The older I get, the more I like baseball.

I like the slower pace of the game. While watching a baseball game I can sit next to someone and have a conversation and not miss a play. There are regular breaks–between batters, between teams changing sides, between innings, between pitching changes, the 7th inning stretch–breaks that allow me to multitask. I’m watching the Giants game right now while typing this blog post.

I like that there is a lot of standing around doing nothing, with some exciting moments here and there. A pitcher might strike out a couple of batters over 7-8 minutes and then BOOM! inside the park triple!

Baseball is about math, and statistics, and averages. I like that a batter is considered really good if he only does something 3 out of 10 times. I like that a team like the Oakland A’s can have a full team of guys batting less than .300 and yet they are first in their division.

I like, most of all, the camaraderie that a good team has with each other. Take a look at the pitchers in the bullpen–chances are they are all leaning on a fence, watching the game, bullshittin’ and having a good time. Batters in the dugout awaiting their turn are acting similarly. You see, the game itself affords these players the time and the opportunity to build friendships.

I like that every ball park is different. What I mean is that the playing field at each stadium is different–it’s the only professional sport being played that can claim this. Boston has the Green Monster for example, and the Giants have McCovey Cove, etc.

Basketball is too fast. Football has too many things happening at once. Only baseball has a pace that allows me to observe and appreciate everything that is going on.

I’ve never been much of a sports watcher. Hey, I like watching the game and drinking beer with the guys or with my dad. But baseball just keeps getting better as I age.

I don’t just like baseball… I love baseball.