Brent Mayne

We’ve Got Action

Baseball is really heating up right now. It’s definitely my favorite time of the season both as a fan and as a player. As a player it’s great because one of two things is going to happen and both of them are great.

One, you could be lucky enough to be on a good team and involved in a playoff race….awesome.

Or two, you could be on a mediocre to crappy team and the end is just around the corner. You’ll soon be sleeping in your own bed, choosing your own friends, reacquainting yourself with your kids and wife, and giving your body a much needed rest…also awesome.

Both of these scenarios are great because they give you energy. I don’t know how to accurately describe what it feels like to be in a playoff hunt and to actually play in the playoffs. (I really can’t tell you what it’s like to play in a World Series because I never got there.) I can say though that there’s nothing like the playoff atmosphere. The energy, the intensity, the pressure (and don’t forget those tasty little playoff checks) all combine to make a very heady cocktail that’s extremely addicting. You know how when you see a guy interviewed after a playoff game and he’s got this glazed eyed look and all he can say is how awesome this is? It’s really like that…there just isn’t words.

And on the flip side of the coin, the last day of the season. That’s a little bit easier feeling to describe. The best analogy that I can give you is the last day of school. Can you remember how incredible it felt that final day of school? When the possibilities were endless. When you were looking right smack dab into the face of nothing for three months. No responsibilities for a whole summer. That is exactly what it feels like when the season is over. Especially if you happened to be on a team like this season’s Padres or Royals and you spent the last six months getting clubbed like a baby seal.

We lost 97 games in 97' for Oakland and this is what it felt like.

So that’s why I love this time of year, so many possibilities. Are the Dodgers gonna mix in a win and clinch it or will the Rockies sweep? Can the Tigers hold on or will the Twins catch em? And this story about Teddy Ballgame….it’s just giving me a headache. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…what a rotten, weird story though.

Anyway, enjoy….oh yeah, sorry Chicago, but I’m looking forward and can’t wait to see what Rio can do with the summer Olympics. Can you say Brazilian bikini? Now that’s gonna be awesome.

The Splendid Splinter.