Opening day in baseball, a highly anticipated event in the world of sports, has already passed without much fanfare.
The 2024 baseball season kicked off last Wednesday and Thursday in Seoul, South Korea, with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against the San Diego Padres. This marked the inaugural official MLB game held in South Korea. Tyler Glasnow took the mound for his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Dodgers, while Yu Darvish started for the Padres, making it his fourth Opening Day appearance.
The rest of Major League Baseball is set to commence their season this Thursday. The Chicago White Sox will welcome the Detroit Tigers, while the Chicago Cubs will travel to Arlington, Texas, to take on the Texas Rangers.
Despite my lukewarm feelings towards baseball in the past, I find myself drawn to the game this time of year as it signals the arrival of spring and the impending summer with its warmer weather. Although the temperatures have been rising, the excitement for baseball still lingers.
Recently, as part of a Facebook Readers Club initiative, I delved into some older books to curate a list of recommendations. Among the titles I revisited was “Ball Four” by former MLB player Jim Bouton. Hailing from Chicago Heights and a product of Bloom High School, Jim’s baseball career included a stint with the New York Yankees, where he played a pivotal role in their 1964 World Series victory over the Cardinals.
“Ball Four” stands out as a groundbreaking sports exposé, not limited to baseball alone. Set during the Seattle Pilots’ sole season, the book broke the mold by candidly revealing the inner workings of a professional baseball team. It didn’t shy away from the less glamorous aspects, shedding light on everything from petty rivalries and off-color humor to player misconduct and substance abuse.
Jim’s narrative didn’t spare details about his own experiences on the field or the prevalent use of amphetamines, known as “greenies,” among players. The book also unmasked the alcohol consumption of Yankees icon Mickey Mantle, a revelation that had largely eluded the media spotlight. Such unfiltered honesty led to the banning of the book by then-commissioner Bowie “Ayatollah” Kuhn, a moniker coined by Jim himself.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at an insurance conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, a couple of years back. We instantly hit it off and spent time together by the pool, sharing meals, and contemplating a round of golf, which we eventually traded for poolside relaxation. During my time in Scottsdale, I acquired a copy of “Ball Four,” personally signed by Jim with a heartfelt dedication recognizing me as the “best 2nd baseman” he had ever seen.
Tragically, Jim succumbed to cerebral amyloid angiopathy in 2019, leaving behind a legacy that continues to bring the world of baseball to life. Perhaps it takes an encounter with a figure like Jim Bouton to reignite one’s passion for the sport, or maybe it’s simply the weariness of winter fading away. Regardless, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming baseball season with the famous words in mind, “Hey, let’s play two.”