Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

Each year we get older. Each year we look back and ponder. Each year we dream of what we really want to do in life. Each and every person has a dream. My dream is to write and tell stories. My dream began at 16, and I never left it. Though I have hit many bumps in the road, I still live my passion for writing and telling stories. See, I grew up liking two things in life: baseball and writing. I pursued with a passion that I wanted to be the next Red Smith, Tom Verducci, Ira Berkow, Peter Gammons, etc. I think you get the picture. With the baseball season upon us, live your dream and don't ever let anyone tell you in life not to do it. Pursue your dream with drive, heart and don't look back. Keep going, hit the home run and pitch the perfect game that you want. The one thing in life is to work at a job you hate and not do what you really love. There are many people that I can thank, but the list is long. By no means was this ride for me a success. I hit many potholes in my writi...

Baseball now will take center stage. With Spring Training well under way, Opening Day is getting closer, and the sound of "Play ball" will be heard to the ears of fans of the game. Spring Training signals the beginning of what every baseball fan waits for. The time has come for baseball to resurface, to bring the "Boys of Summer" back. This is the time to say goodbye to winter, even though the Northeast is getting hammered with cold temperatures, and ring in spring. The crack of the bat, the pounding of the mitt, the yelling of "play ball" is what the game of baseball is about. Baseball shapes America and the families that make it up. Baseball shapes the summer, where more and more families go to the game to cheer on their favorite team. This is the game of all games. Push aside football, basketball and, oh yeah, hockey. Baseball is the sport. Since it has begun, the media has their eyes set on Florida and Arizona, the training sites for all the teams. Wha...

Now that Pete "Polar Bear" Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract with the Mets, fans can sit back and relax, except have the snow shovels ready. Just when we thought the snow has ended for the year in New York, here we go again. With the Super Bowl tomorrow and Spring Training soon to be underway, old man winter is at it again.  In years since, the New York Metropolitan area has seen more snow than usual in New York City and temperature readings that are more likely in Buffalo.  With snow coming down just enough to cause a headache, we dream more than ever about baseball and pray for spring. Spring Training, here we come straight to either the Cactus or Grapefruit League. Your favorite team, your preference. Until then, see ya at Spring Training! — Joe Boesch 

After the Diagnosis. My continued cancer fight. Since I was diagnosed with cancer last June, it has not only been an emotional rollercoaster but also a constant reminder of doctor appointments, scans, tests, and the support that is needed from my family, friends, and, believe it or not, writing and baseball. I am reminded that prevention from the cancer returning and continued treatment needed for the next five years are important in the detection and recovery process. For five years at six-month intervals, I will have tumor tracing, CAT scans performed, and doctor visits. I look at it as another chapter in life, just like a writer keeps adding chapters to an unpublished book or a pitcher dueling batters inning after inning. It is true that I tried to forget about everything in life, especially baseball. The only thing on my mind was cancer, doctors, tests, and the list goes on and on. My mind would wander into the unknown, and I would just not want to think about anything, especially ...

The question that everyone is asking is "What team will Pete Alonso sign with?" since a reunion with the Mets is pretty much null and void. According to MLB Trade Rumors, The club reportedly offered him a seven-year, $158MM extension in the summer of 2023, but a deal didn't get done. That was probably the deal to sign, as deals like them are not being offered unless you're Juan Soto. So, the Polar Bear will most likely be wearing different team colors this season and a smaller deal than what he wanted. His time was memorable, but reality sets in, and it's true that all good things do come to an end. Until then, see you at the park. — Joe Boesch

Now that the Holiday Season is over, it's time to look to the '25 baseball season and a reset to start fresh. From Hot Stove to Spring Training, here's to the new year. From the Mets getting Juan Soto and the Yankees scratching their heads, it should be an interesting 2025. Also, here's to the new Yankees one-two punch of Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. I think author W. P. Kinsella said it best: "The crack of the bat, the sound of baseballs thumping into gloves, the infield chatter are like birdsong to the baseball starved." Until then see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch 

This is a special time of year a time to be with family and the people that are very close to your heart. This is also the time to think that baseball is just around the corner. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Before we know it, Spring Training will be upon us. Until then, see ya at the park! — Joe Boesch