I just watched an incredibly moving movie called 61* on HBO made by Billy Crystal. It was about baseball and my sports idol, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. I was moved to tears several times. It was wonderful.
You women probably always wonder what the heck is it about the game of baseball that makes it so important to us men. Well, here is a brief explanation and my theory anyway.
Most men have fathers that are not exactly touchy feely, so it’s very unusual for a son to get emotionally close to his dad like they can with dear old mom. That explains why most atheletes will shout “I love you mom!” to the TV camera after a big play.
It’s just plain easier to open up to your mother than your dad, in general.
Well, thanks to the game of baseball, fathers and sons have a way to share their feelings, even if it’s redirected to strangers in uniforms. It is a common bond they will share. It will help them spend more time together too. The dad will teach his son how to play catch and hit. The son will learn the meaning of life thru baseball metaphors from his old man. They will share the pain of losing together and the joys of victory, as well as every other emotion in between. The boy will learn life lessons by watching his father figure and how he handles situations as a fan as well as a husband and father.
So, it’s not just a silly game. Baseball is a vital tool in the father and son relationship.
As for me, I never got to go to a game with my old man. He left us when I was 3 and he died rather young. Still, I’ve seen the way this game affects many men…and understand why now. I have a son now and plan to take him as many games as I can.
