Somewhere along the way we get introduced to something or someone that will inspire us to act or change.

For me, it was my grandmother, Camille Shigo, who we called "Mommo".  She is the person who got me interested in the history of sports, the stories behind the scores.  I loved that every time I went to my grandparent's house there was golf on TV and the most recent Sports Illustrated magazine on the coffee table - and her  name was on the address label.

She and my grandfather, "Poppo," (of course) came to my brother's football games and my sister's and my horse shows. They were fans, in the truest sense of the word and active participants in discussions about last week's big tournament or the more historical moments in the game, any game.  I don't remember how old I was, and at the time I certainly didn't know the significance of the event, but I remember her telling me about she and Poppo going to see Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers and how fortunate they felt in getting a chance to see him play.
 
These connections to the past are incredibly important. As a fan, the history of any team or even an individual player are acquired by simply following their season, watching games and reading the sports section. For an athlete, knowing the history of your sport is almost a responsibility. There are records chased and broken, dynasties, heartbreak and magnificent athletes who with their talent, especially when mixed with character, have not only bettered their team, but moved us and changed the world.
 
As February is Black History Month and also marks the start of spring training for Major League Baseball (MLB) players, it's the perfect time to look forward to a new baseball season while looking back to those who have affected change beyond their position, team or the sport itself.  Auntie, even if you never played ball or been to a game, with a few quick strokes of your keyboard you can read about the history of your niece or nephew's favorite team, the historical importance of the Negro league and the roles of players like Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color line or Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth's home run record.
 
I asked former MLB player, Ron Gant, a 16 year veteran, 2 time All Star and the 1991 winner of the Silver Slugger Award if history was part of his love of the game.  "As a child growing up, my hero was Hank Aaron, because of what he had to go through during that time on and off the field," said Gant when I recently spoke to him.  "It is important for young athletes to know the history of the game so that one day they will be a good example for the young athletes that will come after them."
 
So Auntie, the next time you go over to have a catch with your niece or nephew, hit the books a bit first.  America's favorite pastime is a great way to pass the time with the kids in your life.


Published: February 23, 2011