'The National Pastime' is still baseball

This past weekend, there was a repeat airing of the 18 1/2 hour PBS and Ken Burns documentary series, "Baseball." This was one of Burns earliest history specials, and it was very appropriate to show again in honor of its 20th anniversary.

I did not get to see all the segments of these reruns. They took place during a busy post holiday weekend that had multiple sports venues to watch, as well as other year-end specials. I was also in recovery mode from the first real head and chest cold that I have had in nine years.

Is there anything we humans despise more than a good old-fashioned common cold? I usually dose myself with multiple over the counter, so-called, miracle relief medications, but they seem to have little of the desired outcomes.

One side effect is that these medicines do tend to make me drowsy, so I slept through several of the baseball series airings, before I gathered enough sense, to set the TIVO on my satellite, to record the remaining shows.

Once again, I was spiritually and pleasantly transformed by the pictures and stories that our country's history, and that of myself and so many of my friends and family, have all shared collectively, with America's "National Pastime."

Baseball is the most unique American sport. It is known to almost every citizen from the time they are very young. To foreigners, unaccustomed to the rules and nuances of this wonderful group activity, they must seem strange indeed.

This past summer a friend and I were out for a drive. We had no particular destination in mind, but our trek soon found us near the Frank E. Peters Golf Course. We noted that there were only a smattering of vehicles in the parking lot for the course, but there was a huge number of vehicles to the east, where the city has recently built youth ballparks.

We pulled into an open parking space and gazed out to see multiple Little League baseball games in progress. The word "Little," was very appropriate in this instance. While I was uncertain as to the exact ages of the players on the field, there had to be many of these kids who were well under the age of 10.

The word kids, is also well-said in relating this story, because a significant number of the children were girls. Each field was surrounded by large groups of people of varying ages. I am sure there were several cases where there were brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and perhaps even a few great-grandparents, in attendance.

Thus, it is with great confidence when I relate these events from last summer, that I guarantee that the "Great American Pastime," remains alive and well in Nevada, Mo.

There may well be children in our area who do not participate in football, soccer, basketball, or any of the other common sports for kids, but there will be few children in our town, who will not know the game of baseball.

Ken Burns' epic documentary aptly conveyed the same thoughts throughout the series. Baseball is so much more than the major league version in our history. For decades past, from Little League to local semi-pro teams, baseball has always been a part of almost every local American community.

Our local schools in the area have advanced this sport in recent years. As a kid growing up in this area, I enjoyed the local baseball venues from Little League all the way to the American Legion system. What we did not have then, that is very common and successful now, are the high school baseball and softball teams.

Yes "The Great American Pastime" is alive and well. It is a game that has its own unique set of rules and practices. Some of my best memories are connected to ball fields.

Imagine if I was in a foreign country? I am visiting with another American. I tell them my grandson gave it his all, but it all came to an end when he was "caught stealing!" Every American kid from an early age would know what I was talking about, but oh what those foreigners must be thinking?

The game is timeless, but it also has a seasonal rhythm. As I am writing this for later publication this week, the weatherman is predicting a low of near zero tonight.

In just about a month, my beloved Kansas City Royals will be heading to Surprise, Ariz., for "Spring Training." Baseball for my Royals and their fans gives us the promise of an end to winter. A time when the grass will again be green. The sound of "Play Ball," will ring out on fields all over Florida and Arizona.

Another great principle that baseball has always provided, remains that it is a game for fans as well as players. When I was a boy we lived next door to a man who had only a few months to live. His name was Emile Crawford.

I used to go visit him as he listened to his radio and the St. Louis Cardinal games. Back then, Harry Caray, was still broadcasting for the Cardinals. Mr. Crawford sat in his wheel chair and kept a scorecard during the games. He knew every player and their averages. Baseball was with him right to the end of his life.

So, to all of you who are sick of winter, close your eyes. Smell the spring scents of the ball field, and the leather of a good ball glove. Listen for the crack of the bat as it strikes a ball.

Even if it's winter, make yourself a hot dog, pop some corn, and lift the top off a cold one. Spring is just around the corner. For Americans of all ages, our National Pastime is on the way!