Adopting Baseball

Change is difficult at any age. It is easy to detect that difficulty among our senior citizens who persist in behavior simply because they have been doing what they have done for so long. But I am glad to report that change is possible. Evidence of this is what I call adopting baseball as an important component of my life.

Baseball has always been a sport with which I am familiar. Growing up in Chicago I was and am a dedicated White Sox fan and feel as if I've always known the rudimentary aspects of the game - tops and bottoms of innings, batting and earned run averages, three strikes, etc. That seemed to be sufficient and I was always content to watch baseball on a casual basis.

That was until the last few years. With the addition of a spouse whose circulatory system pumps National League statistics instead of blood, I found myself with a dilemma - engage in the sport close to his heart or amuse myself otherwise from March to October and miss numerous experiences of America's pastime.

For one who finds himself in my position, I have a few suggestions to offer. The first is get to know the game. Ask as many questions as it takes to be fluent, both with the players on your team and the game itself. If you don't know what the infield fly rule is, ask. If you don't know why first basemen are frequently left-handers, ask that too.

It doesn't take very long to get competent at baseball. The game is uncomplicated and any strategies with respect to defense and offense are unnecessary until and unless you develop an unquenchable desire to become a coach or trainer. With a bit of research and some concentration, you can ask questions as knowledgeable as, "I wonder which closer they'll bring in now that they are ahead by ten runs." Most likely, you'll know the answer when you ask the question.

Secondly, attend as many games as possible. I'm sure that I've heard somewhere that any day at a baseball park is better than a day at work. If you're fortunate enough to have a minor league team nearby, by all means take a trip there. You'll discover that minor league baseball is less expensive, somewhat more folksy and quite enjoyable. I've attended many, many of these down home, honest-to-goodness baseball games and I derive as much from the character of the ball park and crowd as I do from the game.

Finally, don't forget that with baseball, probably more than any other sport, the menu is germane to the enjoyment. Nothing will ever beat a ball park hot dog with a beer or soft drink. Have some peanuts and throw the shells on the ground - it's easy enough for the grounds crew to clean them and it's part of the tradition. Enjoy the sunshine or sunset, listen to the crack of the bat and immerse yourself in this terrific sport.

Never will I regret an instant devoted to the sport of baseball. If my enjoyment enhances the experiences of another, so much the better. But don't be out in left field - get in the game and enjoy every strike, ball, foul and grand slam home run.