FANATICS
FANATICS What is your first reaction when you hear the word “fanatic”? Is it positive or negative? With the possible exception of the Phillie Phanatic, who brings joy to patrons, players, and the occasional coach, I would imagine the properly-spelled “fanatic” doesn’t conjure too many kind thoughts. Outside of that oversized, fluffy green doll, I…
THE BLIVET
THE BLIVET As an ode to my mom, who never missed an opportunity to say something whacky or just plain funny, I present to you the “blivet”. Sure, we could go with Webster, and tell you that a “blivet” is also known as a poiuyt, devil’s fork, or widget. I could explain to you that…
BASEBALL GODS
BASEBALL GODS I’m a Red Sox fan. There, I admitted it. And I have no shame in doing so. Of course, that is considerably easier today than it was 12 years ago. Over the past 11 seasons, the Red Sox have won 3 World Series championships. It’s not hard to be a fan. After 86…
WHEN IS A RULE A RULE?
WHEN IS A RULE A RULE? It is often said that lawyers are the people in society who have read the inside of the box. We (ostensibly) know the rules, and we are charged with helping interpret those rules, enforcing those rules, and/or seeking remediation when someone violates those rules. But what happens when a…
HOW MUCH IS TOO LITTLE?
HOW MUCH IS TOO LITTLE? The game is over, the dugout is empty, and the field has been dragged. One team is headed to the snack bar or the parking lot. And the other team is jumping into a dogpile in the outfield. The jubilation of a come-from-behind victory? Possibly the sweet relief of a…
LANGUAGE BARRIER
LANGUAGE BARRIER Within the past week, two people who I love dearly each told me – separately – that they try to read this blog, but can’t always follow it. That didn’t bother me in the least, because, as I wrote in my very first entry, this ain’t for everyone. I was just happy that…
12
According to School House Rock, Three . . . is a Magic Number. And while that may be the case, I think 12 may be as magical as it gets. The old cliché is that youth is wasted on the young. Never is that writ larger than at age 12. I am not exactly sure…
TO I-WALK or NOT TO I-WALK
TO I-WALK or NOT TO I-WALK A few posts ago I proffered my opinion on a matter, and dogmatically declared that anyone who disagreed with me was wrong. I will not do that today. Truth be told, I sit firmly on the fence on this matter, and don’t believe I can be convinced either way. …
THE LOST ART
THE LOST ART Back in the day, people would go to the ballpark with a transistor radio in one hand, and a few pencils in the other. For 50¢ or a buck, you picked up an official scorecard, you grabbed a dog and a beer, took your seat, and only got up to pee (in…
USE YOUR HEAD…BY USING YOUR FEET
USE YOUR HEAD…BY USING YOUR FEET At the risk of sounding like Nancy Kerrigan: “Why . . . why . . . why!?!?” Why do players insist on sliding head first – into any base. I know there are a ton of people who disagree with me on this, and to them I will simply…