Well, here we are, 7 days away from opening night, and 8 days away from opening day. This whole snow blast through the midwest does not bode well for this Cardinals’ fan. As I’m left dreaming of days spent at the ballpark, sweating through my Molina shirt, I’ve contemplated the ways that this lack of baseball really effects my well-being.
So, I came up with a list. A list of ways that the off-season is killing my spirit. All I want is a little baseball. Ok, a little baseball and warm weather to enjoy my baseball. I shall title the list: “5 Symptoms Someone You Know may be Ready for Baseball to Start”:
1. Lethargy
One who is a Cardinals’ fan knows that during the off-season, the key pick ups are essential for helping the team go far during the season. If one is up at night wondering when they will complete the Adam Wainwright contract negotiations, they lose sleep. When they’re done worrying about Wainwright and whether or not he will actually have that contract done in time to be the opening day starter, then their mind may wander on to the catching position. What do Yadi’s tattoos mean? Did he get another one? I swear, I think he did. I saw it during the WBC in one game. Oh, sorry, this is totally hypothetical. But I think he got a new one. Back on track: you lose sleep, making you (correct) sleepy. No energy. Tired.
2. Short Temper
If you are living for the sound of the crack of the bat at the ballpark, you are eagerly awaiting it’s return. You may become short tempered as the weather continues it’s outpouring of love in the form of snow. “It’s hard to play baseball in the snow,” you think. “How can you even see the bases?” Heck, the baseball would be hard to see in the snow! As if you are a player out in the field, you think about these things and how angry you would become. You become short-tempered with your family, co-workers, and people driving like maniacs in the snow. Blame it on lack of baseball.
3. Low Productivity at Work
As you’re contemplating the off-season deals, your mind continues to wander to spring training games and wondering how everyone’s doing. You may feel compelled to hit up the Googler and/or sport websites to check things out. If the Cardinals are doing poorly, haven’t signed the man you wanted them to sign, somebody goes on the DL, you have to read all about it. When is Motte going to be back? How long will he be on the DL? How in the world did he let this happen to himself? Again, hypothetical. I would never do this at work. I think I heard the story from a third party.
4. Lack of Motivation
This can be seen in many facets of your life. Because of the snow and the sheer disbelief that baseball could be right around the corner, you feel as if you don’t want to do anything. You don’t want to clean up that mess, don’t want to do laundry, you just want to watch baseball. The WBC was a good, small distraction. At least the US team played during times that were conducive to work schedules. Unfortunately, if you wanted to catch a Cardinal playing at the WBC, it wouldn’t be with the US team. That was almost blasphemous. The promise of spring training games may have also helped. Sadly, many of the Cardinals players were playing on their respective teams in the WBC, not really giving you the opening day feel. Also, there were many guys up from the minors (yes, I think I already like you, Taveras), who may not get a shot in the Bigs in the regular season. The little teeny tiny bit the Cardinals have been on for spring training games has been somewhat enjoyable, but still not enough. Back to not being motivated.
5. The Slump
You add up all of the before-mentioned symptoms, and this is what you get. You feel like a pitcher that has started the season at 0-3. A team that has begun it’s season at 1-10. You’re ready for the baseball to start. Ready to sing, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch, ready to cheer your favorite player(s) every third inning when they get up to bat. I’m right there with you.
Long story short, you may encounter someone suffering from these symptoms. If you do, put an arm around them, give them a half-hug or a high five. Just be there for them. If you are one of these people, hang in there. We only have 8 days left until the Cardinals opening day game at Arizona!
