Catching On to a New Pitch

As a 37-year baseball writer--yes, I remember when there was a commissioner--my mantra during the Winter Olympics was, “I could have been in Scottsdale.”

I said it while putting on four layers of clothing in the morning and while still writing at 2 a.m., thinking how I might be having a nightcap at the Pink Pony, Arizona’s renowned gathering spot for baseball literati and management personnel.

I said it every time I got hammered by an elbow from another reporter who was also getting hammered in what is known as the mixed zone, where reporters are herded into an area the size of a closet in hopes of picking up a quote or two from an “athlete.”

I also said it every hour on the hour the day pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, the day I would normally begin my spring coverage of the camps.

Now that the Olympics are over and we are heading home--apparently on the Spirit of St. Louis, given the travel time--I will soon be leaving for Scottsdale with a new mantra:

“I’m glad I went to Nagano.”

I’ll say it while thinking about the unfailing politeness of the Japanese volunteers and particularly Mr. Shunichi Tominaga, who every morning--rain, snow or sun--greeted each of us with a smile, salute and handshake as we headed for breakfast at the Yanagimachi media village.

I’ll say it while thinking about miso soup for breakfast, lunch and dinner, buckwheat tea amid the fragrances of Mr. Aoki’s incense shop and apples the size of regulation softballs.

I’ll say it while thinking about the spectacular vistas from the luge-bobsled track known as the Spiral on those few clear days in the Japan Alps and I’ll say it while thinking about the historic majesty of the Zenkoji Temple and those snow monkeys frolicking in the hot springs near Shiga Kogen.

I’ll say it too, while thinking about the unrestrained joy of those zany doubles teams after ending the U.S. medal drought in luge and the fun I had writing about their selection of irreverent rocker MoJo Nixon as honorary captain, although younger colleagues had to brief me on who he was.

I’ll also say it while thinking about moments of coverage such as speedskater Chris Witty’s medal breakthrough, Teemu Selanne juking Tommy Salo as he lifted Finland over Sweden’s hockey team, Georg Hackl dominating luge for the third consecutive Olympics while the U.S. whined about his booties, a unique tie in two-man bobsled after four miles of racing and the admirable patience of Brian Shimer as he answered all the questions as his Olympic bobsled frustrations continued.

Yes, I’m glad I went to Nagano, and I’ll say it again next week when I’m in Scottsdale and preparing to interview Albert Belle, who has never been compared to Prince Albert.