Nomar is Nomore.

Those three words have came to mind alot lately. I watch as another childhood favorite exits the stage. I remember why I even liked Normar. It was a simple game called Backyard Baseball 2002. Once and a while, I still sit and enjoy it. I was always upset when Normar came to the plate, because he would take so long to get into his stance. Ever since he left the Sox, I have only heard his name once or twice. Yesterday, in a half empty classroom after school, I read that Nomar Garciaparra, had left the game. I love the fashion in which he did it. He signed a 1-day contract with the Boston Red Sox, then announced his retirement. Just like Duece McAllister did this year, only he gave up a Super Bowl ring. He should have signed with the Saints for a few more days.

Baseball is here, Strasberg has finally hit the mound, and Nathan has been hurting, literally. My gym teacher is a big Tigers fan, and he was gloating about the fact that without Nathan, the Twins are no-bodies. That gave me a good laugh. We have the best catcher in the game, the best clean, DH in the game, and not to mention many players in there strongly such as Hudson, Hardy, Cuddyer, and Kevin Slowey.

Now I had the chance to go to the Metrodome last weekend for the DQ Gopher Baseball Classic. I witnessed 4 teams go at it. Layola Marrymount defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 2-0. Thomas Keeling pitched and the scouts were on him tightly. He was drafted in the 20th round by the Yankees last year. Then it was the Gophers and Northwestern Wildcats. We won (of course) 8-3, with a stupendious play at the plate to end it all. But it renewed something in me. It was the feeling of good clean baseball. These guys don’t get payed. These guys are out here trying to prove themselves, just trying to get noticed by someone. No, they are not WBC champions, or nor do they hoist the World Series trophy… This is baseball. No endorsements, or money. Baseball. I don’t know how many kids I saw go get foul balls. It was fun. I wish that the Pros would play like this too, but they have money at stake.

Snow still covers the Minnesotan land. Our fields can’t be played on, but especially in this small southern-MN town, baseball is in the air. It is finally here. Nothing do I enjoy better then the great American Pastime.