Around this time every year, there’s that inevitable day where the sun is unusually warm, and there’s not a cloud in sight. People start wearing shorts even though it’s still 50 degrees, and the random pair can be found playing catch in the park. It drives me crazy. I’m a baseball guy, and weather like that gets me itching to go out to the ballpark.
But I can’t figure out what’s worse: knowing it won’t last more than a day because it’s February and the next day is probably going to dump an inch or five of rain, or when it actually does dump five inches of rain.
In 2009, I’ve decided to embrace the poor weather in our near future because this year, the school that I pay copious amounts of money to so I can attend classes is reinstating baseball. It’s a beautiful thing.
I was sitting at head coach George Horton’s press conference last week, listening to him talk about how he had been dying to just walk on a baseball field. All the behind-the-scenes action and paperwork had him fit to be tied. Horton said he’s a baseball coach, and he’s ready to coach baseball.
I’m the same way. I’m ready to dump basketball – at least until March – and start watching some baseball. Games start for the Ducks in less than a month, and everyone can bet I’ll be sitting under the makeshift tents I hear are going to be the press boxes. Baseball in Oregon is never a pretty thing until June, so I’ll be prepared with my poncho, if need be.
The biggest reason for my excitement is the new field. PK Park is magnificent, and it’s not even fully built yet. Seriously, Horton joked at the press conference that the jumbotron was still on a boat somewhere. But the field turf is as green as can be, and the lights make for a nice addition to the skyline with Autzen Stadium just off the first base line.
It seems as if even the professional world of baseball is becoming more interesting. I call the period between the World Series and February “the Doldrums” because nothing very exciting ever happens. Yeah, there’s the mega-blockbuster-super-bonanza free agent signings, but that’s all. There’s no practicing going on, no games. It’s just logistics.
But now, well, just pick up the newspaper and you’ll find some very juicy things. For instance, Barry Bonds, who almost disappeared entirely after not playing in 2008, is back in the news. His trial begins in less than a month, and the judge ordered certain classified documents unsealed. Also, a urine sample he gave anonymously in 2003 as part of an MLB program was reportedly positive for banned substances.
I know for most of you that might not come as a shock, but for purists like me who choose to think everyone is innocent until proven guilty, it’s a big step in damning Bonds. I’ve always defended the man because he was the most entertaining player to watch. He was a machine when it came to hitting baseballs.
Also, a report has been released by investigators in Roger Clemens’ case, saying that traces of his DNA were found on syringes belonging to his personal trainer, Brian McNamee. If true, it would be a huge fall for the potential Hall of Famer. Clemens swore under oath he didn’t take performance-enhancing drugs. Let’s just say Cooperstown might be the last thing on the pitcher’s mind right now.
You see? Three huge story lines in the baseball world. It’s an exciting time. Players are starting to dust off their shoes and gloves, and wipe down their bats. Because you know what’s in the air? Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers report on Valentine’s Day.
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