Fluidty, strategy, athleticism, agility, power.

We watched the homerun derby last night, and it was good. Giambi was great and won. To quote Mike Piazza (who may or may not be gay… hmmm) watching Sosa hit, “you go from awe straight to laughter.” Tonight, the All Star Game, the American League side filled with Yankees.

I did not grow up watching baseball. I had a passing interest, and always a passing fanaticism for the Yankees. They were the underdog in the eighties. I have a thing about supporting the underdog. Now, they’re at the top of the game, and I still cheer them on, more heartliy and seriously than ever. I began following the game a few years ago. I’ve found that watching games on tv is great, it’s fun, but a lot of it is laid out for you. To really learn about baseball, the rules, the strategy, the heart of the game, you have to do your time listening to radio broadcasts. That’s how you absorb the game. Picturing plays in your head, wondering where they came up with phrases like “Baltimore Chop” and “Can o’Corn”. Listening to John Sterling sing snippets of some obscure old song, and of course, wondering who’s banging on a pan at every game (Freddie!). So THANK YOU, Bear, for sharing this pasttime with me, for teaching me the history, for the wonderful hours spent talking about the trades and strikes and plays. Thank you for sharing the Magic, the pure and simple wonder of the game.