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Decade

Ten years ago the most disgraceful season in the history of Major League Baseball was beginning under a haze of uncertainty. The end of the season and the World Series were eventually canceled due to the players' strike. Days after the Fall Classic would have ended, the Republican Party took control of both houses of Congress for the first time since the Truman administration. Darkness followed, impeachment and maudlin sentiment for Cal Ripken ruled the day.

Another baseball season began yesterday, and the day before, and during the previous week in Japan. Hell, the Mets don't play until today. Again there is uncertainty, this time over steroids or something. President Bush is concerned. But there is also possibility. Barry Bonds, still innocent until proof -- or at least evidence -- of wrongdoing is provided, stands with one home run fewer than his godfather, the greatest ballplayer ever to play the game, Willie Mays. Before the year is out he may catch Babe Ruth, and Aaron is not too distant a target. Alex Rodriguez finally has a chance to play some meaningful games, as does Vladimir Guerrero. Albert Pujols may be the new best ballplayer ever to play the game. And the universe-altering prospect of a Red Sox-Cubs World Series is, well, a possibility.

And a few days after that Fall Classic ends, we'll have an election. Happy Tuesday.