Sorry Kendall, sports has nothing to do with "nationalism", at least not when it comes to talking baseball. You can feel something in your soul from sports. The Red Sox gave a great example that you can't give up. There is hope, nothing is impossible. You can gain self-respect and a feeling of accomplishment. You learn what it means to be part of a community.   There are many lessons if you want to look at it on that level.

I agree that cops and teachers are paid peanuts, but I would not hold it against any artist or athlete for earning what someone is willing to pay.   I also admire athletes who use their position to help others. Not everyone in sports is a money grabbing victim of "testosterone poisoning" and it isn't very fair to perpetuate stereotypes.