It's fun to feel part of something special

Back after a quick break, during which we visited friends in Florida -- we did not stay in the West Palm Beach area long enough to feel the weight of the expanding culture wars site that Florida has become. In fact, we found ourselves mostly surrounded by other older white people who enjoy Motown-style music (we went to an outdoor concert) and didn't seem obsessed with politics of any kind. 

We watched a pre-season baseball game between the Nationals and Astros, and were impressed by the new rules that officially began in the major leagues on March 30. The handling of the pitch clock between the home plate umpire and whoever was hitting the start button each pitch and at-bat was fascinating to watch. 

And I am late enough with this post to note that the Rockies are off to a 2-0 start behind strong starting pitching... which likely means I will experience frustration and disappointment as the season goes along. That's the thing about baseball. Those 162 games eventually reveal all flaws (and positives, of course). Experience tells me that a few pitchers will get injured, a few rookies will flame out, and that the Rockies will eventually sink into last place in their division. 

But you never know, right? Upsets really do happen, as we have seen numerous times in the March Madness tournament for both men and women. How about those Hawkeyes!?

Iowa women's basketball is highly ranked, so the team's upset of South Carolina last night doesn't even come close to the remote possibility of the Rockies even making the playoffs. Still, few gave Iowa much of a chance. Certainly not the "expert" commentators from ESPN. 

BTW: the folks at ESPN must be beside themselves with the women's tournament providing superstars, tight matchups, and personalities that the men's game lacks -- at least this year. I can imagine the suits from the network high-fiving everyone around them as last night's national semi-final defied expectations. 

Kathleen and I have been watching Iowa women's games each winter for nearly a decade, mostly due to the Big Ten Network and the series of fine players and strong teams that Coach Bluder and her staff have produced. We have been devoted fans of Caitlin Clark since her first game as a freshman, and have often recommended watching her in action to our family and friends.

Most of them ignored our recommendation. But not any more. Much of the nation seems to have discovered Caitlin Clark and everyone is raving about her now, as she prepares for Sunday's national championship game with LSU. 

I am amused by how many national commentators and sports figures seem to have only recently discovered what can only be described as the astonishing talent of Ms. Clark. Welcome to the bandwagon, folks! Hey, better late than never. 

Last night's fourth quarter, which was tight and tense and physical, provided the sort of athletic experience that most fans long for. But few have ever seen one player essentially take over the game from the defending national champs, despite players and coaches who absolutely knew that Caitlin would be handling the ball and shooting every possession. She scored 16 of Iowa's 18 final period points and assisted on the other two. 

The only comparison that came to me was Michael Jordan when he was leading the Chicago Bulls to six championships in seven years. I recall the way the rest of the Bulls often ceded the ball, the shots, the big moments, to Jordan. His skills rarely let his team down.

But what truly separated Jordan from other gifted players was his sheer willpower. 

Kathleen and I discussed the need for other shooters to come through for the Hawks in order to overcome the depth and talent of South Carolina. "She can't win it all by herself, can she?"

It turns out that our sage wisdom didn't really apply. She did kind of win it by herself (though she always praises her teammates and coaches and the rabid Iowa fans). In the end, Iowa earned the win mostly because Caitlin Clark's willpower was just too much for what on paper was a superior team.

Now I am worrying that Caitlin and her teammates may have a letdown in the championship game. After all, that's what mere mortals often experience. It's human nature. That worry is part of my Hawkeye fan DNA, of course. Disappointment comes with the gig.

#22 is on a roll right now, and perhaps her joy in playing and her will to win will reward not just me, but anyone who is exciting to see a once-in-a-lifetime player at her best. One thing I know: Caitlin Clark has no doubts.

Go Hawks!