Where are the pitchers of yesteryear,
the Seavers and the Spahns,
the Marichals and the Martinezes,
the Ryans and the Reynolds?
– pitchers all who tried to go
the full nine innings.
Now, a “quality” start
consists of five innings.
Now, relief pitchers
are regularly slated
to start a game.
Yes, pitchers throw harder these days.
Yes, spin rates are even faster
causing an elevator ride
of pitchers sent down
to the minor leagues
because their arms are hurt,
and fresh arms are called up
as needed. (Blame the pitch clock.)
Pitchers are not what
they used to be,
but then again,
neither am I.
Perhaps we’re both namby-pambys.
THE POETRY OF THE GAME