I have this theory. If George Will is right in advising us life is something like a baseball game, then perhaps baseball's latest fiasco is something like life. If we look at this in just the right way, Roger Maris may be America's last mortal man...!
When Maris broke Babe Ruth's legendary home run record in 1961, he did it the old-fashioned way. With mind and muscle. However, just about ever since, athletes (and a growing number of Americans) seem to have decided mind and muscle alone are simply not enough.
For the last half century there's been this relentless spike in our passion for perfection, for greater success, for higher highs. The new mantra is: "Whatever it Takes!
Musicians were always known for finding another high between gigs. In recent generations, Americans of all kinds have accumulated so much power and wealth, we want to keep this high going. Whatever it takes. And so -- in baseball locker rooms, corporate board rooms, Washington, Hollywood, the weekend party with friends! -- there's this unshrinking appetite for more. More energy, more excitement, more spectacle, more fun, more of anything that can keep the party going!
Will we ever again find being mortal enough....?
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Maris was dull but authentic. Where has his type gone...?
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