In yet another manifestation of the Ouroborosian nature of the Internet, I was inspired by Boodler yellojkt’s blog item “Good Sports” (which was itself inspired by yesterday’s 10thcircle post) to write a salute the 2007 New York Mets for keeping a childlike yet modern perspective on playing baseball, even in the Major Leagues. We were always told, “It’s not important if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” The Mets’ endearing innocence during their historic collapse this past September reminded me of my own days playing right field (”All right! A dandelion no one’s kicked yet!”). In the past, I would have had some sharp comments for the Mets, but in these days where every Little Leaguer gets a trophy, I find I don’t have the heart to criticize them. I wish I could find the peace in my heart and mind to rejoin the Dandelion Kickers’ Club, to clock out worry and fear of failure, and just enjoy the timeless quality of wandering the outfield without worry, waiting for a hit.

Wouldn’t it be great to make a living doing that?

bc