PITTSBURGH — Baseball, often seen as a mystical and timeless aspect of American culture, exists in a unique realm that feels separate from the conventional realities of life. The game’s history, the reverence of its traditions, and the joy it brings to young and old alike create a poignant mythology. As writer Bernard Malamud once noted, baseball’s history inherently carries a mythological essence.
The mythology of baseball intentionally sets it apart from everyday life, yet reality sometimes seeps into its fabric. Recently, this intersection was highlighted when Commissioner Rob Manfred ruled that lifetime bans from baseball don’t extend beyond a player’s death. This decision altered the posthumous prospects of two iconic yet controversial players, Pete Rose and “Shoeless Joe” Jackson. Both, previously banned for gambling-related issues, are now eligible for Hall of Fame induction.
The reactions to Manfred’s decision were varied. Some, like Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, heralded it as a victory for baseball, while others, such as Marcus Giamatti, son of a former commissioner who banned Rose, expressed dismay. Many speculated about external influences, contemplating whether President Donald Trump’s comments on Rose’s reinstatement played a role.
The decision reflects a longstanding dynamic: baseball’s evolution is deeply intertwined with societal changes and challenges. The sport, an American pastime, naturally mirrors the stories and values of the country’s culture. These encompass the nation’s aspirational narratives and its contentious politics and economic challenges.
Historically, baseball has mirrored America’s societal conflicts, from the business practices of the 19th century that birthed enduring team names like the “Pittsburgh Pirates” to the infamous 1919 “Black Sox” scandal, where players threw the World Series under mob influence. This led to the appointment of the first commissioner, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, whose actions shaped future policies, including banning those involved, like “Shoeless Joe” Jackson, who was later romanticized in films like “Field of Dreams.”
The game’s history also includes its segregated past, only shifting toward integration when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. Challenges to the status quo continued through the years, with players like Curt Flood challenging free agency policies. Baseball, mirroring national labor struggles, has witnessed multiple strikes and lockouts, as well as scandals involving drugs and cheating.
These examples illustrate how baseball, embedded within the larger socio-political and economic landscape, is often affected by forces beyond its control. Debates about baseball’s origins further highlight its cultural integration. In the early 20th century, an effort to trace its beginnings favored the Americanized Abner Doubleday narrative over more nuanced historical accounts, underscoring how myths can overshadow facts.
This historical narrative of baseball remains potent, exemplified by places like Cooperstown, home to the Hall of Fame, which stands as a symbol of the game’s mythical origins. Despite these constructed myths, baseball thrives on the blend of its identities: as a game, a business, and a cultural institution. It captures the dreams of many, from aspiring children to nostalgic elders.
Baseball’s official historian, John Thorn, emphasizes that while baseball is work for professionals, it sets itself apart from life’s mundanities like business and governance. The game is celebrated for this dimension, even in cities like Cincinnati, where Pete Rose, despite controversies, is revered. Coincidentally, when honored there, Rose’s former team played against Jackson’s old team, the Chicago White Sox, illustrating the intertwined legacies of the players and their teams.
Fans often seek refuge from their daily worries in baseball, much like the author’s father did in his youth. Despite its imperfections, the game strives for purity in its image. Yet, the incursions of reality often strengthen the sport, ensuring its relevance amid today’s diverse entertainment options. As societal realities increasingly permeate baseball, myths face challenges but continue to stir the imagination.
Reflecting on the blend of truth and myth in his own life, Pete Rose, in a 2014 interview, underscored the desire for authenticity in narratives. Ultimately, his words echo a broader sentiment: amidst myths, the essence of truth remains crucial to understanding the complex stories that shape both the player and the game.