How Much Fun Is This?

The news has been so bad lately. You know what's going on from the terrible weather in our country, gas prices, to problems seemingly all over the world. This is a bad news cycle no doubt. But things will get better as they always do.

That's why we are in such need, especially locally of some really good news. A fun diversion from the melodramatic and melancholy mess that has gripped us recently. Enter the next logical choice for making us all a bit happier - the Cleveland Indians! That's right the Mighty Tribe! Stick with me, we're not going down a statistical x's and o's road here. But the best April in our teams 110 year history is reason to celebrate.

I feel the same way you do about much of what goes on in sports. I know these guys in all sports, and on all teams make way too much money. I'm not thrilled about the glorification of bad behavior from some professional athletes either. But I am equally appalled too, when it's Hollywood stars, big company executives, and politicians. In fact maybe more so. Because there is seldom "give back" from them by and large. But a team that wins? That's a different story.

If you really think about it, few things in a community can galvanize an area like a winning professional team. Especially one in an area that has had its share of tough luck. Football can, but it's only once a week. Basketball can but seldom does because of its players detachment from the fans. But baseball is a different story. It's every day. And that's the beauty of it. It's just like our lives. You wake up and go to battle every day. Not once a week. Every day. Baseball and life are very parallel.

The past few years when the Tribe has been less than competitive, it seemed almost cruel and torturous that they had to take the field every day. But today, right now...during this great run? We can't wait for the first pitch. I'm kind of ticked off when they have a day off. Baseball is funny that way. What many people with casual interest say is baseball's biggest problem, too many games, every single day. Actually becomes it's biggest asset. Every Day Is Game Day! Even if you're not going to Progressive Field, watching it on TV, or listening to is on the radio, you're probably are asking the score in the morning. I love watching baseball do, what only it can. Grip an area every day. And that is what is going on right here...right now.

Whether you are a big fan or not, right now you are aware that The Tribe is winning, and people are buzzing. It's all over social networks, people are talking about it and it flat out makes you feel good. It makes you feel good about your city, your area, and can rekindle civic pride. And that among all the bad news, there is a bunch of young guys playing really good baseball at the between Ontario and East 9th Street. Playing it the right way, and making the area proud.

I know these guys make too much money, the stadium cost too much, and a beer and hot dog there is a million dollars. I get it. And I am aware too that in baseball many times the blossoms of April can be the weeds of September... as it is a long season. But for right now, I am going to enjoy this great ride as long as it lasts, and I invite you to do the same. For as of this writing, there is one team in the major leagues that has the best record, and Chief Wahoo is on the uniform.

With the bad news right now, it's nice there is The Mighty Tribe! How much fun it this?