| BASEBALL, the game destined to grow into a | | | | centered on the ribald free rocking fan brawling |
| competitive sport enjoyed by all of our huddled | | | | spectacle. |
| masses, projected itself onto the American | | | | The competitive juices were flowing so deep and |
| landscape. It was unequalled in passion and | | | | fast that gambling on the games outcome was |
| became our "National Pastime." | | | | part of the action. Gambling was not formalized |
| We enjoyed Camelot where the brave Knights | | | | with gaming pay windows but simply fan to fan |
| with armor and sword dared defend the honor | | | | wagers right on the spot. |
| and the prestige of the King. Utopia ! The place | | | | The combination of free flowing strong drink of |
| where all good things dwell. | | | | whiskey and rum and later the introduction of |
| Dorothy in her wonderment following the yellow | | | | beer and the gambling habits of the fiercely |
| brick road and the visit with the Wizard of Oz | | | | competitive fans choosing their winner with |
| made things right with her friends. Baseball in its | | | | wagering provided a not so savory reputation for |
| finest hour had the same effect upon the | | | | our game of baseball. |
| American scene as our hearts were filled with the | | | | The Whiskey and Gambling action was slowly |
| joy of BASEBALL. Dorothy made it safely back | | | | beaten back by the forces of real and true |
| to Kansas. Baseball will continue its journey to visit | | | | baseball devotees and the smart business wisdom |
| the Wizard. | | | | of baseball ownership realized the value to their |
| All was well in the mid 1800s. America was | | | | larder was to clean up the game and the crowd |
| struggling and yearning to prove to the world our | | | | action. The two factions of pure baseball fans for |
| place of power prestige and respect in the grand | | | | the sport and the rowdy group of carousing |
| order of things. America fiercely strove to prove | | | | drinking and gambling crowd was abated with a |
| itself in world politics, culture and military matters. | | | | happy medium of decorum prevailing thru the |
| America also took to heart the need for physical | | | | years. |
| activity to foster its image as a budding young | | | | Now up jumps ole steroid use for dominating |
| nation and its survival. | | | | players to gain a prohibitive prowess advantage. |
| Baseball became the sport claiming to be | | | | This is the scourge of our present day modern |
| American by deed and origin. Baseball and the | | | | era of baseball. |
| sport grew like a sweeping wild prairie fire. | | | | Remember baseball had become our "National |
| Communities, towns and playgrounds across the | | | | Pastime" when the game was in its formative and |
| entire country took to the game and the | | | | growing years but the introduction of pay for play |
| participation and fan following was phenomenal. | | | | and the controlling interest of team ownership and |
| Baseball, however, was not Camelot or Utopia | | | | the issue of money changed the whole beauty of |
| wrapped in one beautiful tidy bright bow. The | | | | fair play. |
| games for baseball games drew the players and | | | | The U.S. Congress thinking they will solve this |
| the fan crowds. All was well in Muddville but | | | | issue of steroid and body growth enhancement |
| troubles lurked. | | | | drugs is like spitting in the wind. The wind will carry |
| Baseball on the playgrounds, sandlots and the | | | | into someone's face but it stops nothing. This |
| town square was competitive and a sport of | | | | steroid use and banned substance issue is |
| beauty, fun and pride. Every side or team had its | | | | generated by the piles of money heaped upon |
| heroes and players. Legends grew. America was | | | | players owned by teams. Spit into the ocean and |
| growing into a nation of affluence and free time. | | | | you will not make continents to be flooded. |
| The sport fan following swelled and swelled and | | | | Talking about steroids and the use of drugs will |
| men of commercial and capitalist visions stepped | | | | not stop the use of these substances. Stop the |
| to the plate. | | | | inordinate amount of money available and things |
| A solid home run was not to be had the first time | | | | could change. |
| up. The pay for play venture started slowly but | | | | U.S. Congress found in its infinite wisdom with the |
| again gained momentum and opened the flood | | | | start of professional baseball to grant Major |
| gates for professional baseball. Our game changed | | | | League Baseball immunity from monopolistic |
| from free time enjoyment to pick a winner and | | | | practices. As a matter of reality Baseball can tell |
| join the crowd. | | | | our Congress to put a lid on the Teapot for the |
| Baseball was moving into this pay for play | | | | Tempest is not for Congress to solve. |
| commercial--a professional game with ownership | | | | Money is the controlling factor in all that Major |
| dictatorially pulling the strings. Reaping the profits | | | | League Baseball, will do or will not do , be it the |
| had its growing pangs. | | | | use of drugs or complying with any factor is |
| One item of strong influence was the crowds that | | | | conceived as increasing or decreasing crowd/fan |
| were willing and happy to pay to see and follow | | | | volumes and desires. |
| their beloved team and its bigger than life super | | | | Baseball, like all walks of life, has been filled with |
| star players perform and win. | | | | controversy, struggles, likes and dislikes. It has |
| The early crowds came to enjoy and relax so | | | | many colors/faces and moments of pure joy for |
| the Whisky and Demon Rum was part of the | | | | many youngsters. |
| activity. Early on the game of baseball's reputation | | | | |