We had a Hammer: Henry Aaron 1934-2021

A stream of consciousness farewell to a personal icon. History is always personal.

Hot Stove Book Club: Are We Winning?

Wherein the reader recognizes more of himself in a writer and Cardinals fan than he might care to admit.

The Recital: Low-A games and the experience of baseball

Everybody starts somewhere. For some, this is only a wayside en route to bigger, better things; for others, here is the journey’s end. Life exists here, passes through here, passes away here. In this edition of Nine Innings–yes, it’s still a thing–we examine baseball [and] life away from the bright lights and upper decks of the big leagues.

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What to remember when you’re worried about forgetting

It’s okay that you’re not always going to be there. That’s nothing to feel bad about.

A tale of two postseasons: Baseball, football, joy and drudgery

Last night featured one of the most uninspired displays of championship sports to which America has ever been subjected. Last October, we saw games, including multiple extra innings affairs, played with and end in pure joy. The football-watching public are gluttons for punishment.

Saint Babe

Musings on the 70th anniversary of George Herman Ruth’s passing, and the difficulty for the modern fan to connect with an icon.

At Citi Field, It’s About the Company You Keep

A trip to Citi Field is a reminder that a fanbase is the only appropriate lens to watch a ballgame through. 

Catch: An essential parenting tool

How does a man of letters and words connect with his children? With a baseball, of course.

The waiting is the hardest part

Fathers and daughters and the day they became Brewers fans. I hope.

Everything old is new again: The hope of Spring Training

I never liked American Idol, but I learned to love seeing the first commercials for the upcoming season.