Weather usually isn’t much of an issue during most baseball postseasons. That is, until this year when rain, wind and chilly temperatures forced two games to be postponed, including Wednesday’s game 4 of the World Series between the Cards and Tigers. The two postponements have prompted some sports analysts to suggest that the World Series should be played in a neutral, warm-weather venue, just like the Superbowl.
“I would never go for that,” says Detroit Tiger manager Jim Leyland. “I love this. I don’t care how miserable it is. It would be a crying shame to take something like this away from the St. Louis fans or the Detroit fans.”
I agree. In a seven-game series, it’s more fun to watch hometown fans cheer for their teams, waving rally towels and wearing the team’s colors. Local fans experience the pride and joy of being present at the game in their home town rather than flying to another part of the country. Even if fans don’t get a chance to attend the game, savoring when your home team is in the Fall Classic has a special feeling.
Game 2 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and the Anaheim Angels was classic. The two teams played the entire game in the rain. It was cold, it was blustery, and it was a memorable experience for those who were there (including one of my baseball buddies). It adds to the excitement of the World Series, and I wouldn’t want to have it played any other way.
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