The Seattle Mariners, way out there in the Pacific Northwest, lead the way with 50,308 miles of projected travel in the 2026 season. That’s nearly double the Pittsburgh Pirates 26,839 miles, lowest total among the 30 teams. 

Say what you will about the Midwest, but the travel is easier. That’s geometry. Or logic. 

All of it is vivid through baseball on the radio as preserved in this commemorative album, an object that’s been a part of my life for 58 years. Just look at this album cover. Ballet, motion, excitement. Cool. 

The Summer of Glove. Tune in, turn on, drop the hammer. 

For now, it is further understood any insight offered by spring training into the starting day roster is on hold until the players taking part in the World Baseball Classic are back in the fold. 

So talk meanders.  

The thrills and failures of a season-long drama – tragedy for the Phillies, triumph for the Cardinals -- did build to a crescendo and concentrate at the end of September and into October. The Cardinals contributed to that 10-game Phillies dive into ignominy with a three-game sweep, culminating on September 29 in St. Louis. 

Now the advertising is national, pitched to the lowest denominator, and repeated repeated repeated.

“The main goal for any broadcaster is can we, with our words in the description and the way we set things up, can we make you feel like you’re at the ballpark? Can you see the game on the radio?”

“It gave the sense on a summer night of being in communion with others, sharing the game, pulling for the team with like-minded folks.”

“Ricky Henderson would get screwed by our robot overlords.”

“We shall see.”