Good piece! Thanks for this, Brendan. Much food for thought.
I think there's increasing pressure on democratic elections in part because the stakes for survival keep rising each year. (Not to be melodramatic or overstate things.) But climate disasters are upon us and will continue to get worse. Reality of that means compounding stress on economies, supply chains, costs of insurance, etc. All of which creates a wider gap between rich and poor -- between baseball franchise owners and baseball fans.
So it's harder to shrug off the losses these days (this is my theory) because each loss sets us back in facing the problems that are most urgent and life-threatening for millions.
Imagine, for example, if Trump managed to overturn the election, or if Biden had lost. There would be no Inflation Reduction Act, less action (none?) on climate. Less strength and resilience in NATO and support for Ukraine, and so on. Those are some high stakes! (And I don't even live in the US.)
I love the idea that baseball is as much about losing as it is winning, and that reflects the broader political environment. I really enjoyed this essay.
An absorbing overview of the Phillies season through the eyes of an uber-fan. This great game informs your experience and relationships as it does for so many of us. Let’s have more. Yanks-Phils World Series in 2023!
Interesting piece, Brendan; thank you for writing it.
I wonder as a Cleveland Guardians fan and a resident of Washington, DC, which will come first, a World Series, or representation and self-rule?
Good piece! Thanks for this, Brendan. Much food for thought.
I think there's increasing pressure on democratic elections in part because the stakes for survival keep rising each year. (Not to be melodramatic or overstate things.) But climate disasters are upon us and will continue to get worse. Reality of that means compounding stress on economies, supply chains, costs of insurance, etc. All of which creates a wider gap between rich and poor -- between baseball franchise owners and baseball fans.
So it's harder to shrug off the losses these days (this is my theory) because each loss sets us back in facing the problems that are most urgent and life-threatening for millions.
Imagine, for example, if Trump managed to overturn the election, or if Biden had lost. There would be no Inflation Reduction Act, less action (none?) on climate. Less strength and resilience in NATO and support for Ukraine, and so on. Those are some high stakes! (And I don't even live in the US.)
I love the idea that baseball is as much about losing as it is winning, and that reflects the broader political environment. I really enjoyed this essay.
other than the part about NLDS game 3, this was great and i really enjoyed reading. last sentence made me feel a way. well done
Brendan! I didn't know you were such a brilliant writer! Nicely done.
An absorbing overview of the Phillies season through the eyes of an uber-fan. This great game informs your experience and relationships as it does for so many of us. Let’s have more. Yanks-Phils World Series in 2023!