Articulating the phenomenon is a virtual impossibility but it’s most definitely upon us. It’s the stretch run and I know it because the Red Sox were the very last thing I thought about before I went to bed last night and the first thing that popped into my head this morning. I know it because on more than a couple of occasions today at work, while in the midst of projects requiring undivided attention, I have wondered if John Lackey would have it tonight. Or if we might catch a glimpse of the transcendent Schill instead of the merely very good one? Do the Rangers have what it takes to stick around? Are the Yanks really going to fade? Is this Oakland’s best team yet? Hell can anyone even beat the Cards anyway? I am consumed by baseball and I know I will be for the next 50-60 days.

Tonight marks the first night of the rest of the baseball season and signs of late-season ball will abound. It won’t be light out anymore in the 4th inning. The crowd may raise to its feet with two strikes and two outs…in the first inning. There will be buzz and announcers will speak in flowry prose and the cliche machines will be cranking ‘em out and fathers will check in with sons every morning and goosebumps will get goosebumps and elation will give way to heartache and heartache to overwhelming glee…

…all because it’s here.

Enjoy.