“I have three beautiful children and a World Series ring. That’s all I need.” ~ Mark Teixeira
The Fall Classic has arrived. The World Series begins tonight. The big baseball event so to speak. 162 regular season games, plus playoffs to get to this destination. I love it. A 7-game series for all the marbles. The perfect dessert for baseball fans. Is there anything better than this? If there is, I’m not aware of it.
As Spring Training begins, each team starts their preparation for the season, with this as their goal, to be playing tonight. Unfortunately, only two teams reach this position. Of course, this is what we wait for all season, but once a champion is crowned, the season is over, so there is impending dread as well. I have mentioned more than once that I go into a “mini depression”, a “blue funk” as it were, for a few weeks after the season. No more games to watch, no checking stats, and no standings to check. There is a void. The days become shorter as if nature itself realizes that baseball isn’t present and prolonged sunlight in the evening isn’t needed.
As with life, it is with baseball, you must take the good with the bad. So, we potentially have seven games left. I, for one, will be watching every pitch, soaking up all the action. The spectacular plays and the little nuances of the game. Enjoying each moment, taking in whatever gifts the game bestows on us. I will cheer and smile throughout.
The New York Yankees are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers, if you aren’t aware. In my preseason picks I had the Toronto Blue Jays playing the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Dodgers winning in seven games. I got part of it correct for a change. So, we have an East and West Coast team, which should provide solid ratings issue. However, I have heard several fans complain about the big market teams having the payroll advantage, I don’t entirely disagree. Still, their playoff runs were exciting, so I’m content. By the way, Dodgers in seven. (Don’t bet my predictions.)
Fox is broadcasting the games:
Game 1: Friday, 10/25 in LA at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 2: Saturday, 10/26 in LA at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 3: Monday, 10/28 in NY at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 4: Tuesday, 10/29 in NY at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 5 (if needed): Wednesday, 10/30 in NY at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 6 (if needed): Friday, 11/1 in LA at 7:08pm Central Time.
Game 7 (if needed): Saturday, 11/2 in LA at 7:08pm Central Time.
All at night as you can see. I really wish some games would be scheduled for weekend afternoons, but ratings (and money) are more important than my childhood memories, I guess. Yes, they’d have to compete against college football, but I believe they’d rate well. If MLB wants to “grow the game”, then let the kids see the games and stop all the nonsensical rule changes, just my two cents.
Their broadcasters / reporters handing the in-game coverage will be Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci. They are a solid group in my opinion. The pre- and post-game coverage is Kevin Burkhardt, Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, and Alex Rodriguez. Tom Rinaldi will also contribute highlighted features. Not thrilled with David Ortiz or Alex Rodriguez. Their past PED use should keep them from being anywhere near the game (should have kept Ortiz out of the HoF too), just my opinion. Burkhardt is solid and Jeter has grown on me, but Ortiz is a joke, and Rodriguez usually states the obvious, so they added little to nothing.
The umpires will be Mark Carlson (crew chief), Doug Eddings, Chad Fairchild, Andy Fletcher, Mark Ripperger, Todd Tichenor, and Carlos Torres.
With the recent passing of Dodger great Fernando Velenzuela, there will be a special tribute / moment of silence before game one. Fernando was a special pitcher and human being; he will be missed.
I will be rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers since they were my preseason pick, even though I tend to be an American League fan. I will hate these ridiculous new rules, but I will be enjoying each hit, run, defensive play, stolen base, out and every facet of the game. I’ll be watching every moment, soaking it in with joy. And missing it all beyond belief after the final out.
Who are you rooting for this series? Let me know in the comments.
~ Coach Mike
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Mike, Game 1 did not disappoint. What a thrill up to the very end. I hope the next 3 games are just as exciting and have the same ending. Although I do love a 7-game series the Naperville Yankees are the only Yankee team I will ever cheer for !!
I’m going with the Dodgers, too. I wish the Tigers, Royals, or Guardians had pulled through - I would have been for them. But I’m hoping both Ohtani and Judge have a great Series. That would be fun to watch.
And I agree about Ortiz - get him out of there! Now he’s shilling to increase gambling (and therefore, gambling addiction and family trauma), too.