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BASEBALL STILL HOLDS A THRILL FOR THIS FAN
By Robert B. Taylor
Originally published in the Fort Mill Times (April 1999)
They say baseball is a poet's game. Most reporters I know consider themselves poets, so it was a match made in hardball heaven Wednesday, April 7, when the Charlotte Knights held media batting practice day.
Members of the area's newspaper, radio and TV staffs were invited to step up to the plate, dig in and take 20 or so swings for the fences. The pitcher was none other than Tommy John, former major league hurler and current Knights community relations director.
It was quite a thrill to square off against Tommy, who won 288 games in the show. Sure, he wasn't bringing the ball to the plate with any big league heat on it. (Remember, all the hitters were journalists, who are not known for their quick bat speed or Babe Ruth-like strength.)
But still, how many people get a chance in their lifetime to swing at pitches thrown by a four-time All-Star? I was excited, and believe me, I wasn't the only one.
Everyone at the field that Tuesday felt like a kid again. Journalists were taking cuts, shagging flies and chatting enthusiastically about baseball. I met one gentleman who, despite being in the golden years of his life, walked up to the plate with a glimmer in his eye and the grin of a 12-year-old on his face.
Lots of people enjoy football and basketball, but no other sports fans love and adore their sport like baseball fans do. Despite that fact, baseball lost its grip on the masses in the '90s. Players' strikes and salary disputes marred the game's "national pastime" reputation.
That all changed last year. Fueled by the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home run race, the summer of '98 was ground zero for a magnificent baseball rejuvenation. I'm a lifelong fan of the game, and it was a thrill for me to see the sport regain the national spotlight.
Now a new season is starting, and the boys of summer are hopefully up to the challenge of keeping the fans pleased.
The Knights began their season last Thursday, and I encourage anyone with even a passing interest in baseball to check out a few home games. Minor league baseball is just as entertaining as the majors. Some argue it's even a purer form of the game (a form devoid of salary disputes and prima donna attitudes).
Plus, the more people the Knights get to attend the games, the better chance we all have of getting a major league team in Charlotte sometime soon.
As for how I fared against Tommy, I think I did pretty well considering I haven't swung at a baseball in about five years. I smacked a few to the outfield and ripped a line drive down the first base line.
He did throw me two curve balls that I didn't come within a foot of touching. But that's OK. I have a lot of time to practice before next year. Then I'll be ready for that curve, Tommy.
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