Politics Between The Lines

Despite hokey electronic fan noise, the designated hitter and a ghost runner in extra innings,  major league baseball starts for my team tonight.

Here’s another thing that will happen…baseball players are going to use the game to promote their political views. One of the leaders of the movement to “take a knee” during the national anthem  is the Cardinals’ young star pitcher Jack Flaherty. I have no patience for anyone disrespecting the flag of this country….even if he has the best arm on my favorite baseball team. He says he has principles….so do I.

The 24-year-old pitcher told reporters this week that “stuff is in the works” in regards to promoting awareness of racial injustice in America.

I can’t personally make the connection between what happened in Minnesota to young millionaires disrespecting the flag. Baseball has been a bastion of conservatism for a hundred years. This idea of taking a knee isn’t going help bring fans back to the game. It hurt professional football and it will do the same to the grand old game.

Flaherty says this isn’t a political thing…it’s a human rights thing. Oh to be young, rich and foolish. It is most definitely a political thing, Jack.

We watch baseball to escape the real world. I don’t need lessons on what I should think from a guy whose job it is to throw a baseball 93-miles-an hour.

If Flaherty takes a knee tonight, if he dishonors the flag….I’m done with him.