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Baseball saved David Kormanik Last week, America's national pastime narrowly avoided becoming part of America's past. Greedy players and staunch, obstinate owners came together and forged a new collective bargaining agreement that will last until the end of the 2007 season. Many fans swore if baseball were to strike, they would forget the game and move on. One fan went so far as to hold a sign that read "I gave up smoking, I can give up baseball." What they don't realize is how vital the game has become to our lives. Just imagine what life would be like without baseball. Life without dime-a-dog nights and bobble-head dolls. Life without bleacher seats. Life without everything that makes it worth living. And along with such cheap promotions and raucous crowds, America would miss countless other aspects of the game. We have been entertained since the turn of the century by the amazing feats players and teams accomplish. This season alone was filled with miraculous achievements. Chicago Cub Mark Bellhorn became the first American League player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same inning. San Fransisco Giant Barry Bonds hit his 600th career home run, rapidly closing in on Hank AaronÕs record of 755. Oakland Athletics pitcher Cory Lidle pitched 32 consecutive shut-out innings, and his team had won 20 straight games at press time. No team had a 20-game winning streak since 1935. As Americans, we cheer and admire those who can go above and beyond the norm and achieve wondrous acts. Even more impressive were the acts performed by the firefighters and workers involved in the events surrounding Sept. 11, when we as a nation were reminded of who our heroes really are. Just as baseball provided WWII America with an entertaining diversion, America's pastime did the same for us during the tragedies of last year. The support players showed for the victims and workers was emphasized when four games of the World Series were played in New York City. The new collective bargaining agreement ensures baseball will be played at least until 2007, at which point we will again be subjected to labor talks and another possible work stoppage. If I ever have to quit baseball, I sure hope there's a patch. |