A Diamond is Forever
AG and DJ share a brotherly moment
I was introduced to sports at an early age. I can vividly recall the dexterity of Julius Erving, and the flair of Pele’, however my first memory would be of my older brother watching the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIV. I didn’t understand what was going on, but I knew in my tender age, that whatever he was watching was important.
The first sport I ever attempted to play was futbol, you know…like what Americans call soccer? Nevertheless, after playing in elementary and middle school, I gravitated to basketball, football, and track. In the midst of trying my hand at all of these sports, I had made up my mind that basketball was the be all, end all, and I dedicated my heart and mind to the game. I still play to get in a good workout, or just to relax my mind, as the game brings me both joy, and peacefulness.
There is one game outside of basketball that I really love, and its none other than baseball. I was never any good at it, and I never played for a team or anything but I wish that I would have at least tried out for my high school team. Hindsight is 20/20…and what I respect the most about America’s Pastime is the history. Say what you will about the current state of the game, but I look at people like Buck O’Neil, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Henry Aaron, and I am humbled.
My question is what happened to the interest in baseball within the black communities?
Whenever I bring up the topic to young people, or in a place like the barber shop I get either 1-2 responses or none at all. This is an issue because one of the greatest games in the history of sports is slipping from the grasp of those people whom helped to make it so hallowed. I urge you to look at baseball through the eyes of the people that struggled, toiled, and entertained for decades.
Yes it is a new day, post the Mitchell Report, so this spring/summer try to sit down on a Saturday afternoon and watch your home team, and if that doesn’t sound too good, then trust me it is 100 times better in person. (Just watch for the fly ball) I just so happen to split my fanhood between two cities. My hometown Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Yankees, and before you throw me under the bus, I can explain…but for now, I’ll wait until the season starts. Besides, its not too hard to understand, one team is in the National League and the other is in the American League, so I didn’t cross any lines or break any rules.
Ryan Howard and AG pause for the cause
Peace. AG.www.anthonyxgilbert.com
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