Our nation is divided. That’s not a political statement—it’s a reality anyone can see, feel, and hear. Across social media platforms, on television, in coffee shops, and even at the dinner table, Americans find themselves at odds over everything from politics to values to vision. The sense of unity that once united our diverse backgrounds, ideologies, and communities feels increasingly frayed. And while our differences are real and entrenched, so too is our shared longing for moments that bring us together—not in anger or protest, but in joy, tradition, and pride.
That’s where baseball comes in. And not just any baseball: New York baseball. With Opening Day now behind us and the season in full swing, the sights and sounds of baseball are once again filling stadiums, radios, and living rooms across the Empire State. Whether you’re a diehard Yankees fan proudly wearing the pinstripes, or like me, a loyal Mets supporter rallying behind the orange and blue, this time of year is a sacred one. It’s a reminder that no matter how divided we are as a nation, there’s a deeply American tradition that still unites us: our shared love of the game.
Baseball has always held a unique place in American history. Known as our nation’s pastime, it’s a sport built on patience, resilience, teamwork, and hope. It’s about the long season and the comeback, the underdog and the dynasty, the big moment and the small detail. Generations have passed down their fandom like an heirloom, teaching kids how to keep score by hand, argue balls and strikes, and stand still for the national anthem. In many ways, baseball mirrors the best of what America strives to be—competitive, fair, passionate, and timeless.
In New York, the game takes on even deeper significance. This city and this state were built on grit, pride, and tradition. The Yankees represent excellence, legacy, and winning at the highest level. The Mets represent loyalty, resilience, and the joy of rooting for the unexpected. Each team tells a story of New York: the highs, the lows, the fierce pride, and endless possibility. And at a time when our national discourse is too often filled with rancor and cynicism, baseball offers something refreshingly pure: a chance to cheer, hope, and reconnect.
Think about what happens in a packed stadium. Strangers sit side by side, decked out in team colors, sharing hot dogs, high-fives, and heartbreak. They rise together for the seventh inning stretch. They sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in unison. They groan at a blown call and erupt over a walk-off home run. Political affiliations disappear. Social differences fade into the background. What’s left is the shared experience of being a fan, of caring deeply about something that doesn’t divide us but instead unites us.
And let’s not overlook the timing. As spring arrives and the world begins to bloom again, baseball reminds us of fresh starts. For New Yorkers still healing from the burdens of a long winter, whether from the weather, politics, or personal struggles, baseball is a return to something familiar and comforting. It’s not just about winning or losing. It’s about the rhythm of the season, the joy of keeping track of stats, and the delight in watching rookies rise and legends return.
At a time when headlines often feel burdensome, baseball offers an escape without detachment. Baseball doesn’t ask us to forget our responsibilities or ignore the serious issues; rather, it gives us room to breathe. It reminds us that we’re not just voters, taxpayers, or opinion-holders—we’re neighbors, teammates, and fans. We need those reminders now more than ever.
And we need the rituals too. The rituals that remind us we belong to something bigger than ourselves. Putting on the lucky cap. Bringing the glove to the bleachers. Getting to the ballpark early for batting practice. Arguing over who had the better season in ’96 or ’86. These aren’t distractions, they’re acts of community, threads in the broader fabric of our culture.
Let’s also acknowledge the way baseball teaches us to be present. Unlike other sports that are built on speed and chaos, baseball invites us to slow down, watch carefully, anticipate, and savor. That pace is part of its magic. In a world of fast takes and short attention spans, baseball dares to be deliberate. And in so doing, it reminds us that good things often take time, and that the journey matters as much as the destination.
For kids growing up in New York today, the start of baseball season might be the first time they truly feel connected to something local and larger than themselves. They’ll learn to love a team, to study its players, to dream about making a diving catch in centerfield, or hitting one over the wall in left. In those dreams, they’ll find confidence, motivation, and identity. That’s no small thing.
Baseball doesn’t solve all our problems. It won’t balance the budget, secure the border, or bridge every ideological divide. But it does offer a platform for unity—a rare and precious one. It gives us a place to gather, a reason to celebrate, and a model for what it looks like to play hard, respect your opponent, and honor tradition.
So, this season, let’s let baseball do what it’s always done best: bring people together and bridge divides. Let’s pack Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, support our local little leagues, and tune in to the radio while sitting on the porch. Let’s argue over stats instead of scandals. Let’s wear our team colors proudly: not to separate ourselves, but to remind ourselves that we still share something in common.
New York baseball is more than a sport: it’s a tradition, a celebration, and perhaps, a small but meaningful step toward unity. As the season unfolds, let’s hold onto that. Let’s cheer a little louder, hope a little harder, and remember that in the game of baseball, just like in the American experiment, every new inning brings with it the chance for something better.
Let’s Make America’s Pastime Great Again!
Play ball.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito was recently nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Inspector General, Department of Labor. Anthony served in Congress, representing New York’s 4th Congressional District. He served as a Councilman in the Town of Hempstead after retiring from the NYPD as a highly decorated Detective. He also served as Chief of the Island Park Fire Department and helped lead the all-volunteer organization’s response to Super-Storm Sandy. The Congressman appears frequently on Fox News, NewsMax, ABC National News, and 77 WABC Sid And Friends In The Morning. To contact, email info@teamdesposito.com.
