My Love for Baseball and My Favorite Teams for the 2021 World Series
My Indiscriminate Love for Baseball
It is not about the year. It is about the team. I have always had a deep connection to the Chicago Cubs, a connection that started when I was just 3 years old. For most of my life, the Cubs have been my heart and soul in the world of baseball. Even without high expectations for most years, my answer to 'who do I want to win the World Series' is always the Cubs.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Long-Standing Fondness
Let me take you back to the time when I was a little boy, aged just 5 years, back in the early 1980s. This was the era when baseball superstardom was defined by iconic players like Dusty Baker, Steve Garvey, Manny Mota, and Fernando Valenzuela. The Los Angeles Dodgers, filled with these distinguished names, left an indelible mark on my early memories of the sport. Even though the current Dodgers team faces some challenges, there is a collective spirit across the team, driven by a sense of heaviness that symbolizes a long-standing trauma.
Among the current starting pitchers are legendary names such as Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Walker Buehler, who have continuously impressed fans and analysts alike. Their experiences and talent paired with a strong bullpen solidify the Dodgers' position as formidable contenders. Despite facing health issues and injuries among their starters, their resilience and support from each other continue to motivate the team. Additionally, the depth in their lineup ensures that they can maintain consistent performance throughout the playoffs.
Other Teams That Capture My Heart
Larger market teams with a winning history often receive more recognition. However, as a passionate baseball fan, I extend my support and admiration to smaller market teams that work beyond the odds. When it comes to the Baltimore Orioles, any season's success ending in .500 would be a remarkable accomplishment. However, their chances seem bleak, so let's hope against hope for a strong performance.
Then, there are the San Diego Padres. Their team is full of young talents who are on a rise, which proves to be a real treat for baseball fans, myself included. Despite their impressive recent performance, they have yet to claim the ultimate prize. My hope lies in their success, even if it means rooting against other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
Another smaller market team that I admire is the Milwaukee Brewers. They consistently work hard and surprise us with their performances. Then there is the San Francisco Giants, a historic franchise with a rich legacy in the sport, also delivering steady results. Both teams are currently playmaking, adding a touch of excitement to the season.
Finally, my heart could be with the Detroit Tigers, who showed potential in the past but have since faced many setbacks. Even though it might just be wishful thinking, I wish them well in their pursuit of wild card success and ultimately, a World Series triumph. But, as someone with a pragmatic approach, I know this scenario is highly unlikely.
When it comes to the real contenders, I would like to see either the San Diego Padres or the Tampa Bay Rays win the World Series this year. Both teams have exciting rosters and a lot of talent, but the Rays, grabbing a nod as the fan favorite, present an even greater level of intrigue with the challenge they represent. No matter the outcome, the passion and excitement that goes into these games are what make baseball so special.