As a lover of all things baseball, of course I love the “games within the game.” It’s the slight tug of the jersey by the 1st baseman as the runner heads for a sure double to make for a closer play at second. It’s the shortstop kicking dirt towards the runner at second to provide the illusion of a pick-off play. It’s the little things that “Average Joe” doesn’t notice during a ballgame that really drives my affinity for such a “boring” sport.
That said, I have to draw the line between baseball and “Bush League” when games within games turn into potentially career-ending injuries. That’s exactly what happened between the Red Sox and Orioles, more specifically Manny Machado and Dustin Pedroia last Friday night and subsequently, Matt Barnes and Manny Machado Sunday. (If you love drama and haven’t seen it, give it a google (#thatswhatshesaid)). At the end of the day, these million-dollar athletes are grown men and need to be smart enough to realize the game is bigger than them and the message they are sending is not only wrong, but dangerous.
What happens when “message” turns to murder on live TV as a retaliation 97 mph bean ball connects with temple and someone loses their life? Is that when we cut the $hit and start playing the game the right way? At what point do these guys with incredible talent realize they are living the dream, and risk it all every time they put pride over principles to prove a point? Or is this a sign of my crossing over, entering era where I am the baseball equivalent to being the old guy, shaking his fist on the porch telling those damn kids to stay out of my yard? SoBros Nation, I’m anxious to hear opinion on the matter.
Hopefully, we don’t find out Monday night when Baltimore heads to Boston….
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