Relative Something

Last spring, you may have noticed some of my posts included references to my watching Stanley Cup playoffs, and now during baseball post-season, I think it’s fitting that some mention of ball games finds a way into my writing. When a game reaches the level of importance where losing will end the season, there is an incredibly heightened viewing experience to be had. During the regular season, the majority of games will only appeal to the most genuine of fans. It is hard to say whether the network television coverage changes, during post-season play, enough to make the difference, or if the inherent value of the outcomes is responsible for the extraordinary sense of drama that materializes within each minute detail; from a coach’s signal, to a player’s expression, the closeup of a foot reaching base to beat a tag, or the anxiety of the fans. Regardless, the entertainment value to be found in a game that stays close during playoffs is one of my great pleasures.

My Twins outlasted the Detroit Tigers Tuesday to earn the post-season, but now are immediately up against the strong Yankee franchise in a best-of-five game series. Already down one game after last night’s opening loss, my home team is an incredible underdog to advance. That’s okay with me. I do better as a fan when my expectations are not high.

Even though I’m pretty much just a fair-weather baseball fan, I have great respect for ball players for how much mental discipline they are able to exercise in controlling themselves under the intense pressure of game situations. I don’t think they get as much credit for that part of the sport as they deserve. I wish I could think as fast, and act as quick, and stay as focused during some of the intense moments of my day.