Back in the year 1966, Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution, top song was “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees, movies to watch included Alfie, The Sand Pebbles, The Professionals and Fantastic Voyage, while the most famous person in America was probably Walt Disney. I was a freshman in high school at North Side where I ran the 60-yard hurdles for the track team. I only did that because they eliminated the 50-yard dash that had always been my best event. Apparently, those extra ten yards and a few obstacles in my way were not a winning combination. I hated running long distances so it’s even more remarkable that I can make it 3.1 miles even today. The result, however, is the same – slow.

Major League Baseball has officially cancelled the first week of the season, but there’s been little mention of Spring Training. Will it be pushed back or cancelled entirely? This has to be a pain for our local Atlanta Braves facility that relies on these games for revenue. My understanding is that it will not affect the team owners since it’s owned by the city of North Port. Workers will certainly be without paychecks, hotels will face cancellations, and restaurants will not benefit from the influx of fans for Grapefruit League games. My friends and I will have to find other options to entertain us when they come to town. 

It’s millionaires vs. billionaires and the fans and local businesses will be the only losers. I’ll get another ticket credit, as was the case when Covid cancelled Cactus League Spring Training two years ago. I’m still waiting to use those credits for Santana/Earth, Wind, & Fire. Now I’ll have more to deal with. Between disease, fire, war, and now strikes, all of my recent plans have been disrupted. I’m just glad to have a vacation-like home in a warm spot with plenty of recreational opportunities. I’ll never suffer by staying home!