The Engleson Files

I have said it before and I will say it again: I like baseball but I am not a huge fan - it’s too long of a season but come October the game is as good as it gets. But, as I sat and watched the Seals game live I realized that I like baseball more than I thought I did; being outdoors, the sound of the wood striking the ball, the heckling fans, the manager kicking dirt at the umpire - it’s great! And as I contemplated my enjoyment for the game I realized that I do not have a true team that I cheer for in the Majors. As a kid I liked the Expos, jumped on the Blue Jays wagon in their glory years and will always have a soft spot for my geographic brethren in Seattle - but for a long time I have been searching for a team that I can get on board with for life - my team, but I have not found one that has solidified itself yet. So, this is where all of you come in - I want you to help me find my team. I have a very strict set criteria that I want you incorporated into your research and see if you can find me my team - this criteria is set in stone and is non-negotiable.

Here is my criteria:

- The team must be in the NL - no stupid AL designated hitter crap!
- The team must have traditional roots - we’re talkin’ 80+ years in the league here people.
- The team doesn’t necessarily have to be good, or even have a winning tradition.
- And, the back catcher on my team cannot wear the new stupid mask - it has to be old school - even this preferably!

So, there you have it folks. Your job now is to take all of these factors and find me a team that I will cheer for for life - this is serious business! I will get the hat, research the team’s history, learn everything I can and get on board! Good luck!