When Jacques Barzun wrote: “Whoever wants to know the
heart and mind of America had better learn baseball,” he
wasn’t just celebrating the venerable tradition of a great
national sport. The author was making a profound point about the
important cultural, economic, social, political and historic nexus
of baseball and America.
In fact, for most of their history together, the United States
and baseball have shared a common evolution ““ reflecting each
other’s values and, at times, changing the course of one
another.
This discussion is especially timely since the two best baseball
teams in the country, the New York Yankees and the Florida Marlins,
are heading off in the 2003 World Series. But how, you might
protest, can I so casually claim that the two teams that happen to
be in the World Series are in fact the best? Because just like
America, the sport of baseball is governed by objective laws, is
run by fair competition, and most importantly, rewards merit with
success.
But to claim that baseball exists as a separable part of America
““ as just another pastime offering an escape or form of
entertainment ““ is to neglect baseball’s almost
emotional dependence on America. This relationship was most
strongly felt on the brink of World War II, when baseball greats
like Joe DiMaggio and Hank Greenberg either volunteered for or were
drafted into the armed forces. The nation’s losses were
clearly visible on battlefields and on baseball diamonds. Not even
the rich or famous were exempt.
What happened as a result was phenomenal. Those who departed to
protect their country were replaced by those who could honor it.
Fifteen-year old Joe Nuxhall became a pitcher for the Cincinnati
Reds, one-armed outfielder Pete Gray joined the St. Louis Browns,
and the custom of singing the Star-Spangled Banner before every
game was initiated during wartime. It was this hope and courage
that helped keep America on its feet during a world war.
As the victorious troops of all colors and persuasions won the
war against tyrannical governments and returned home, racism
received a critical blow. It was realized that a country founded on
the principles of individual rights, justice and equality could not
coexist with racism and segregation. America was ready to readopt
its foundational ideals.
On April 18, 1946, black Army veteran Jackie Robinson scored
four runs in his celebrated first game with the Brooklyn
Dodgers’ top farm team, the Montreal Royals. Despite numerous
death threats, hateful racial slurs and untiring racism, Robinson
persevered. Eventually, in spite of these odds, he became one of
the league’s best players and commanded the respect of even
the most racist people.
The Sporting News reported in December 1923: “The Mick,
the Sheeny, the Wop, the Dutch, and the Chink, the Cuban, the
Indian, the Jap or the so-called Anglo-Saxon ““ his
“˜nationality’ is never a matter of moment if he can
pitch, hit, or field.”
Obviously, we don’t use racial epitaphs today, and for
good reason. But the quote puts into focus an important point
““ regardless of racism’s strength, the overriding
nature of competition is always stronger. Robinson proved this.
Robinson attained success without racial programs, white
condescension or affirmative action. He succeeded not because he
was of a certain color, political orientation or family background.
He succeeded because he deserved it, he did it on his own
account.
The connection between baseball and America has only
strengthened with the passage of time. As American realities
evolve, so do the realities of baseball. We can observe the shadow
of rampant drug abuse in the widespread use of steroids among
baseball players.
Technologically, too, baseball mirrors American science. Radar
is used to detect the speeds of cars and fastballs, and the
unwavering accuracy of advanced cameras serves as a public check on
umpires’ judgement.
The story of baseball is the story of America. Together, they
have fought two world wars, conquered racism, and have served as
living testaments to equality, liberty and justice.
Preeminent scholar Gerald Early wrote: “I think there are
only three things that America will be known for 2,000 years from
now when they study this civilization: the Constitution, jazz music
and baseball. They’re the three most beautifully designed
things this culture has ever produced.”
And we should be proud of this legacy ““ this sacred
heritage of individualism, independence and freedom. It is
something that is seen in every word of the Constitution, heard in
every tune of jazz, and felt in every game of that great American
sport of baseball.
Hovannisian is a history student. E-mail him at
ghovannisian@media.ucla.edu.