Americans named it the "World Championship" of baseball because at the time baseball was only played here in the U.S.! Also the teams are all 'true' professional, paid players.
Now there is a 'world' competition that is played among all the nations that want to participate but it is on an 'amateur' level. But how many of those teams are really 'true amateurs' in these times? Just like in all 'sports' there are ways to get around the so called 'amateur' status.
I have expressed my opinion regarding the greed and commercialism of 'professional sports' and my preference for watching my local baseball team compete on a much lower paid scale and players who truly like to participate and are not just doing it for the almighty dollar.
Immediately after the game last night there were literally tons of caps and tee shirts and every other sort of merchandise already on the streets to take advantage of the championship and rake in even more dollars. Every store in St. Louis and surrounding area will open this morning with World Series 'memorabilia'! But remember that every 'legal' piece of merchandise must pay a 'royalty' to Major League Baseball and the Team designated!
BUT when you have lived your entire life in a city with the rich history of baseball and the fan base of St. Louis...You are naturally proud of the home team and frankly I usually root for the 'underdog' and the Cardinals were certainly that this time!
So much for early morning editorials...
Congratulations to the Cardinals, the players and the manager!
~~~GB~~~
