Many of us, in the Gotham Community, are attending the historic 20th Year Anniversary Game of 9/11 between the Mets and Yankees this Saturday.  Baseball has held a special place in American History.  It has been a source of camaraderie, literature, art, and fierce fan passion.

The decision by FDR to keep the “game” going during World War II was a nod to baseball’s importance as a sign of some sort of normalcy despite the ravages of war.  The return to playing games after 9/11 in 2001 was a statement to the world that America was able to move forward despite the shock of the Towers falling.  Mike Piazza’s famous home run in the Mets first game after the 2001 play suspension is considered one of the most famous homers in baseball history.  Fans came to the ball park and believed in the need to keep life going.  In the 2001 World Series between the NY Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks, the usually hating Yankee fans around the city and country found a soft spot for the team after the bitter shot that NYC took that September.

As twenty years have passed, it seems that baseball has lost a little of its luster.  The NFL was on its way in the late 1900’s and early 2000’s to become the dominant sport.  Baseball has been criticized for its slow play and little action.  Now in the internet era of fantasy sports and on demand everything, even the NBA has challenged baseball for enthusiasm and interest.

Baseball still has its allure.  Many enjoy the pace and the history of the sport is unmatched. Last months special Field Of Dreams game in the cornfields of Iowa was a sweet moment to rekindle baseball’s special place in America.

Is Baseball still your favorite sport?  If not, which one gets you the most fired up?