Baseball In American Culture

“Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.” - George Will. The game of baseball has always had a huge impact in American culture, it is affectionately referred to as “America’s Game”. Records were broke, games have been played, and players have done things that have changed history Baseball went from being an America's game, to becoming a global icon. Baseball has allowed people from around the world to connect and make it seem that the world is smaller than it is. You cannot fully understand Americas pastime until you learn the history of it all and how it’s changed and impacted the world.

During the early 1800’s Americans started playing baseball

Baseball has provided lots of comfort over the years, in times of tragedy during time of war, and other tragedies such as the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. One recent event that took place where the baseball community helped significantly in the healing process was the Boston Marathon Bombing. On April 15, 2013, after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays in a 4-game series, the Boston Red Sox departed from the airport to go to Cleveland to face the Cleveland Indians. The players learned that something bad had happened at the marathon, but they didn’t know exactly what had happened. The team’s flight took off to Cleveland before the players were fully informed of what happened. When the Red Sox returned from their away game, the team took part in a ceremony to honor the victims of the bombing. David Ortiz, one of the leaders of the team and one of the best hitters to play the game, spoke at the ceremony and stated, “This is Our City!” The players participated in any and every event that had to do with the marathon bombing. The players went above and beyond to help their city. Some of the players had the names of the victims engraved on baseball bats, gloves, and even cleats, then they would sign them and auction them off and the money would go to the Boston Strong charity. They arranged hospital visits with the survivors, their families and the hospital staff and they did it in a

Records have been broken, games have been played, and players have done things that have changed history. Baseball went from being the “American Pastime”, to becoming a global icon. Baseball has allowed people from around the world to connect and make it seem that the world is smaller than it is. There are two quotes that to me help sum up why in my opinion the game of baseball is the greatest game ever created. The first is by Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench: “That's the remarkable thing about baseball. The game has a way of having you scratch your head one minute and drive you crazy, and then the next, you're entertained beyond your wildest hopes. That's why it's the best game” and “Baseball is a lot like life. It's a day-to-day existence, full of ups and downs. You make the most of your opportunities in baseball as you do in life.”- Ernie