We all know about the 60s and 70s (and some will say even today), right?… Those were the times of terrific racial tension and horrifying actions to match. Well, during those times a Major League Baseball player, Curt Flood, made—what some would say—a positive and courageous move for the liberation of all baseball players.

The “move” was being part of a lawsuit that would give players playing freedom (free agency) to play for other teams versus what they were accustomed to (reserve clause), being bound to their teams.

It is important to note that Flood was an African American and during that time had a great deal to lose (which he did) by just speaking out. The point is that today, years after his death, it appears that he’s no closer to being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame than he was then.

I explained in an earlier post just what the Hall requires for induction and Flood seems to fit. He has been noted throughout history as a great player and, I would think that his fight for the rights and justice of all players (of all races and backgrounds) would be acknowledged today as something of some significance.

Above all, I think we should always give respect and honor (his propers!) to those who made it possible for others to benefit from the freedoms they had to fight, suffer, sacrifice, and die for… For me, it’s as simple as that. He didn’t just fight for Blacks or Whites, but everyone. Honor him…

Thanks “Kid” for the heads up on this…

I was lying awake in bed and just had to get up to write this story… It’s a story that I seriously cannot get my head around because it involves so many facets of life that it is incredible.

One of the all time hitters in the game of baseball name just resurfaced as a possible candidate for Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Pete Rose, a former Cincinnati Reds, was banned from the game 20 years ago for gambling on the game—his own team to be exact. Apparently, he never wagered against the team, as he believed in their victory, but it was an obvious flaw in judgment since it was a known rule within the sport. Now, with all of today’s scandal and outcry that has whirlwind out of the sport, baseball fans and the powers that be are now asking themselves where does Rose fit in all this…

The grounds for being inducted into the Hall of Fame are pretty clear. It is based on the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played. But wait, this is where I am totally dumbfounded because some of today’s elite Major League Baseball players who are being considered for the Hall are involved in using steroids, corking bats, serving jail time, spousal abuse, and the list goes on and on. So, I simply ask, what is the difference? I mean, put any of the offenses that I just listed up against gambling within the sport and it comes out the same—amoral, illegal, unethical, criminal, and just wrong.

I’m telling you, I’m drained by it all (drained!). There just appears to be no way to gage it. I mean, black is black and white is white, but when you’re dealing in muddied waters, you have to consider gray, right?

So, there’s a feeling amongst a good number of baseball fans that this steroid era isn’t really a big deal to them at all.   The point that some of the biggest stars in professional baseball have allegedly been connected to steroids pretty much muddies the water for the entire game.

I’m not sure how to feel about it… The school of thought on this is that if everyone’s doing it how can we single one person out or demolish the game all together? It’s a big, fat case of spilled milk, huh? I just think there has to be another answer, but I’m not even sure what that is.

What example is it setting?…  Will this trickle into all sports in general? Man, this world is funny at times…

I was watching a New York Yankees’ game over the weekend and I couldn’t help but notice all the empty seats at the new stadium.

Okay, background information… the Yankees have this new stadium with astronomical prices for the seats, especially the club seats and closer. Well, with the economy and the lax response to purchasing those pricey seats, the Yankees’ organization lowered the prices. Obviously, in hopes of acquiring more patronage.

Still, the seats remain empty.

Wow! How many times do things happen that you’re just not expecting… or further more, just don’t want to deal with (Huh, just name a day of the week, right?)?

So Elijah Dukes, outfielder for the Washington Nationals, was fined by his team… Guess why (come on, come on, guess)? He was five minutes late because he was speaking at a Virginia Little League gathering. Wow, right? It wasn’t because he had a late lunch or because he overslept or even because he got stuck in traffic. A professional baseball player was speaking to potential professional baseball players about the game… Amazing!

MissChatter

So the parents of the Little Leaguers decided to pay the $500 fine and even offered an extra dollar for administrative costs. There are so many directions I could take this in, but I’ll just stop here with this…  The priority of some of professional sports organizations is still surprizingly disappointing with all more serious issues going on within sports today.

Little leaguers yall, little leaguers yall…

So Yankee Stadium is now open for business and the New York fans came out in full force to appreciate the billion-dollar sight. The stadium is an unbelievably beautiful place… sorta looking like a Roman colliseum.

The thing is the Yankees loss their home opener…

I really don’t think New Yorkers care too much. I’ve found that they really seem to support one another no matter what the task. What speaks profoundly to this notion is that the actual field looks the same as the old one… a definite shot out to the past.

For me, it’s a great example of remembering what’s important… That you don’t have to leave the memories of the past behind in order to achieve greatness in your tomorrows.

You know, no words can ever express a loss, especially an untimely one, right? We express our sincere thoughts and prayers to the Adenhart family in the loss of their son, Nick Adenhart.

Adenhart, the 22-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Angles, was killed last week in a car accident by a drunk driver.

Two others lost their lives in that fatal crash and we send sympathies to their families as well.

Wow, right?

Hey yall… it is Major Leage Baseball (MLB) Opening Day (Last night was MLB’s actual. opening night, but not many respect that as the official start of the season.). My Hubby is not a baseball fan; however, I think I can convince him to be more interested in the game… What does this day represent? It’s like Spring… new beginnings, new identities, new relationships, new opportunities, etc.

If you are in relationship with a baseball fan (yourself not being one) then take some time to breathe and reflect on the meaning of a new season. Your sig-other hopefully has renewed hope and excitement for the coming season. Capitalize on that and bring a new dimension to your relationship. Well at least that is my suggestion…

Yay baseball! I love when another seasonal sport begins… and, seriously, the best part is that I’m a little closer to summer (LOL!).

Less of a question and more of a statement… the title, that is.

Major League Baseball training has begun and with all the drama (all the drama) that’s surrounding and, indeed, swallowing the game what does it all mean? Steroids, steroids, Madonna, and more steroids… but do we care? Some say no, the interest is only in the numbers, the hits, the overall stats. Others say yes, asking where has the integrity of the game gone.

I can’t say where I am… when I’m so overwhelmed with something, it tends to be too much (especially something like this). So, I guess that’s where I am… overwhelmed. And, therefore, not in a good position to take a firm stand either way.

You?

There has been so much chatter about these “gi-normous” contracts that MLB players have been receiving (And, yes, it is Major League Baseball.)…

I’m a little on the fence with this one because… yes, the contracts are ridiculously large (Uh, would you say Carsten Charles “CC” Sabathia’s $161 million for 7 years is a bit on the plump side?), and yes, the economy is experiencing a down spell… but, do you feel like you’re being paid what you’re worth to do your job and if you could make more, wouldn’t you?

I know, I know… these athletes are getting PAID (I just yelled, putting a lot of breathe into it!) to play ball for goodness sake and are living the grand life, but I’m still not sure I’m ready to hate on them because their particular employers (…the New York Yankees in CC’s case) aren’t suffering the same down spell as other employers.

I’m not totally convinced that it’s fair, but (but, wait for it…) I have to take into account the fact that I can turn on the television or go to the ball park (stadium, court) and get great entertainment, which is priceless during those stress-filled times (among other reasons of course).

Now, you have my permission to take these numbers in to your boss and see if you can haggle your income rate a bit… LOL (Don’t you dare.)!!