The other side to this series -- which I don't think is getting the airplay it deserves -- is that this is the first world series that is being played around a constant theme of community initiatives, all tied to MLB's "Going Beyond" campaign for community service and charitable involvement.  More here.

Each of the first four games has an attached theme.  The theme for Game 1 was "Welcome Back Veterans."  The theme of Game 2 was "Volunteerism and Community Service; this included the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player who combines giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the baseball field.  Game 3 will focus on "Stand Up To Cancer."  Game 4 will focus on "Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities" (RBI).

In Game 1, Tony Odierno -- a West Point graduate who lost his left arm during the war in Iraq -- threw the first pitch to Derek Jeter.  Odierno received the Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart; he now works for the Yankees in stadium operations.

Welcome Back Veterans (an MLB Charities initiative) is designed to support returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families with mental health treatment and job opportunities.  To date, it has awarded $5.8 million in grants to non-profit agencies across the country, targeting veterans' greatest needs -- including mental health and job training/placement.  It has also teamed with the University Hospitals of Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, the University of Michigan, and Stanford University in developing treatment for PTSD and other mental health issues of returning veterans and their families.

Lots more at the link above.

What do you think?

Since I lived outside Philadephia for a few years, I'll go for the Phillies.

Anybody except those DAMN YANKEES!!!!!

Oct 30, 2009 -- 9:34PM, TemplarS wrote:

Well, I'm a Yankee fan.

Two great games so far (except the umpires, who seem to be having a tough post-season).  What can you say, this is one of those years where the two best teams in each league made it to the Series.

Great pitching by all the starters, but Sabathia and Martinez weren't quite good enough.  Noteworthy: so far, Ryan Howard and A-Rod, a combined 2 for 17 with 12 strikeouts.

Been thinking of you, Templar.

Since the Series is not being broadcast on traditional Network, only real fans seem to care much.

I think I remember your writing that the Boys of Summer/October are now the Boys of November; it has hurt MLB, although maybe not financially. Tomorrow night I'm going to watch ND play Wash. St. on NBC.

This week the pools are out about NCAA basketball, too. I don't care for basketball, but I do about college football. And pro-football.

NBC will cover the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and they are doing a poor lead-in. Last year NBC did not cover the World Championships in men's figure skating: our American Evan Lycachek won. I don't expect all that many men to luv figure skating, but I do. I'm an ole lady but I buy very high end products--I don't shop Walmart because I think they are corrupt.

A recent article I read about Yankee Stadium was very derogatory--too pricey in chief. Corporate interests have contolled Ted Turner Field here for years. I remember the old days over a generation ago when we could call Royal's stadium and get box seats--in the hey-dey of the Royals. (You and I have had some fun chats about the Royals and the Yankees.)

I have no answers, just questions. Something is odd in the world of sports--not sure I like it.

Speaking of charity-

I saw on the news the other day where there is this New York produce market which has a bet going with a Philly produce market.

The loser is going to ship a truckload of food to a food bank for the hungry in the winner's city. 

Good stuff.