Peter Gammons wrote a book about baseball called Coming Apart At The Seams. This book is a must read for baseball fans and for anyone else that is even remotely interested in the game.

For years now we have seen it coming. We were not prepared. Shame on us.

Baseball does have some problems. Firstly we should regain the concept that it is a game. A sport. A wonderful way to display talents that not everyone has. Some can run fast. Hit the ball. Make incredible defensive plays. Pitch. And some can manage the game.

Some love to fight.

What a waste of time and talent. Sadly, we the fans have allowed this to happen. This can be corrected. I am not calling for a boycott of the game. Only the ones that seem to want to charge the pitchers mound or an umpire. Don't buy their endorsed products. Tell the people that sell them we will no longer support a person that could possibly have an influence on our children and grandchildren.

Secondly, Bud Selig should become The Commissioner of Baseball or let someone else have the job. Too long he has not been out front. He should take control. He should tell the players and managers and owners that no longer will this kind of thing be tolerated.

If a player charges the mound, he should get a month off without pay. To someone making 1,000,000.00 dollars a year, this would amount to 72,170.00 dollars. This might get his attention. Same

thing if a pitcher throws at someone. I am not talking about a disputed call on a play. I am talking about the violence in the game.

Thirdly, the game should give us some heroes. As a boy I became Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snyder, Ted Williams and so many more. A dream was to see them play and perhaps play the game. Now one is fortunate to even get an autograph from a "star." Phooey.

Fourthly, we as fans should reclaim the game. It is now big entertainment. The salaries and egos have risen to staggering levels. Soon, I am afraid, only those that can afford to pay to watch a game on TV will be allowed to do so. I was so disheartened when Chip Carey and Steve Stone (both good announcers) made the comment that a person could no longer eat on the $200.00 a day meal money that was provided. This was a couple of years ago.

A good game. So sad that, to some, perspective has been tarnished.

Basebrawll....we don't need it But baseball, oh, what a game. Play ball.