There is a certain segment of the population that looks upon the pursuit of, let alone the arm’s length enjoyment of, stick and ball sports with amused disdain. I feel sorry for those people. Does it border on insanity that some of us allow so much of our existence to ride on the outcome of a season or a game or a pitch? Sure. But I can’t tell you how many friendships I’ve developed and much genuine joy and fulfillment I’ve taken from playing and following baseball, basketball, football, and more.
Sometimes, though, the attachment to a sport and the athletes who play it is anything but enjoyable.