The Baracklyn Cyclones?

January 16, 2009   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

I feel bad for not talking about something related to this team this week, but I felt the need to address the recent promotion the Cyclones announced a few days ago.

In June, the team will have a promotion in which they will wear jerseys sporting a combination of Brooklyn and the first name of our current President-elect for one night. While some people think it’s a great idea and are huge supporters of this promotion, I have a serious problem with it for one simple reason.

You don’t mix politics with sports.

As a guy that thoroughly enjoys the looks on the players faces when they have to wear some of the jerseys the Cyclones produce for promotions, I love the fact that this jersey, unlike some of the old ones in the past [anyone remember Hawaiian Night in 06?] actually looks good. I also love bobble heads, as they are a great collectible and something that all baseball fans love.

However, I can’t escape the feeling I have in my stomach right now, a feeling that gets scared when they see a person’s name and a politician’s name at that, on the jersey of a professional baseball team.

It feels like something you’d see in in a bad post WWII propaganda film. And guess what, it wouldn’t be the US doing it, it would be out socialist and fascist enemies. I can see it now, the Cuban Castros or something along those lines.

To me, baseball is a sport that transcends politics. It’s the only place where a Republican, Democrat, Independent or even a Liberal can talk freely and not feel forced to beat the living crap out of each other. It’s also the only place where religion isn’t a factor as I, an agnostic, have been to baseball games with people of all types of faith and there has never been a religious war in the bleachers.

Why?

Because the game is one of the most powerful things in this country and people understand that. Simply put, they come to the game to forget about all of those things and have a good time for a few hours.

In these tough political times, sports are the one solace left for people just looking to escape the reality of the everyday nonsense and what it entails.

It’s a very delicate balance and it should not be tampered with.

Another reason is because the trend of hyping up Barack Obama to the point where he’s already achieved an iconic-like status without spending a day in office is a complete joke. The college that I teach at has flyers all over the school for a History Club meeting a few weeks ago asking if he’s the next Abe Lincoln. Are you kidding me? What makes this guy so special that he deserves this type of treatment? Is America this desperate for a leader?

Maybe yes, maybe no. However, this post wasn’t supposed to be about politics.

The game shouldn’t be either.

Photo by the Brooklyn Cyclones.