Playoffs Approach, Like Gambling, Potentially Exciting

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167
(212) 931-3800

Dear Mr. Commissioner:

The playoffs are approaching; the division/wildcard races are shaping up. In the American League Central, the Tribe’s got a three-game lead over the defending AL champ Detroit Tigers, Boston’s lead over the Yankees in the East stays steady, while Los Anaheim stays ahead of the potential-wildcard Mariners. In the National League, it’s a toss up in the Central between the Cubs and your Brewers. The East is still tight, too between the Mets and Phillies, while the Pads and D-backs are even in the West.

If I was a gambling man, and I’m not, I’d say that each of these contests would be exciting to bet on. I’d also say that wouldn’t make me a bad person. It’s easy for me to say that because I’m not a high-profile athlete, or high-profile anything for that matter. But it’d be exciting (personally) to drop some wagers on these season-ending battles.

I’m certain that’s how Pete Rose felt. Betting on baseball was exciting to him. Why? Because he digs baseball, and in life, everything, whether we want it to or not, hinges on money. It’s 2007, Mr. Commissioner. We, at this point in human existence, are celebrating the feats of our sports heroes more than any other time in history. Pete Rose should be no exception. He made a mistake. He was not gifted at the art of trying to fix that mistake. He was, however, gifted in the game of baseball. That, in and of itself, has Cooperstown written all over it.

Let’s lift the ban.