Why I Love Baseball

A couple of weeks ago I read an article on Six-Pound, Eight-Ounce Baby Joba written by Kevin S about his love for the game of baseball. After reading this article, I began to ask myself the same question.  

Why do I love baseball? 

This question has been going through my mind a lot lately and often those around me comment on my passion for a game that possibly goes beyond normal. 

Recently being married and becoming a father to a 13-year-old girl, my life has changed considerably and easily for the better. Of all the changes that have taken place in my life, one thing has remained constant—baseball. 

I have shared my love for the game with my new wife and daughter. They both have been very supportive of my habit and have even taken quite a liking to the game. One could say that they have grown to like the game, another may argue that they tolerate it because there are worse habits a husband and father could have. 

Others might just say that it's not that difficult to get a 13-year-old girl to like Derek Jeter. In the end it doesn't matter why they watch, only that they do. 

The question still remains: Why do I love baseball? 

In order to get to the root of this question, I would have to flashback to my youth. Growing up as the youngest of six children raised by a divorced mother in her mid-30s with four of her children remaining in the household, times were often tough. 

The '70s were not a time when "working mothers" existed and women had careers.  For the most part, mothers were mothers and for that reason a single mother raising four children on less-than-moderate income can present many challenges, especially in the area of income.

In elementary school, I can remember approaching the end of the school year with a certain hesitant happiness. While any elementary-aged child looks forward to summer vacation, it was not as easy to be excited when the chatter amongst your schoolmates turned to their summer plans.

While most of those in my classes were preparing for the vacations and trips to the beaches and amusement parks, my slate remained clean. Sure, I would join in the conversation and grossly exaggerate my summer plans, as any child would, but the fact was our family just could not afford the luxuries of a vacation or a trip to the amusement park.   

As jealous as I was, deep down inside I was fine because it was baseball season and when Little League ended, we would watch the Yankees on television.

As an adult, I have increasingly become aware of some of the strategies my mom implemented when I was young in an effort handle certain situations. I share them daily with my daughter because they are valuable lessons on how to treat people, material possessions, and how to work hard to get the things you most desire in life. 

I now look back on baseball as one my mother's strategies. 

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