But It Doesn’t MEAN Anything!

My team lost today.

I had nothing to do with it.

Sports are weird that way.

I’ve followed the Seattle Mariners all year. I’ve watched some games. I’ve listened to most games. I’ve checked the score daily. And two weeks ago they made the playoffs. And last week they won the first round of the playoffs. Today they played the Houston Astros. They got to the Houston ace, Justin Verlander knocking him out of the game in the fourth inning. He gave up more runs today than he’s given up in his last six starts COMBINED.

But, eventually the Astros clawed their way back. They hit a walk off homerun in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. They are playing a best of five series. Two games in Houston, two back in Seattle and then a fifth in Houston if needed.

I was disappointed. The Mariners haven’t been in the playoffs since 2001. I’ve been following them all that time.

But, my life is completely unconnected with the fortunes of the Seattle Mariners. Whether they win or lose, my job doesn’t change. My family will be fine. . .or not fine. My car will still run. . .or not run.

And yet, if they manage to win the series, I’ll be happy. If they manage to win the World Series, I’ll be ecstatic.

Why?

What is it about sports that makes us care who hits more white balls over the fence, or throws more round balls through the hoop, or who tosses more. . .oblong balls to the endzone?

We shouldn’t care. But, they lost today. . .so I kinda do anyway.

Stay safe

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren. Order Miscellany III A Collection of Holiday Short Stories, an anthology including his latest short story, “You Can Call Me Dan” here

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