Morneau Back on his Feet?

Justin Morneau, the Twins first baseman, suffered a concussion in July 2010, taking till this years spring season to reach a place where he feels near 100% again. In his article, Morneau Encouraged, Feels no Symptoms, Rhett Bollinger discusses Morneau's significant progress as he gets back into the full workout routine, preparing for a strong season. Morneau had previously stated when he first obtained his concussion that if his concussion-like symptoms continued, he probably will no longer have a career as a baseball player. Fans went crazy, blowing up his twitter with concern for his health, profession, and continuance to be a part of their American experience. Most of Bollinger's article focuses on Morneau's amazing progress with his injury, and reassuring words to his fans that he never fully expected to retire, and that was not truly on his mind, he just had to consider what he would do after baseball if that were the case. He also emphasized the proof of Morneau's progress as he discussed Morneau's home run, and long drive during a live batting practice, that was hit without being told what was coming. The article is a way to reassure fans that they are not losing a hero, Morneau will continue to have a place in the American past time and their dinner conversations. It may be curious to some that something as simple as a player possibly not being able to play again would be worthy of its own news article, however they forget what the sport, and a players role in it means to the overall American culture. Like Barth states in his book, "Mythologies," baseball is given this new sign or significance as we give a story to the game, and meaning to whats happening. Focusing on the game, making it part of your life provides stability in life when most things in life are unstable and chaotic. Feeling connected with the player not only gives you something to talk about, but you feel like you know him, you are truly devastated by what happens in his life, even though you don't know him. Like in Coover's, "Universal Baseball League," His main character becomes so attached to these fake characters in his made up game, that his personal life is actually effected. It becomes a story when we give meaning to who he is, what his role is in a game that has become a story of life, and when your emotions can actually be effected by what happens to a baseball player.