Batter up!

This morning I prayed for tonight’s major league baseball game.  Not for the game, per se, but for the atmosphere in Yankee Stadium and the people attending.

I love baseball.  I’ll watch nearly any MLB team, but I’ve been a Yankees fan for nearly 30 years even though I’ve lived my whole life in Texas and don’t see everyone doesn’t.  I joined the fold of the Astros when I first visited Minute Maid park.  For me, it’s the happiest place on earth.  I’ve been fortunate enough to repeat that visit a number of times. 

So, I have two favorite teams.  Big deal.  I have multiple children, multiple dogs and multiple cats.  I love them all.  My Bagwell jersey hangs with my Yankees shirts.  Derek Jeter was my hero.  Alex Bregman is also my hero.  Derek Jeter was his hero.

When the postseason narrowed down to Yankees versus Astros, it was win-win for me.  I thought I’d be happy whoever won, but I did want it to go seven games so I could watch them both.  Until today.  

Until I heard about the despicable behavior of some of the Yankees fans.  Throwing things onto the field is bad.  It is dangerous and unsportsmanlike.  It is stupid.

Taunting someone is unacceptable and unkind.  Taunting someone because of a disorder is beyond comprehension.  And involving his family is totally unconscionable.  True, it was one fan (or at least a small group).  It may also be true of an Astro fan or fans in ballparks around the country.     But it was one too many and it paints the Yankees with his dirty brush.  Indeed, it paints the whole league with it.

Part of me wants the series to return to Minute Maid so we can show them southern hospitality, but part of me is afraid some unkind idiot will try reprisals. 

It is an ugly situation and makes me both mad and sad. 

If you see me out walking, I’ll be the one in the Astros hat and Yankees hoodie.  I’ll be praying for baseball.  I really love the game!