From the Sidelines: The Boys of Summer are back
By MIKE NORRIS
Sports writer
OK, so it's taken some hits over the years (no pun intended), but baseball is back and I can't wait.
From the 1994 strike, to our fast-paced society becoming bored with the sport, to the daunted steroid use by players, baseball has been tainted many times.
Yet, every spring America's (former) National Pastime begins it's season with freshly mowed outfields, hot dogs, and the smell of pine tar. And every year I think my Detroit Tigers have a chance.
So I'm an optimist, is that all bad?
Still, the game marks the return of spring, and that has to count for something. Maybe it's the great weather, or the fact that my dad was an avid fan, but my love for this game will never go away.
Steroids are not good for the game. But baseball does not stand alone on this issue. Major League Baseball has had players come forward recently admitting to using, as well as playing tattletale on others who have been or are currently users.
Now commissioner Bud Selig, who reports say has known of steroid use for two decades, is launching some huge investigation into the use of the illegal substances.
It's kind of like trying to change your oil after you engine already has blown up.
Hopefully the game will move on, and steroids will be a thing of the past.
The boring aspect of the game doesn't sit well with me either. A true baseball fan knows more is happening in the game than a TV screen will show you.
Each pitch brings thoughts to players' heads such as where do I need to go if the ball is here, there, or there? Does the guy on first have enough speed to reach second on a slow grounder, or do I have a better chance of throwing him out than the batter? When I get my paycheck should I keep out $10,000 or $20,000?
The last thought is inevitable in every pro sport today. The point is baseball is full of action, suspense, and great athletic ability, just a different kind than the tube can show.
As far as the strike, that seems to be a thing of the past. People tend to forget easily, and most young fans don't even remember the strike.
As the snow turns to sunshine and breezy days, I dare you to try and enjoy a baseball game. Forget that movies are made in 90-minute increments because our attention spans are shorter-lived than a Jason Alexander sitcom. Or 24 hours in a day isn't long enough for our busy schedules.
Sit back and enjoy what once was America's favorite sport.
At least try not to fall asleep by the fifth inning.
