As many of you
know, I am currently a full-time college student studying communications and
journalism. Something that you might not know, unless you follow me on Twitter,
as I talk about it constantly, is that I also work full-time at a local sports
bar. Between school, work, and moving into my new apartment, I have had little
time to enjoy writing, and more importantly, writing about baseball.

Although it’s a shame that I haven’t been able to post frequently, I never
stopped watching the game that I love most. Despite my Red Sox not being able
to play in the October madness, I still thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the
postseason. I was able to watch live as Roy Halladay threw the second no-hitter
in postseason history, the first being Don Larsen’s perfect game during the
1956 World Series. I attended the unbelievable and heartbreaking Game 3 of the
NLDS — Giants v. Braves at Turner Field, in which the Giants slimmed the
chances of my National League team to make it to the World Series. As I am an
avid Yankee hater, and also being born in Dallas, Texas, I was beyond thrilled
when the Rangers won the American League pennant and shocked the world as they
devastated the “Pinstripes” from competing for their 28th World
Series title. Although most media outlets downgraded this year’s series because
there were no Phillies or Yankees—as a baseball fan, I couldn’t have been
more eager for the history that was going to be made. In a very exciting and
heart-wrenching 5-game series in the 106th annual Fall Classic, the Giants took
home for the first time since they relocated to San Francisco, the first time
since 1954, that beloved Commissioner’s Trophy against the Texas Rangers.

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you
what I do, I stare out the window and wait for spring.” -Rogers Hornsby

A part of me died inside on October 3rd this year, as the Red Sox season ended
short. But, an even bigger part of me escaped when the near-flawless Brian
Wilson (1-0, six saves and 0.00 ERA in the postseason) struck out Nelson Cruz,
honored his late father in his post-save ritual, and turned around to celebrate
with Buster Posey, Tim “The Freak” Lincecum, World Series MVP Edgar
Renteria, and the rest of the Giants team. It was real, then. Baseball season
had ended, and I had to get ready for the most lonely time of the year.

So, here I sit, during my three-hour break between my classes, in the cold and
rainy Atlanta weather which consistently reminds me that there is no more
baseball to be played this year, reminiscing on all the ups and downs of the
2010 season.

From Ubaldo Jimenez throwing a no-hitter in April, to Dallas Braden and Roy
Halladay’s perfect games. From Armando Gallaraga’s perfect game that wasn’t, to
Doc’s no-no in his first postseason appearance. From being able to witness
first-hand Ryan Kalish make an outstanding catch in center field at the Trop
and Daniel Nava’s grand-slam at Fenway Park in the first pitch of his first
at-bat in the major leagues, to Stephen Strasburg, Aroldis Chapman and
“The Freak.” From all the rookies trying to prove themselves, to all
the heroes, the living legends and the players who make this game what it is.
From all the walk-offs, come-from-behind victories, devastating losses, to all
the unbelievable, non-human-like, “there’s no way that was possible”
plays that were made—this year, this season, just proved and reiterated to me
that this game is the greatest game in the world. Baseball will stand the test
of time, it will be safe during a time of crisis, it will give children hope,
and give us all something to live for, it will bring strangers together, it
will form stronger bonds between fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, as we
are all able to enjoy this astonishing pastime…. and be a part of something
bigger than ourselves.

For the next 102 days, all I have are memories of the past, and hopes for the
future as I wait for the day that pitchers’ and catchers’ report. With all of
the free agents, exciting off-season hires, and all the changes that will be
made in all the different organizations in the coming months, I can only look
forward to one thing: that beautiful Spring day in which I hear those beloved
words, “Play ball!”

-Jenn