This is no attempt to diminish or admonish the traditional religious conviction and beliefs, nor is it a treatise to analyze the influence and importance on the human race; supported or unsupported by the deities of faith. It is simply an assertion that Baseball for those that are devout, is a religion.
Baseball has its rituals, repeated and expected with fervent piety; whether its the throwing out of the first pitch, the singing of the national anthem, or the simplified benediction of 'Play Ball!' The drawing of the faithful, through promise of deliverance is the message to the masses and the faith in that belief that sustains them.
The cycle of renewal that begins each spring and is celebrated each 'opening day' in each parish of green and brown, of sun and wind; a veritable cathedral to the game they love. Their faith in their collective ability to influence the fate of the results and triumph through the long tribulations leading to the crowning of champions of cold October days.
And those left less fortunate can take solstice in the support from their fellow man - if in nothing else but a tax distribution - and believe again that anything can happen when the cycle begins again. Even though the colors and the allegiance make for distinctions among this congregation, it is all still baseball and makes us all brothers and sisters in this pastime.
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