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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

Can of Corn 1 – Play Ball!

February 20, 2020

The two words that baseball fans clamor for as the spring nears. 

Those words that many professional teams select a kid or two to say before the start of a game. 

The words an umpire will often say before the first pitch. 

Just two words that mean so much at a baseball game. 

Can of Corn Challenge logo

“Play ball!” 

And just like that, it’s time once again for the Can of Corn Challenge, after taking a two-year hiatus. Enough of that, though as you can read about the challenge, how to get involved, and all the themes by checking out the original post.

Before I get into the main part of this post, though, let me explain the name of the challenge as a few people have asked me. Can of corn is a term used in baseball for an easy/routine pop up/fly out. As the story goes, the term came about in the early 19th century because clerks at grocery/general stores used sticks to hook canned goods off higher shelves, and then use their aprons to catch the can – somewhat like a fly ball.  

Anyway, on to the post.

For me, the season is upon us. And for those who know me, you know I’m a baseball junkie. It’s gotten worse the past two summers after I gave up playing softball. That gave me, to a point, more time for games. 

To me, baseball is the perfect sport. Though it can run long at times, it’s a well-paced game with a lot going on. There’s a lot of thought and a lot of action, though it’s not going 100 miles an hour the whole time. 

I’m also a bit of a baseball nerd. At games, I keep a scorebook. I watch and try and dissect things that are going on. I question decisions and think about what I would want to do in situations. 

Overall, it’s a wonderful experience for me. 

I know many people who think differently. They can’t understand why I’d want to spend time at a baseball game. And that’s fine – fair and legit at that – but I always say it’s my peaceful place. 

Baseball isn’t just a game to me. It’s the whole experience. When I watch, it’s easy to just drift off into the game and not think about everything else going on in the world or my life. 

And I like that. 

For 2-3 hours, I can disappear into the stands and just watch. Or grab a hot dog and just bask in the day. 

I mostly attend minor league games, though I am still on my quest to see all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. Minor league baseball, in my eyes, still has some purity. That’s something missing at the majors (see the latest Astros junk going on), though the trickle-down effect likely will be there. 

The powers that be at MLB have worked to change the game a bit over the past few years and I’m not a fan of much of it. 

Baseball isn’t a game made for television. It’s made to be in-person, or on the radio. There are nuances about the game that aren’t easily brushed aside, as much as the powers at MLB would like to think so. While I do agree with several of the changes (fewer mound visits, instant replay), there are some that boggle my mind. Not having to throw for an intentional walk, for example, That takes away some strategy. 

And automated balls and strikes being talked about. Really? I have a better idea – what about making the umpires be accountable if they are garbage? If a player fails, they get sent to the minors. It should be the same for umpires. If you stink, down you go and somebody from the minors can come up and try and show they are better. 

Baseball has survived time. And it’s done so without some of these idiotic changes being proposed. 

Leave the game alone and let it evolve naturally. 

And while you’re at it, play ball!

Can of Corn Challenge 1: Play Ball! linkup

The Can of Corn Challenge is a monthly blogging challenge that runs from February-October. You can see all information, as well as themes for 2020 by visiting this blog post. Feel free to join us for any and all themes! The linkup will remain live each month for about seven days.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

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Filed Under: Baseball, Can of Corn Challenge, challenges, My world, Writing Tagged With: a ‘lil hoohaa, baseball, baseball challenge, baseball writing challenge, can of corn, can of corn baseball challenge, can of corn blog challenge, can of corn blogging challenge, can of corn challenge, hoohaa, writing challenge

4 Comments

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  1. Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade says

    February 20, 2020

    This is an interesting challenge as I do not watch baseball nor enjoy it. LOL sorry about that. But I love a good challenge. I know you will enjoy the season.
    My son in law was the assistant manager of a minor league team. He is a HUGE fan.
    Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade recently posted..Play Ball!! Can of Corn ChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
    • P.J. says

      February 20, 2020

      You will definitely give a different take on the themes and the challenge, then! What minor league team did your son in law work for?

      Reply
  2. Sean says

    February 20, 2020

    I’m sorry I missed this before, but looking forward to joining in now! I’m not the baseball fan I was in my youth, but it’s hard not to get excited here in St. Louis, this place is nuts for its Cardinals!

    Do you think the Astros scandal will deter casual fans from being interested in baseball this season?
    Sean recently posted..What Drives UsMy Profile

    Reply
    • P.J. says

      February 20, 2020

      It’s been a couple of years since I did this challenge, but welcome aboard! I think the good part of this is it’s just once a month, which will hopefully help whoever is into being part of it!

      Reply

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I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to I’ve recently realized how many photos I have to post here, as well as on Harper’s (@harper_dublin) account). So, as I start to transfer photos, I’ll try and catch up. So photos coming could be from all seasons and who knows when. 🤣

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