The 2011 Major League Season just ended. My team, the Cincinnati Reds, only contended for about half of it, but that's OK because the ending of this season created some magical moments for me. The collapse of both the Red Sox and the Braves, showed that the 162 game schedule is meant to be played to the end. The surge of the Cardinals and the Rays was another glimpse of how anything is possible if you don't quit. There was much to be learned from this memorable baseball season. In many ways the season is the journey and the playoffs only add a finality that allows us to realize that baseball is rapidly coming to an end. No more warm summer nights of fun at the ballpark, no more pennant races to watch, and only the prospect of cold winter days while waiting for spring to come.
This has been a memorable season for other reasons. Millions attended the games, some places attaining record numbers, and all the while baseball didn't disappoint. There were few controversies this season, although a lot of people think that Jose Reyes was a bit selfish in the way he achieved the National League Batting Title. No one will soon mistake him for Ted Williams. The steroid era seems to be in the past and scoring and home run output will bear that up. Some great pitching performances, Justin Verlander is just one that comes to mind, the entire staff of the Philadelphia Phillies, and a few no-hitters sprinkled in for conversation. The season has ended and it seems like an old friend who comes to visit, you are kind of glad he's gone but still you can't wait until he comes again.
That's the great thing about baseball, it is like an old friend who has been with you since you were a kid, and now that you are an adult the familiarity of baseball is a true tie to your youth. Yes, this has been a season to remember. It won't be that long until the pitchers and catchers report for spring training and we get to do it all again. Oh, and one more thing if you can't wait that long the Playoffs start tomorrow.
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