By Kassondra Granata
Three, very large, brightly wrapped packages laid before me waiting to be unwrapped. It was my eighth birthday and I was anticipating receiving some spectacular present. My grandfather smiled and told me that he was very excited to see the look on my face when I opened these gifts.
In what seemed like three seconds, I stared at the piles of soccer equipment that sat before me. I had pink cleats, some athletic clothing, and a sparkly pink soccer ball. I gave my grandfather my million dollar smile as he told me he signed me up for soccer camp in the summer. There was not one ounce in my body that gave me any inclination to play soccer, but I went to the camp regardless.
I will openly admit that I have no athletic ability. I can throw a football and pass a soccer ball, but when it comes to any sort of physical exertion, my body repels it.
I lasted at soccer camp for two hours. I remember walking onto the field and getting a confused look from my gym teacher, who immediately knew that this was not something I signed up for.
At my elementary school, I was known as the abnormally short girl who would constantly sit out during sports activities. I would give the gym teachers attitude if I was told to run a lap around the track, for I already ran around the track last week. Seemed logical at the time, but now I completely understand why my gym teacher laughed when he called my name on the roster.
The only vivid memory I have from soccer camp, besides my encounter with my gym teacher, was the incredible amount of complaints I made to my teammates and coach. I was extremely dehydrated, and it was too hot for me to run around, so I needed to rest every 10 minutes. Like I said, I lasted two hours before I cracked and had to be picked up.
Although I am incompetent when it comes to actually participating in sports, I am a fully committed spectator, especially during baseball season. Baseball is by far one of my favorite sports. Some may argue that baseball is too slow paced, and requires no form of vigorous effort, but I disagree to the highest extent. Watching baseball is entertaining; I never find myself in a dull moment.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest spectator team sport in the nation. History is made every season and a viewer is very likely to witness a player reaching a milestone in their career. With Baseball, there’s no time limit, which can be seen as an issue from those who deem the sport as too mundane. Because there is no time limit, the game is always unpredictable. Baseball players also aren’t always known for overstepping their boundaries if they make a great play or score. You usually don’t see an egotistical remark or gesture from the players. Sure, power and momentum is a big factor in the game of baseball, but the game is extremely egalitarian.
The New York Yankees have been my favorite team for as long as I can remember. Growing up with three uncles and my grandfather as Yankee fans, it was difficult not to find myself sitting in the living room watching a game. The Yankees are now playing in the post-season led by the Captain, shortstop Derek Jeter coming off from a 216-hit season, and powered by Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, and newcomer Ichiro Suzuki. The Yankees took the opener, 7-2 with the help of Sabathia and their five run rally in the ninth inning.
Baseball certainly has the most devoted fans. Baseball enthusiasts will pick their team and stick with their team no matter how many times they are let down. Just look at the Red Sox.