The Cerebral Sport

As I sat and watched a softball game recently, I realized that I knew how the play was going to develop before the pitch was even thrown. It was then that I came to the conclusion that the sports of baseball and softball both require a heightened sense of awareness and a better knowledge of the game than other sports.

A good ball player could be described as someone who can hit well, field well, and run well. Knowledge of the game is something that can't be measured, which is why it is often overlooked by fans of the game. It's something that you look past when you see an incredible play. It can be the difference between scoring a run or being thrown out at the plate, winning and losing.

Physical intangibles are important in every sport, but intelligence isn't always a necessity. Let's use football for example. Athleticism, tenacity, and a good work ethic is what it takes to be a good football player. Simply put, football as a whole requires much less intelligence and awareness to have success. In baseball, knowing the game is just as important as a fast 60 yard dash time or a cannon arm. Those physical aspects cannot be put into effective use if you don't know what the situation is, where the ball could be going, where you are going to need to be, and where your opponent is going to be. This aspect of the game is more prevalent than in any other sport.

Even as I am typing this, the Sunday Night Baseball team of John Miller, Joe Morgan, and Oral Hershiser are talking about the importance of basic fundamental execution. Once I finally came to this glorious realization, my appreciation for the game has sky rocketed. Mental stimulation will become just as important as visual. Hopefully the next time you flip the ball game on, you'll find the same appreciation for the game as I have.