I pretty much stopped being a fan after the '94 strike, which I thought was putting finances over the fans of the game. Something that crossed the line for me.
So I really haven't watched or kept up in all the years since.
Except for the Cubs winning the series in 2016 - I was interested and watched that world series. I guess there's a part of me inside that still loves the game itself.
It's different now though - just as in all pro sports. The money has made things different. For me, it seems too business like - not so much America's "pastime". We don't have heroes...we have the highest paid free agents.
I grew up in Norfolk and remember my team at the time - the Orioles - with 4 pitchers all having 20 win records the same year.
When we moved to Florida and WTBS Superstation was born, I became a big Atlanta Braves fan and tuned in consistently to watch America's team. Games were broadcast almost every night except on Wednesday with the "Game of the Week" taking precedent. But sometimes the Braves played even on that night too, which I thought was fantastic, of course. I enjoyed watching the Braves through both runs of Bobby Cox as manager with the Joe Torre years in between.
Then the strike and for me - it was truly the end of an era. I was out.
So yesterday was the usual college football day but I knew the Astros were battling for a berth in the World Series and for some reason, that interested me. I always loved the old Astros when Biggio played - I liked their unis and their aggressive style of play. As I was ending my evening - I did tune in to FS1 and watch until the Yankees tied it up in the 9th - and then I fell asleep - so missed the dramatic 2 run walk off victory...lol.
I think I will try becoming a fan again. Strangely enough - it will be pulling for the American League contender after being a National League guy for so long.
GO Stros! And bring back the rainbow unis!!!
