Chicago Cubs: In defense of baseball writing – especially now

Baseball and writing have always been two of my greatest passions. Especially now, writing about baseball and the Chicago Cubs are helping me.

This is my 100th post for Cubbies Crib, and reaching this milestone has prompted me to reflect on what it means to be a baseball writer. Baseball and the Chicago Cubs have always been a big part of my life, while writing has always been a strong outlet of expression for me. Getting to combine those two passions has been a joy for me.

I’ve always had a strong appreciation for good baseball writing. In this age of social media, where it seems that thousands of videos, photos, memes and quick statuses are competing for just a few seconds of our attention before we move onto the next thing, writing allows us to slow down and reflect, to really take the time to appreciate what it is we’re writing about.

Therefore, baseball and writing make a perfect match. Baseball is a sport that is conducive to reflection, to stopping and enjoying the world around us. It only makes sense that combining those two things can lead to something beautiful.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Baseball writing has always been important. However, I feel that it holds a unique importance during these difficult times. As we’ve had to go without our great game for several weeks now, a lot of us writers have been filling the void with analysis of our teams, as well as reflections on past events in Cubs and in baseball history. As much as I wish we had live baseball right now, I’ve especially enjoyed writing these articles lately.

That’s why I get upset when I see people on Twitter or elsewhere complaining about sports writing right now. We’ve been ridiculed by some for trying to make up stuff to talk about during this time, for pathetically trying to stay relevant when we’re not really important.

Yet for both many readers and writers alike, sports writing provides relief, a therapeutic way to help us pass the time until we can watch live games again. Not to mention, for some writers, it’s how they make their living. If you don’t want to read about sports right now, then don’t. That’s your right. But I don’t think it’s right to try to discourage those who still enjoy writing and reading about sports.

I’d previously written about what I’ve learned having to go without baseball this spring. I’ve learned a lot about the game that I didn’t know before, and it’s largely through my work as a writer. I’m going to come away from this time with a new appreciation for the game, and I hope all of you will as well.

I know that I am looking forward to things getting back to normal so that I can continue to write about our Cubs and about the great game of baseball. Until then, I hope that the articles we provide for you offer some kind of relief.