With the Brewers' season ending on Sunday, my summer of baseball is over too. Here's a look back at a few things I learned in 188 days of 2008 baseball...
- There is nothing like Opening Day.
- Baseball is the ultimate connector. This summer I had more (and more interesting) conversations, with more people I barely knew, than ever before.
- A little indifference is an OK thing if it helps you keep your eye on the ball.
- Every team needs some old guys. They know the ropes; they calm the team; they save the day. Way to go Kendall, Kapler, Counsel.
- There really is such a thing as a game-changer. One amazing play can change the mood and the mojo of an entire series.
- Being there is great, but sometimes it's just as nice to have Jim Powell bring the game into your living room. You learn so much more.
- Most games are fun, and a game with family or friends is even better.
- After 100+ games, I still think the intentional walk is the cowardly way out. And as often as not, it comes back to bite you in the ass.
- No one is more important than the pitcher. Except maybe the home plate ump.
- There are few things more thrilling than when Uecker shouts, "How about that one, folks?"
- A critical injury can mean everything to a team. The entire 2008 season shifted when Yovani took that bad leap. The same might be said about Braun's bad swing.
- Milwaukee is a place where former players like Geoff Jenkins are welcomed back with applause, and great pitching - like Chris Young's near no-hitter on September 6 - is honored with an ovation. Makes me proud to be a fan here.
- Most everybody plays better on their bobble-head day.
- Nobody has more stamina or grit than Jason Kendall.
- The All Star game is a mojo killer. Ask JJ Hardy last year or ask Corey Hart, Ben Sheets and Ryan Braun this year. Next year, I'm not voting for Brewers.
- A great trade makes a great difference. And it's not just about talent, it's about fit, too. CC brought both.
- Nobody wants to sit by a know-it-all, a loud drunk or a chatterbox. The best games have both roars and silences.
- It might not be rule one, but it's up there: Don't leave men stranded on base. It loses too many games and ticks off too many fans.
- It may feel good, but booing never seems to make anybody play better.
- Over six months, your views on players change. It's not an excuse to be fickle, but it's a fact of baseball that you may love Suppan in August and dread him in September.
- Leaving in the 7th or 8th is lame...especially when we're losing. It's the rats that desert the ship when it's sinking.
- Mood matters. The difference between the Yost and Sveum clubs was palpable in the players' quotes, the dugout attitude and the on-field play.
- No matter how many innings a game goes, that last out is still shockingly disappointing or joyful.
- On a great day, Miller Park can be so loud that you literally can't hear yourself think. And a grand slam will make you scream yourself silly.
- Writing 160+ posts was a challenge and a pleasure. I'm grateful to everyone who read...and really appreciate the notes and comments back.
- 83 games proved one thing above all: Even more important than whether they win, it's who you're with that makes the game great. Thanks, Pete.
- There's only one October. I'm so glad I got to see it this year. I'm so glad it comes along every year. April 2009 can't come soon enough. After all: There's nothing like Opening Day.
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