Proposition: This catch (from the Canada vs. Mexico first round game of the Little League World Series) will be the ESPN Sportscenter Top Play of the day on Friday, 8/17.
Odds: Even
Stakes: $5
Bettors: Me, Magic Mike
***
Mike won this bet--the catch was indeed the Top Play of yesterday--and, looking back on it, I have no idea why I wagered against it/him. August is one of those weird months where there just isn't a whole lot to care about in the world of sports; football is still in preseason mode, basketball and hockey are months away from returning and baseball's pennant races won't heat up for another few weeks. Networks try to fill the void by drumming up enthusiasm for second- and third-tier events like the Hall of Fame Game and the PGA Championship.* Oh, and the Little League World Series, the premier baseball event for prepubescent boys. Anyway, at this time of year, when an Asian kid from Calgary** lays out for a fly ball, ESPN takes notice.
It's not that I don't understand why something like the Little League World Series exists; it's just that I don't understand why I should care about it. One of the great things about Major League Baseball is that, in the words of Jake, these guys are the best in the world at what they do. And isn't that why we ultimately care about sports in the first place? For the opportunity to see people do things that nobody else on Earth is better at doing? My point being that seeing eleven year olds throw from a 45 foot mound is not impressive. Even I can touch 55 on a gun.***
So the upshot of all of this is that Mike is letting me go double or nothing on the Redskins game tonight. Finally, a reason to care about preseason football!
*Yes, I'm aware that some people care about golf and meaningless football games.
**I have no idea where he's from.
***I did this at Citi Field but still lost the bet because I thought I could hit 60. Nobody--not even the little kids in line behind me--was impressed with my speed.
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