Why The SF Giants Are Inspiring

The Giants are one of the first Cinderella teams to win the World Series in a very long time. It is difficult for me to remember another. Beyond being a Cinderella, there was a character to this Giant's team -- very few stars, tough pitching, grind out close victories, old fashioned National League baseball that was a pleasure to watch. And I'm not even a National League fan. I like the American League. I like the DH. But I can appreciate good National League baseball when I see it. And the Giant's played it during this postseason. They were the perfect antidote to the steroid era.

The steroid era leaves an ugly taste. It reflected America at the time - everyone cheating - everyone know it and looking the other way - overpaying stars - just an overbloated, dishonest, make you feel embarrassed to be a part of it time. The most expensive player on this Giant's team - Barry Zito - didn't even make the post-season roster. They have good young pitching, got clutch hitting from savvy veterans, and a tough, consistent bullpen. Kudos to them.

Maybe they'll provide an inspirational model for Americans - how we just need to get back to the basics - hard work, discipline, being a good teammate, family member, community member - all that trite nonsense. Maybe it is that simple. Maybe we made it all too complicated and tried to out hustle and over manufacture "success."