The ATNB Staff Are Feeling Grateful For Baseball: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Thanksgiving is upon us and we all know that this year has been taxing, to put it lightly. But as we look ahead to the holiday season and the hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine being made available soon, we here on the ATNB staff wanted to reflect upon 2020 and share our gratitude with you all — specifically, why we are grateful for baseball.

. . .

Jordan Durrell

“I’m grateful for baseball because it has been there for me since I was very young. Since I was little, baseball has brought me some of the happiest and saddest moments of my life. Watching the Los Angeles Dodgers play as a kid was my introduction to being a sports fan, which is an important part of my life. Whenever I play or watch baseball, I learn something new about the game because it’s so brilliant and intricate. I can spend hours playing catch with my brother or hitting off my batting tee because I love the art so much. There’s no experience like going to the ballpark and watching a baseball game or, better yet, playing in one. Baseball brings out everyone’s real character and tests their ability to deal with failure like no other. This is why baseball is the most fantastic sport in the world and why I’m grateful that baseball and I have each other.”

Tori Apodaca

“I am grateful for baseball because it takes me back to my childhood. I love getting to watch games because I am reminded of growing up spending hours in front of the TV watching games with my family. I found myself appreciating the game even more this year because you never know when it is going to come to an end. I am thankful for the friendships I have created with people who share a similar love for the game as me. I have a big amount of respect for all ballplayers who had to make big sacrifices to play this season. As a former softball player myself, the game has immensely impacted my life and shaped who I am today. Baseball will always hold a special and timeless spot in my heart.”

Max Perez

“For over a hundred years, baseball has been sown into the fabric of American life. Always starting in spring, America’s Pastime has filled many uncomfortable silences between father and son and bred some of the greatest sports moments of all time. This is enough for me to be grateful for the sport each and every year. But this year was far different than any other, having to deal with a pandemic as well as taking place during an incredibly divisive time both politically and socially. Nonetheless, it didn’t disappoint as we ended up getting baseball almost every day for over three months, and I finally got to witness my hometown team win it all. And for that, I am very grateful.”

Josh Lederman

“I’m thankful for the game of baseball because it has provided me with a life-long passion. Whether it was opening my first pack of baseball cards when I was four years old, watching baseball with friends and family, or writing about the game for All Talk, No Balk!, baseball has never left me. From the offseason to Opening Day to the World Series, I have something to look forward to baseball-related on a daily basis. When times are stressful, baseball is an escape for me and that became most apparent during the 2020 season amidst a global pandemic. Baseball will always be a significant part of my life and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that the game has to offer.”

Reese Savoie

“It all started with ‘Happy New Year!’ 

“2020 has been eventful to say the least, and I think it’s safe to say there isn’t a single person who hasn’t been impacted by at least one of the major events that have unfolded over the course of this year. However, despite the seemingly limitless amount of obstacles we’ve been dodging, these strenuous times make us appreciate the aspects in our life that we otherwise take for granted. One of those things? Baseball. 

“Hearing that baseball was coming back earlier this year was one of the best pieces of news I’d received. I wasn’t sure how or if they’d be able to pull it off, but even the possibility of being able to watch the San Diego Padres play provided me with enough serotonin to carry me through at least one-third of 2020. 

“And pull it off they did, albeit with a few roadblocks. 

“I am so incredibly grateful that I got to see the Padres not only have a season, but have one of their very best. Watching the team come together and absolutely dominate the 2020 campaign was so exciting, and I am so thankful to have been able to experience it as a fan and a journalist. Fingers crossed we’ll get baseball in 2021, and that they’ll be able to organize it in the absolute safest way possible.”

Sebastian Moore

“I am thankful for the lessons baseball taught me. From working hard to showing up on time, the experiences have stuck with me long after my career ended. I am also beyond thankful for the relationships I developed and the places I traveled.

“Although the New York Yankees did not win the 2020 World Series, I am thankful the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the cheating Houston Astros to eliminate them from the postseason. Congrats to the Dodgers on a hard earned ‘piece of metal,’ as Commissioner Rob Manfred called it. Until 2021 everyone, when the Yankees will hopefully be back on top.”

Charles Dunkin

“Being thankful encompasses so muc, from those who have shaped your life, to family and God, along with the ability to let go of all ideas of self-importance and rather acknowledging everything in your life that made it better. I am thankful for everything I have. I am also thankful for the struggles in my life — all of which have made me a better person. I am especially thankful for the little things: the upcoming holidays with friends and family, eggnog, sports, our health, and late night shenanigans with my Call of Duty: WarZone squad. Happy Holidays to all, we are grateful and thankful for you the fans!”

. . . 

And why am I grateful for baseball, you ask? Well, baseball has given me so much, especially in 2020. At the beginning of this year I was able to meet all of the brilliantly wonderful people I now work with, and the bonds that baseball has allowed us to share will only continue to grow in the years ahead. I am grateful that it was able to provide us with a sense of normalcy and excitement in a year that has brought with it too many tragedies to name, and that baseball was able to be a light amidst the darkness. I am grateful that baseball is and will continue to be a love for myself, my mom and some of my closest friends. Lastly, I am grateful for the Dodgers. Every year they are a joy to watch but this year’s journey was unlike any other, and I am grateful that I was able to witness them win a championship with my family by my side. I am grateful that my mom and I will be able to celebrate with other Dodgers fans in that championship parade I’m always going on about (when it is finally safe to hold, of course), and I am grateful that the Dodgers will continue to provide me with memories I will never forget! 

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone! Stay safe, and as Charles said, know that we are incredibly grateful for all of you! 

Photo courtesy of @MLB via Twitter.