Baseball and the 2008 Election

For the last eight years the US economy has taken a turn for the worst. Many blame the Bush Administration for all of the country's problems. While that might be accurate, people need a distraction to make them forget their woes for at least two hours. Sports have always served as an escape of the dullness of everyday life and now more than ever fans are seeking that break. As the economy continues its spiral downward, America's favorite pastime has taken the spotlight.

What looked like would be a negative impact on attendance reversed its course as fans continued to show up to the ballgame. Despite people losing their homes, jobs and most importantly their sense of security they showed up in record numbers filling the stadiums clearly not reflecting the country's economic state. Both New York City teams will be playing in new digs next year and had high attendance as they closed out Shea Stadium and Yankee Stadium. In Southern California where two teams have qualified for the playoffs, fans are not deterred by high gas prices and they continue to show up and support their teams.

In Chicago, two teams have also made the playoffs. The Cubs have the chance of ending the longest title drought of all sports teams in North America which currently stands at 99. The White Sox who won in 2005 want to duplicate that performance. The White Sox had to beat three teams in three days to enter the postseason. Chicago is also in the spotlight because they not only have two opportunities to crown a World Series Champion, but they also are the home to Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama. Obama has the chance to become the nation's first African-American president.

Baseball has served as an outlet for fans since its inception and now it will also serve as a stage for this years'election. Many owners, players and fans will endorse a candidate and the playoffs will not only feature sports t-shirts and jersey, but also clothing showing support for Team Obama or Team McCain.