Ollin Imagination

On April 5th, 2006 in Shea Stadium, a group of Mets fans went to show their support for Carlos Delgado but not just to root or cheer while he was at bat. In fact, what they were there to root for had nothing to do with this baseball star's hitting prowess or fielding skills at all. What they were showing their support for was his political prowess, and they were going to do so by defiantly sitting down during the 7th inning singing of God Bless America while holding a banner.

Asked why they felt the need to support Mr. Delgado (a humble yet simultaneously outspoken critic of the War in Iraq) in such a way, and they will all tell you the same thing: Freedom of speech and expression are more American than apple pie, God Bless America, and yes even Baseball. By flying F15s over World Series games and routinely dropping paratroopers onto fields during ceremonies, Baseball and the MLB have failed to present games as apolitical arenas, a place in theory where hitting and pitching stats are the things that matter.

If pressed they will tell you that baseball fans whether they like it or not, are subjected to frequent displays of pro-war militarism, yet at the same time Carlos Delgado is not allowed to express his anti-war sentiment because it "politicizes the game." This seeming contradiction is their point, and it is a point worth listening to. Unfortunately and fortunately, the song was never played that day. But, the next time you’re at a game and they play God Bless America look for their banner during the 7th inning stretch and you just might see them.