blood or marriage, they also apply to those
who find themselves dedicating a significant amount of time
and emotional energy to their beloved baseball team, from
the Little League team that embraces their children to the
small-town farm teams to the Bigs. With all the turmoil and
upheaval as well as the daily grind – in business and in
family stress – it is an immeasurable gratitude to watch a
baseball game and enjoy escape, to cherish the genuine
unabashed togetherness that the game’s adventure offers,
to hug loved ones during an electrifying rally or after the
final out of a great or desperately needed victory. In the end,
it’s all about family!