I grew up a huge baseball fan. Trips with my family to Fenway Park, rivalries with the Yankees, the spectacle of a beautiful summer afternoon at the ballpark. And while there’s nothing like watching a game at the stadium, I also enjoy watching the Sox at home on the TV.
I might have a game against the Orioles or Rays on in the background while cooking dinner on a random Tuesday night, or catch a late game against the Mariners or Angels before heading to bed.
But the best was the baseball nap. That peaceful nap on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with the game on, slowly fading away as I’d lose consciousness. The great thing about the baseball nap was that games were so long, I could conk out in the 3rd inning and wake up in the 5th, not missing much action at all.
I say “was” because as some of you may know, the rules of baseball have changed. There is now a pitch clock which has drastically sped up the pace of the game. Baseball games on average are almost thirty minutes shorter than last season.
While almost everyone considers the pitch clock a success for baseball, it has, I fear eliminated the greatness of the baseball nap. With the games significantly faster, a nap now could mean missing half the game or more. With progress there is often loss. I guess I’ll just have to nap after the game.