It's been known since the start of time that spring is a symbol of new beginnings. The plants throughout American University are all beginning to sprout. The animals in National Zoo are all giving birth to new offspring and all of the teams of the MLB have another chance to play for the pennant.
I think baseball is as American as it gets - it's right up there with apple pie. Don't get me wrong; I think football and basketball are great. But when I hear the words to "take me out to the ball game," I feel proud of one of the greatest past times there is. I mean, what other sport stops midway to have a stretching break?
Baseball, and everything related to it, should be the solution to all of life's problems. Hungry? Grab some Cracker Jacks and watch the game! Depressed? Head to the stadium and let the sweet sounds of the organ cheer you up! Bored? Grab a mitt and have a catch! Everything can be solved with baseball. In fact, I even think baseball can solve all of the heated debates within Congress.
If the Republicans and Democrats just grabbed a bat and a few baseballs and challenged each other to nine straight innings to decide which way to "swing" on certain political issues, everything within our country would just be a lot smoother and maybe they would even get things done a lot faster.
Perhaps the best part of America's favorite pastime is that no matter whom you're talking to, no matter how bad the conversation is going, you can always rely on baseball.
Take for example an awkward elevator ride (we all know how awkward the elevator can be). When in doubt, talk baseball. Or, when you're meeting your girlfriend's parents for the first time and all you want to do is run for the door, talk baseball.
There are so many things to talk about when it comes to the game; you're not just stuck with talking about statistics and players. Even people who don't really like sports can find things to talk about when it comes to baseball.
For example, talk about who is singing the national anthem. Or talk about who is going to throw out the first pitch. (Two things I have always secretly wanted to do before a baseball game.)
Baseball, to me, is truly the greatest sport out there. It's good to know that no matter how bad your day was, or no matter what is happening in the world, you know you can always rely on baseball to be there.
