Decision 2012

How soon is to soon for an All Star Ballot? 

While researching an article at Citi Field in mid April an usher was passing along ballots for the Mid-Summer Classic.  Although this happens every season , it some how never seizes to amaze me. How can you cast a fair an accurate vote based on two weeks play?  Much like the other choice you will be asked to make this year just vote for the guy you like, or looks like a good guy , or went to your favorite college. 

Like all elections, popularity is the name of the game in All-Star balloting. We as humans learn this lesson early in life. Do you recall who was your grammar school President? I willing to wager he or she did not get into office based on strong political platforms. Case and point Cal Ripken was a 19 time All-Star, yet he had only 5 seasons with a batting average over .300.  He did however manage 11 seasons batting .264 or below. Hall of Famer for sure, 19 time All-Star, no.

It seems as if voting for the All Star game has become similar to early season Christmas shopping. We all know that one well organized soul compiling their holiday shopping list earlier and earlier each year. The one aunt who has boxes wrapped while the nation celebrates it's Independence Day. Compare that to the spectators at ball parks all across the country who are handed ballots on tax day. Fans settle in to learn about the new bats on the roster, and the free agent arms in the pen are asked to select the best of the year so far. 

For the record I will be asking Santa for some new underwear this year.

-Pal

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