MLB 2022: The Long and Winding Thread

That umpire cannot be accused of failing to get a good look at the play.

 

Fanboing a bit, but this is well done. #WinForVin

 

I mean, I'll be that guy -- didn't you win one for him two years ago? I get if they were still on their drought since 88 and he passes away this season, then I can see the emotional connection. Why aren't they winning it for Maury Wills too?

 

I agree. win the damn thing for yourselves. Not everything in life is some Homeric chase.

 

The whole "win one for the Gipper/everybody is against us" deal has been a motivation tactic since Cain was unable to contain his jealousy over Abel.

We usually only hear about the times it works, like Herb Brooks and his famous "you were born for this" pre-game speech against the Soviets. I happen to think his strategy and the players on the roster had more to do with that win than mere words. Once the ref drops the puck, your talent, preparedness and training are all you have.

But given that both sides in any conflict have the same incentive, does that mean one manager/head coach/general didn't give a good enough pep talk or come up with the right good luck charm? I'm assuming Game Theory doesn't have a Rally Monkey variable.

Do professional athletes really need a rallying point to overcome some sort of implied adversity? The Dodgers won 111 games in 2022. I have a feeling that's going to be more of a factor this month than any talisman or feeling of disrespect.

 

But here you are in the ninth
Two men out and three men on​

 

Win For Vin is more a rallying point to hype fans. As beloved as Vin was, there are only a couple players who were on the roster when he was still working who knew him. I'm guessing the players' motivation is to win it for themselves.

 

Nah, I get that. I'm just always amused that high-level athletes sometimes need "additional" motivation for some reason. "They don't respect us" is the eye roller.

 

The Warriors took that to a new level after winning the NBA title. Curry was saying "no one expected us to win." If by no one he meant a whole lot of people, then he was right.

 

I think it was different for amateur college kids playing for their country in 1980. Brooks' speech had to have an impact.

For middle-age pros in 2022, not so much.

 

Ranger Suarez?

4-1 Phillies?

All-righty then.