Baseball is about as American as it gets. That is, unless you found Captain America wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey - bias alert - and eating a slice of apple pie. There is no denying that the United States of America loves baseball as if it were its own child. I can already sense an uprising of die-hard football fans who are willing to fight me on all of this, but just hear me out.
Baseball can be traced all the way back to the 18th century. That’s crazy right? We’re still obsessing over a sport that old! That’s what kids these days call tradition, I suppose. OK, so the game wasn’t played exactly like baseball is played today, but if it weren’t for that then we wouldn’t even have the game we know today. Modern rules came around 1845 with the New York Knickerbockers. The club has since been disbanded, but I’d like to take a moment to thank this club. You live on forever in our hearts. Not until the 1860s did baseball become a national game. From there the major leagues began to rise up. When looking for historic baseball events to recall, nine times out of 10 you can always turn to Jackie Robinson and his iconic breaking of the baseball color barrier. All of this happened before the Civil Rights movement -- if you’re an aficionado for baseball and history then I think the movie “42” is right for you.
So what exactly makes baseball such a beloved sport? Those answers are completely objective, but let’s have a look through some of the possibilities.
1. The "shot heard 'round the world"
My guess is that if you ask a regular street fellow you’ll get a response directed toward the American Revolution or the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. To a baseball fan, you’ll most likely hear about the game-winning walk off by Bobby Thomson, an outfielder for the New York Giants. Not only this play, but look at this as just an example. Think of all of the other amazing hits, runs, etc., made by some of the best baseball players that people are still talking about today.
2. Familiarity
When someone mentions a seventh-inning stretch you think of baseball. When someone mentions Cracker Jacks you think of baseball. Baseball has so many recognizable features no matter what team your heart belongs to.
3. The fans
What can I say about the fans? We’re an energetic bunch of fanatics. You know when your favorite player is up at bat and all at once you hear the crack of the bat hitting the ball? Everyone’s body seems to instinctively rise up at the same time as if they were following the ball destined for the Allegheny River - bias alert again. By the time the ball smacks the surface of the water, every person is already standing up cheering as the player rounds each base towards home. As we're caught up in the moment of a game, we become a family.
4. Scheduling
Just for a minute let’s go back to the whole baseball vs. football scenario. What day of the week is football on? Sunday. What day of the week is baseball on? A better question is what day of the week isn’t baseball on? A high percentage of the time you can find baseball on any day of the week. Plus, you can literally wake up one morning and decide to go to a baseball game.
5. The players
Let's look at this in a broad spectrum. Think about the uniforms first. How often have football and basketball uniforms changed since those sports have started? A lot. Baseball uniforms are so consistent, they haven't changed since the beginning, and it makes you feel like you're right back where it all began. Let's not forget about the walk-up music. So many players choose their favorite song, or something related to their nationality, which is super cool. I'm talking to you, Francisco Cervelli.
I really could go on and on about the history, the experience, the bubble gum, but that would take up a lot more time than most of you have, so I'll keep it short. Baseball, once again, is the embodiment of America. It's easy to follow, and there’s something for everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to buy some tickets for the next Pirates home game.
