“Button up your overcoat…”

The Yankees victory over the Los Angeles Angels means that there will be no Southern California respite from the chilly October — and November — weather. The World Series begins Wednesday, Oct. 28, guaranteeing the latest conclusion in post-season history: if the games go the distance, they will end in New York on Thursday, Nov. 5.

This (and the late game times) is a major bone of contention to those who think such conditions are major detractions from Fall Classic enjoyment.

The first two games of the AL Championship Series were played in Yankee Stadium under dreadful circumstances: frigid temperatures contributed to eight errors and begged the question: this is championship-caliber baseball?

Tyler Kepner addresses the problem in this piece from today’s Times, in which he offers several reasons — with no real solutions — as to why the season has been extended and guess what, most of it has to do with money. The owners don’t want to reduce the 162-game scheudle because they would lose money. The networks don’t want to have games on Fridays and Saturdays, when viewership is lower. Baseball would have a scheduling nightmare if the began the season with all teams playing in warm weather cities.

Here’s a suggestion: Go back to playing doubleheaders. I’m old enough to remember a time when there was a twin-bill — single admission! — just about every Sunday. Now they only occur when there’s a rainout and patrons must pay for each game. Even if they continue that money-grubbing practice, the powers that be would be well-served to consider returning to this format.

I’m just sayin’…

And by the way, just wanted to remind that I picked both the Yankees and Phillies to advance to the World Series. Now I’m picking the Phillies to take it all.

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Kaplan’s Korner on Jews and Sports © 2009 New Jersey Jewish News

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