Canal Winchester Messenger - March 7th, 2021

www.columbusmessenger.com
March 7, 2021 - MESSENGER - PAGE 9
Truck crash
Messenger photo by Pat Donahue
Help is on the way for an overturned semi-truck that tipped over just off the Alum Creek Drive entrance
ramp to I-270 West on the morning of March 1.
CLIPPERS
Continued from page 8
number of column inches and photos devoted to the
local team rather than the MLB teams. In the past, the
local team generally used the same starting lineup
throughout the season with few roster changes. Some
stayed at Triple A for two or three seasons and fans got
to know ‘their players.’ In recent years, players typically
move back and forth between the majors and minors
on a daily basis and fans have difficulty learning the
names of the players.”
He said the Player Development League is a more
accurate reflection of the relationship between the
majors and minors.
“But for those in the stands who care about which
team wins the game and have an appreciation for the
history of the national pastime, the elimination of
International League and all the other traditional
league names creates a sense of loss,” said Tootle.
He believes Columbus is an excellent position to
adjust, with its fine Huntington Park, experienced
organizational leadership, continuing popular MLB
affiliation with Cleveland, and history of community
support.
“Once we get past the pandemic and crowds can
return in larger numbers, Columbus should be fine,”
said Tootle. “Columbus is an exceptionally strong
franchise in every way.”
He said the real adjustment challenges will be felt
in the 40-plus cities that lost their teams when the
restructuring plan reduced the total number of minor
league clubs from over 160 to 120.
“Empty ballparks and no baseball–a sad circumstance
for any town,” said Tootle. “We may see the creation
of new teams and leagues not associated with
organized baseball to serve these communities which
have suddenly lost their teams. We may see an
increase in the popularity of college baseball as players
who would have signed professionally out of high
school may now choose to play on college teams as a
way to get a shot at a professional career.”
He said the best hope for successful adjustment is
the game itself.
“The atmosphere on a beautiful summer evening at
the ballpark will always be magical,” said Tootle. “It is
hard to beat that experience no matter what the name
of the league might be. Baseball is a resilient game.
Even with this total restructuring of the minors, somehow
the game is always able to adjust and keeps going
on–but perhaps diminished this year by the absence
of the traditional league names that have been part of
the fabric and history of professional baseball for generations.”
For information on how to purchase James Tootle’s
book, “Baseball in Columbus,” visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
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