MVP

If you know my family well, you know that we take our baseball very seriously. It's been that way since Grandpa Lee J played baseball with his cousin out in the pastures of their Ogden farm as children. So perhaps it's fitting that my little brother would experience the culmination of his high school baseball days in Ogden, at Lindquist field.

My brother was the only player selected from his high school to play in the 4A State All-Star game, which is a huge honor. The All-Star game deviates from standard high school play in that it allows coaches to alternate players offensively and defensively throughout the game, because most positions are represented by multiple players. So my brother was able to play four innings in the field and bat twice.

The 4A South team was favored to win,  but thanks in part to my brother's outstanding play (2-2 with a double, 2 RBIs and a run scored) the 4A North team prevailed 7-5. And my brother received the 4A Offensive MVP award. There's an article about it here, though some of the facts are a bit off. But basically, it was nice to enjoy a great day of baseball and see my brother do so well. (I apologize if this post comes across as a bit braggy... I feel fine about it as long as it's not in an obnoxious "I'm living vicariously though my sibling" sort of way. I'm just really proud of my bro and wanted to give him a shout out for working so hard and doing so well.)

So congrats, bro! I'm proud of you. (Now if only you could smile in some of your pics...)

27.

"I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game."
-Walt Whitman

I believe that my love for baseball began inside the womb. Perhaps it was because my father was watching a double-header whilst my mother was in labor. Perhaps it's because of my Italian ancestry-- that my great-grandparents came through Ellis Island and embraced this pastime with an almost religious fervor. Regardless of the reason, this sport has always been as organic to me as the blood that flows through my veins.

I think the intricacies and subtleties of the game are what appeal most to my intellectual sensibilities. And it is the only sport that produces a unique amalgamation of self-mastery and teamwork that's fine balance is only achieved by those who truly understand it.

In perfect congruence to my reverence for the sport as a whole, is my love for the New York Yankees. In my mind, this team truly personifies the heart of the sport itself. Though I think that there have been some questionable decisions made during the Steinbrenner reign, I cannot discount the genuine, classy and humble players that have had the privilege of donning the crisp, pinstriped uniforms that have become ubiquitous with baseball itself. Legends like Mantle, Ruth, Gehrig, Maris and DiMaggio all contribute to the legacy of this team and of this inimitable game. One of my favorites quotes about the Yankees is simple, and comes from Joe DiMaggio (one of my heroes, by the way):

"I'd like to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee."

This year, it was thrilling to watch my team (primarily four of my favorite players of all time) reclaim the World Series title. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Jeter, Mo, Pettitte and Jorge, that I got chills seeing them all hold that hallowed trophy, and all contribute to a great season overall. These four play because they love it. You can see it in their faces... the passion, the drive, the almost-boyish elation. They are the epitome of class and are all what a baseball player should be.

So happy 27, Yankees. Here's to many more.

Pool/Getty Images

(top photo courtesy of Anthony J. Causi/Icon SMI)

Today, I celebrate...

Jackie Robinson. Not just because he was an amazing baseball player, but because he was a great man and an advocate for change. He represents those who came before him who were denied the chance to play the game of baseball, and those who came after him who have been able to play, because of his bravery and perseverance. He stared racial discrimination in the face and beat it down. He forever changed the game I love for the better. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Happy Jackie Robinson Day!

{P.S. I would also like to offer kudos to Derek Jeter, who (sadly) is the ONLY player in the MLB to have funded a scholarship for the Jackie Robinson Foundation. And he does it every four years. Read about it here.}

Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

It's gonna be a looooong season

AP Photo/Gail Burton

if yesterday's game is any indication of what's to come. Sigh.

Opening day will soon be upon us

And I can't wait.

{image found here}

I heart baseball season

As I sit here and gaze out at the street, I can't help but feel a little giddy. Because I happen to be munching on some seeds (of the sunflower persuasion)... and am going to my little bro's baseball game after work. I love this time of year.

Ever since I was a young child, I have been transfixed by the game of baseball. I love to play it, to watch it. I love the mental acuity that is required to play it well. Those who do not understand the game think that it is just a white trash beer fest consisting of fat guys trying to hit the ball, but that's basically just in Boston. (ZING!)

To play it well, a player must be both athletic and intuitive. That's probably why I've always loved it, the subtle nuances of the game that separate the true fans from the beer drinkers. I love trying to figure out what a manager's going to do... is he going to pull the pitcher out and put in a lefty... is he going to call for a hit and run? SO great.

And yeah, I'm a die hard Yankees fan and always will be, even though I loathe the Steinbrenners and A-Rod and wish they could pull their heads out. I've been this way since birth, and I don't really care about the people who give me crap about it. Though it does suck that Boston's been good. (Note the above comment about Boston.) To me, the Yankees are baseball, and the Yankees/Bo Sox rivalry is so compelling because it's the oldest in sports. Last night marked the 1,995 game they've played against one another. I mean, that's impressive for real. So as long as you're hardcore, I respect you, but if you bought the hat and think that makes you a fan, I think you should stick to another sport.

Anyhoo, I'm just happy that for the next 5 1/2 months I'll know what's going on in the world of sports and that I get to sit back and enjoy my favorite time of the year.

And my Yankees win!!!

Been there, done that. Ya jealous? He hee.

Hey, it wasn't that pretty, but a W's a W. A great way to start the Yankees last season (sniff sniff) in Yankee Stadium. I can't tell you how bummed I was to be so close, yet so far away. (Dang food poisoning.) All hail Joe Girardi.