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Baseball season is here. The 2023 Appalachian League Season began last evening in Elizabethton and runs through July 31. The Elizabethton River Riders played their first game against the Kingsport Axmen.
The college baseball season doesn’t end when the school year is finished as many of the top division baseball players continue to play in one of the game’s most unique environments, the summer wood bat leagues. They swap aluminum bats tor wood and play through August locally in more than 40 states.
Baseball is a summer game, and in small towns like Elizabethton, it’s a natural fit. Prior to the wood bat league setting up camp here, the Minnesota Twins had a minor league team here for a number of years. Baseball in Elizabethton is a natural fit.
The next two months will be packed with plenty of important developmental baseball and fan friendly fun. Local baseball fans will have the opportunity to watch some of baseball’s rising stars right here in their own backyard.
Baseball encompasses what summer is all about: enjoying warm (or hot) lazy evenings sipping on soda, eating hotdogs and singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.”
A famous quote from a writing: “The game begins in spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evening, and then as soon as the chill rain comes, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.”
Kids play baseball, we watch it and listen to it as adults, and we pass down our love of the game through generations. Baseball is an American family tradition. But what you may not realize is how much it is also tied to history. Often referred to as America’s National Pastime, baseball has had a very active role in the shaping of this nation.
From the Civil War to Civil Rights and all points in between and beyond, the game of baseball supports and reflects many aspects of American life, from culture to economics and technological advances. It inspires movements, instills pride and even heals cities.
This story is told at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where the plaques and artifacts all have something to say about the special place baseball holds in the hearts of Americans.
These are just a few of the places where the history of our National Pastime and American history have crossed…
Throughout history, baseball has not only entertained, but has also offered a sense of comfort during difficult times.
I hope these players understand what they bring to Elizabethton. To many, they are nightly invitations to relax and enjoy the outside whatever that may bring.
Camaraderie is built during baseball games and that’s what makes baseball so great. Even in the summertime we can get caught up in work and errands. Baseball gives you at least nine innings to relax and talk to and meet new friends.
So, take time out and enjoy an evening of baseball at the local ball park…you’ll be surprised at the fun you will have.