I like baseball?

More than once, I have commented here about my dislike and lack of understanding of baseball. I mean, the one time I liked baseball was when I was twelve and sang the national anthem with the Kansas Youth Choir at a Twins/Mariners game in the Metrodome. It was exciting to be there on the field, to sing, and to watch the game...to a point. The excitement didn't last. The baseball I bought sat in its case until it eventually got moved to a box somewhere.

So when the World Series was on last weekend and Jedsen wanted to watch a few minutes of it, I winced. Ew, baseball. How boring. What's the point of it. They look gross and silly with wads in the cheeks and the frequent spitting. Well, that last point remains true, but, you know what? I actually got into it. I rooted for the Phillies, of course. I began to understand how batting order worked, what an RBI was, why pitchers mattered, and that all of the hitters were also defensive players. The four games that I watched in earnest made me appreciate baseball. (Well, last night I fell asleep during the Yankee domination, so I guess I shouldn't count that game.) Though I no longer think baseball is a dull sport, I don't see this brief enthusiasm carrying into next season. No, I don't think you'll find me at a ball park or at home night after night watching the Phillies. Nor will I be participating in the intense rivalry between any teams. I was just a baseball fan for nearly a week. That's rather poser-ish of me, but, hey, it's a start.