For the most part, when I attend a professional baseball game these days, I’m focused on the game 98.6% because nobody really gives 100% of anything. That’s not to say I won’t leave early under certain conditions/circumstances, but I’m following the game pretty intently (scorecard in hand). Even if I’m shooting for an assignment, I try and keep score. I used to be the same way when I attended either of my two college hoops teams.

As most of my family and friends from way back understand, it was Dad that shared his love for sports with me. However, Mom had a great influence on my fandom, and autograph collecting. My mother was the least superstitious person in the world, yet she somehow believed that her watching something-sport related-would have an impact on the outcome of the game. I think it was more a case of nervousness. It might be her maternal instinct taking over because she was not keen on watching me play football (even though that career ended after 6th grade). Like me, she wasn’t easily distracted from the action in an arena or ballpark. However, listening or watching from a far unnerved her and she couldn’t settle down until her team emerged victorious.

At this point in life, I choose to watch sports as a means of escape and don’t yell at the screen as much. It just isn’t worth the aggravation. As a result, I’m more prone to change the radio setting or work the remote when my teams are losing or blowing leads. Case in point, I didn’t hear the entirety of the Cubs bullpen collapse this afternoon. When Pat Hughes gave Brad Keller the kiss of death, I knew they were doomed. However, I raced inside to watch the Cubs take their final at-bats in the 9th. Seeing them fall short was less painful (for me) than watching them blow the lead besides, there was still the chance they could push forth the 5th run. I admit that no lead is too large for me as far as the Cubs are concerned.

I just found out that my alma mater is down 24-0 heading into the third quarter, and for my mental health, I’m opting to binge watch Banacek reruns. I know Mom would understand and approve.