There's Crying In Baseball (And It's Over Hotels)

Once upon a time, there was no crying in baseball. I recall Jimmy Dugan making that very clear to the Rockford Peaches back when the game was about the game and not the thread count of the linens at the team hotel.

For those who don’t know what I am talking about, Jimmy played for the fouled-mouthed Rogers Hornsby, and Jimmy’s parents had to drive down from Michigan to see him play the game, but did Jimmy ever cry? No. Nobody did. Because back then, there was no crying in baseball.

But the game’s changed. Robot umpires would’ve blown Rogers Horsnby’s mind in the 1930s. A pitch clock? Bigger bases? If he were alive today, and I don’t think he is, “The Rajah” wouldn’t even comprehend the idea of walk-up songs, bat flips, or the designated hitter.

Jimmy Dugan’s not alive today, either. (Tom Hanks is, though. I hope I didn’t startle you.) But if Jimmy and his old manager and all of the Rockford Peaches were here with us in 2023, they’d be the most surprised by all of the crying in college baseball right now.

For those who don’t know what I am talking about, Kentucky Baseball hosts its third-ever NCAA Regional this weekend, and many of the visiting teams’ fans are more worried about Marriott Points and complimentary continental breakfasts than postseason baseball. Even worse, there are many more people complaining just to complain. They’re not even invited. They’re just mad online to be mad. You know the type.

Now, last I checked, the three out-of-town participating universities are traveling to Lexington to play baseball, not take naps or rent fifteen-dollar movies, and the University of Kentucky has one of the finest baseball venues in the game.

Look at this work of art that UK is so excited to show off to new guests and a new audience this weekend. Kentucky is so proud; the stadium is literally named Kentucky Proud Park. KPP even serves ice-cold beer, as the baseball gods intended.

Outside of the baseball, sure, the city will be a little crowded due to scheduling conflicts citywide. Sorry Lexington is so popular, and sorry Kentucky was so good at baseball, the NCAA decided the ‘Cats should host a Regional for the third time ever. Whoops!

And to the actual visitors coming across state lines, on behalf of my alma mater (that did not approve any of my present comments), you are welcome for the beautiful park you are about to experience, and congratulations on the honor of being one of the three teams selected to spend a weekend in our magnificent city. You’ll find plenty of dining and things to do when you’re not at the stadium. Visit our tourism website here.

As for the highly-scrutinized lodging that the University of Kentucky so tirelessly worked around the clock to provide its special visitors on short notice, I don’t see the problem.

📍Lexington Regional pic.twitter.com/vlXWnCdWgZ

— Kelly Cosgrove (@kcos_strength) June 1, 2023

Dorm Dancin’ at the Kentucky a Regional @NCAABaseball

What a way to kick start the road to Omaha 😳 pic.twitter.com/ltaQ6v7Hwx

— Foul Pole Sports (@FoulPoleSports) June 1, 2023

What I do see is:

— Privacy

— Brick accents

— A custom-made bed

— Ample square-footage

— Not one, but TWO writing desks (show me a Hampton Inn with two desks per room)

— Natural lighting and window treatments

— Thick walls for a quiet sleeping environment before game day

— Plenty of closet space

— Was that a fridge and a microwave?!

— A full-length mirror

— Power outlets

— A lot of crying in baseball

So unless West Virginia, Indiana, and Ball State stay at Omni properties every time they travel, the college students should be OK in a college dorm room for a long weekend. It’s not like UK asked them to stay in old Haggin Hall (RIP).

And lost from the national conversation is the teams turned down the hotel option to be closer to the stadium. It’s an important detail. Also, the detail about the NCAA approving all of this for postseason play.

Anyway, Kentucky and Ball State lead off the Lexington Regional tomorrow at noon. Hopefully the crying stops by then and it’s a great weekend of baseball. May the best team win.

Until then, sleep tight. Don’t let the desks and closet space bite.