Yes, I stayed up through the 15th inning of the Sox-Yankees game last night; no, I don't want to talk about it.
But the players sure do seem to want to talk. As I mentioned on Twitter some time ago, whenever I see a catcher and pitcher conferring during a game, I hearken back to "Bull Durham" and assume they're talking about an upcoming bridal shower: "Candlesticks always make a nice gift." Indeed, nearly every time there's a pitcher-catcher conference behind masks and gloves, I mutter "Candlesticks." Andy knows what I mean, but other people just look at me funny.
Lately, however, I'm noticing that the players on opposing teams are chatting pleasantly during the game—namely, the runner and the baseman. Like Jeter and Youk, or A-Rod and Martinez—what the heck are they talking about? Andy thinks they're saying, "Hey, where can I go out for a good steak around here after the game?" It seems really weird to me, but they're looking all comfortable and friendly-like. Anyone have an inside scoop on this phenomenon?
I stayed up, too, and also don't want to talk about it. Today has been no picnic, either. I think the chatting between players is just a natural byproduct of being in a pretty exclusive fraternity. Plus, so many of them share the same agents, sponsors, etc., that they probably spend a lot of time counting their money together. As a fan, I find it disconcerting.
Posted by: Susan | August 08, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Hockey players chat with each other when they're in the penalty box. Some of us speculated it was what Andy said, "Hey, where's a good place to eat around here?"
Posted by: Stephanie | August 09, 2009 at 01:23 AM
Or, as my son calls him...A-Fraud!
Posted by: Di | August 09, 2009 at 01:44 PM
In his autobiography "Mr. Cub," (given to me by my brother Kevin, Christmas 1971) Ernie Banks tells the story of how a player on the opposing team said, "my wife and I have been wanting to invite you and Mrs. Banks to dinner," and the invitation was made and accepted before Banks took off for the next base.
Posted by: Sheila | August 09, 2009 at 06:18 PM