Havens of rest

A cool April evening at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, N.C., home of the Crawdads, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Texas Rangers.

By John Pierce

They’re just various mixtures of grass and dirt, steel and wood. But to some of us, they are havens of rest — a preferred retreat from the demands of daily living.

There are some consistencies: 30-yard base paths; 60 feet and 6 inches from the rubber to the irregular pentagon that marks home. The singing of the National Anthem before the game and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch.

And there are great variances: outfield dimensions, the height and shape of the fences, the amount of in-play foul territory, seating capacities — and the price of peanuts and hot dogs.

There are factors that may disrupt the peace: threatening weather, an obnoxious fan near by or a reliever who can’t find the strike zone. Yet even an imperfect evening at the ballpark is a good one.

True enthusiasts find humor in lesser-aware fans who boo an intentional walk but cheer a base-on-balls when the batter is “pitched around” — although the intent and result were the same. 

We explain that the catcher went to the mound not to encourage the pitcher but to allow the umpire time to recover after being hit by a foul tip in a place not well padded. He knows the umpire will obsessively sweep the plate should the catcher have a similar uncomfortable experience.

Winning is fun, but not everything. Watching your team lose is not a wasted experience. And sometimes it’s good to have no dog in the fight — just take in a ballpark experience without a favored team.

Historic ballparks have unique charms: the ghosts of baseball’s past seem ever present. Well-designed, newer ballparks can recapture some of that feel, though never completely. However, modern restrooms and comfortable seating are appreciated.

Not everyone shares the joys of a ballpark escape. If they did, it would be too crowded and the ticket prices too high. So that's OK.

But for those of us who check the home schedules of teams wherever we travel this time of year, we are looking for something that soothes the soul much more than a movie theater or any other entertainment venue. We need baseball.

Tunnel vision

By John Pierce

Friday night’s home opener at Turner Field provided a unique and enjoyable experience this year. 

Along with many others, including my friends Marshall Kerlin and Scooter Brown, I had the chance to help unfurl the massive American flag that covered much of the pristine outfield grass during the singing of the National Anthem.

Both the afternoon rehearsal and the evening event were delayed by rain. But that did nothing to detract from the overall experience. It did, however, give more time to chat with fellow fans and Braves staff, and to see behind-the-scenes aspects of major league sports.

We gathered in the stark, concrete tunnel below the outfield stands, to surround and assemble the over-sized Old Glory. Clear instructions were given by Braves staff charged with such logistical matters.

However, pauses were required due to the whizzing of golf carts carrying electricians, groundskeepers and other stadium maintenance staff. 

Equipment and supplies were stored in various places.

All of these typically out-of-sight background activities serve as a reminder that most of what we see is made possible by so much that is not seen.

The handsomely paid stars in uniform on the field deserve to be in the bright lights. But they’d be in the dark without the skilled electricians who keep the lights on.

Talented musicians who belt out “O Say Can You See…” would not be heard without sound engineers and those who get the singers in the right place at the right time.

As is often the case, what happens in baseball has application for larger dimensions of life. Most of what we see and do is made possible by the commitments, gifts and goodness of others.  

In all of life, we are better when we bring our diverse talents to a common task. Players are not the only ones who benefit from being part of a team.

Photo: Scooter Brown (right), Homer the Brave, and I check out sample stadium seats in the outfield tunnel, apparently part of efforts to build a new home of the Braves about 12 miles northwest of the current ballpark.