COHEN'S CONCOCTIONS #2

FROM THE START, A NON-COMPARISON

The batter hits a slow roller and manages to beat it out. His momentum carries him 30feet beyond first base. He gets no credit for those extra feet. Compare safely getting to first base with football's goal of getting the first down. The runner succeeds not only in getting the first down but 6 yards more, and furthermore he gets extra credit to the tune of those 6 yards. Isn't this inter-sport comparison unfair to baseball? Shouldn't the batter, beyond getting to first base successfully, get extra credit for his momentum-driven extra 30 feet?

In a word, no. What's the moral? To each his own. Don't let borders get out of hand, or foot. To each its zone. Remain territorially distinct, don't blur rules.

Marvin Cohen is the author of several books including Baseball The Beautiful (1974) and a former creative writing teacher at the New School. Marvin plays first base for Softball For The Love Of It.