George

It was a nice gesture by the Marlins to give Adam Greenberg his day in the sun. I hope that it gave him a boost in his desire to return full time. I believe that there is much more behind the scenes encouragement of athletes in all sports that we never hear about.

As for the playoff format, I never adjusted to the fact that the World Series is played after October. I know that it is all about money, but there is something wrong with the champion of a “warm weather” sport being decided in 40 degrees weather.

Other than soccer, I do not actively follow any other major sport. I keep an eye on things out of habit, but I’m not really up on most the players.

As a transplanted NYC, Manhattan, native and longtime resident now living in western MA, I keep an eye on the Red Sox and enjoy their misfortunes. They probably should have given Valentine an additional season. They were on their way to the playoffs, and possibly a pennant, with Francona in 2011 when the team collapsed in September. If a team folds so suddenly under a World Series manager (2) and plays so poorly the next year under one who has also been in the World Series, then there seems to be a systemic problem. Valentine has a good record of working with younger players, which is probably the route that the Red Sox should take. Until they begin winning again, I’ll continue to enjoy the silence from the local Red Sox fans.

Baseball should look at ways to keep fan interest up for as many teams as possible late into the season. More than half of the teams are out of the hunt by mid to late July. The season should be shorter with more weekend double headers and possibly some weekday afternoon or twilight games. Increased attendance might make up for the fewer games.

Baseball purists are always concerned about the traditions of baseball, but they have often been violated over the years. Why should each league follow different rules such as the DH and one vs. three game wild card playoffs? Why not have split seasons with the winners of each half play for the pennant? It might also include the second place teams in the playoffs. If the format included more teams than are currently included, then end the season sooner and have a longer playoff period, hopefully ending with the World Series in October.

The Roger Maris * is another example—162 vs. 156 game seasons. The game was different during Babe Ruth’s career. There was no night baseball, no set up and closing pitchers, etc. Also, ground rule doubles were considered home runs during part of his career.

There is definitely post season excitement. The TV is always tuned to the sports talk shows in the locker room in the morning where I swim. The “infield fly” rule debate received considerable air time. I thought that the ball dropped substantially past what would normally be considered the infield. Some commentators advocated that since there were six umpires being used, they were not used to being in unfamiliar field positions. Nonsense, they are professionals, but also human.

Altenir

I think that I am to soccer what you are to baseball. We both love a game that we did not grow up with.

Today, I am much more of a soccer fan than a baseball fan. I follow the standings out of habit and curiosity, but I do not watch games on TV. However, I still retain a strong love for the game of baseball, which is one of strategy and inches.

When I took my kids to their first games, I told them to pick a player and watch what they did on every pitch. When a second basemen made a great play, my son commented that he never would have made it if he did not take two steps to the left at the pitch. We also scored every game, which gives you the feel of the game better than any score board.

I still vividly remember seeing Pele play at Yankee Stadium when he was 18 years old and scored on a bicycle kick. I've seen many great baseball games, but that is my all-time favorite sports memory.