Go Twins!

I love baseball. I grew up watching the Twins, going to games with the neighbors across the street. There is something very American about baseball. I suppose that it has something to do with the way that it brings many people groups together under one umbrella, or stadium light, or dome.

In many ways, baseball reminds me of America. America, when I was growing up, was known as a Melting Pot, much like the professional baseball teams of today (Central and South Americans, Koreans, Japanese, players born in the US, players from Canada, etc.). People gathered in America under one banner, much like the way we rally around our favorite teams. Her citizens tried to stick to the traditions and rules (or at least that's what is portrayed). People tried to get along, and even though there was the occasional bench-clearing brawl, people did their best to come back together as one team.

Today, we would do well to remember the lessons of baseball. The players work hard, are selected for the big leagues by proving themselves (not trying to force their way into the pros). They abide by the rules, and if they take issue with the rules, they work to change the rules through appropriate channels, not disregard them. The players work to function as a cohesive team, and don't demand special treatment because of who they are (the Red Sox and Yankees notwithstanding). The players respect the history and traditions of the game, and yet they are challenged to make it better.

And with that, PLAY BALL.