News shows, last night and this morning, were abuzz over the special election being held in Massachusetts today to fill the seat of the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Many assumed the election in a heavily Democratic state would be a shoe-in for Attorney General Martha Coakley, the party’s candidate. But the race tightened up near the end.

Not being a Massachusetts resident with voting privileges, I have not closely investigated the political positions of the two candidates. But I did hear of two verbal errors committed by Ms. Coakley late in the game.

First, she referred to former Red Sox pitcher and World Series hero Curt Schilling — whose bloody sock is displayed in Cooperstown — as a New York Yankees fan. Her campaign keeps claiming it was a failed joke.

Second, she made a dismissing comment about campaigning outside Fenway Park, Boston’s beloved historic ballpark.

To me, that sounds like an 0-2 count — an unenviable position to be in whether facing Schilling in his prime or Republican candidate Scott Brown today.

Later tonight we will know the results of the race. Pundits will talk about the implications of the election as they pertain to partisan balance, filibustering and pushing though a legislative agenda.

But the election could be impacted by something else very American: baseball.

As one political pundit, George Will, wrote years ago in his book, Bunt: “…Baseball is a pretty sight and a nice experience, win or lose, particularly if it is watched in a nice park.”

So win or lose tonight, Martha, I hope you will find your way to Fenway this spring to learn a little more about the American pastime. It could benefit your political career and enhance your overall well being.

And here’s a hint: wear the cap with a “B” on it.

Share This