I am a baseball fan. I am also a fan of democracy and each citizen’s right to express their preference in choosing our leaders at the ballot box. But, come on man, the events of the past few weeks have nothing to do with baseball or democracy — rather all about whose power or clout is stronger than the other guys.

This is intended to be a column about sports, a weekly visit reviewing things that are taking place. The readers may agree with the subject matter or not, but it is the sports we all take interest in that are the most important things. But, on occasions, instances occur which propels sports into arenas that are not about the games on the field or court but rather an attempt to project a particular opinion.

Following a year of a COVID-caused 60-game season, Major League Baseball joyfully launched its 2021 campaign, fully intending to play a full 162-game schedule in 2021. But only a few days after the first pitch was thrown, it delivered a fastball under the chin of the Atlanta Braves by announcing it was pulling its long-promised 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta in protest to the recently passed Georgia voting law.

In announcing the decision, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated, “I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star game and MLB draft.”

Manfred’s “demonstration” projects his dislike for the Georgia law while at the same time reneging on his personal commitment to the Atlanta Braves, the city of Atlanta, and the citizens of Georgia. Manfred’s word was broken, and so were the financial undertakings and years of planning dedicated by so many Georgians.

So, Manfred dislikes the Georgia law, but what does he dislike? Can’t answer that question, but in a synopsis, the voting law did the following:
• Provides for three weeks of early voting and expands the hours polls are open.
• Established a period of up to 180 days prior to an election when absentee ballots can be requested. All absentee ballots must be returned to the county election office by Election Day.
• Requires all Georgia voters to have a photo ID card. (Note: Less than 2% of the state’s population lacks a state ID Card. 97% of Georgia voters have an official driver’s license or state ID. For those that do not, they can obtain a free ID card at any county registrar’s office).
• Voters will still have access to water and are not forbidden from bringing their own food items.

There has been criticism that requiring a photo ID is discriminatory. Having some form of photo ID is critical in our world today; you need to be able to prove you are who you say you are in many situations. You need a picture ID to board a plane, get a job, set up bank accounts, and in order to make a variety of purchases. Oh yes, Commissioner Manfred must be well aware that you also need a photo ID to pick up tickets an MLB ballpark will-call ticket window.

While he may not be known as an intellectual scholar, former NBA player and current television basketball analyst Charles Barkley pulled no punches with his commentary during the recent March Madness telecasts.

“Man, I think most white people and black people are great people. I really believe that in my heart, but I think our system is set up where our politicians, whether they’re Republicans or Democrats, are designed to make us not like each other so they can keep their grasp of money and power.

“They divide and conquer. I truly believe in my heart most white people, and black people are awesome people, but we’re so stupid following our politicians. Their only job is, ‘Hey, let’s make these people, not like each other. We don’t live in their neighborhoods, we all got money, let’s make the whites and blacks, not like each other, let’s make rich people and poor people not like each other, let’s scramble the middle class.’ I truly believe that in my heart.”

The Atlanta Braves responded to Manfred’s action with the following:

“The Atlanta Braves are deeply disappointed by the decision of Major League Baseball to move its 2021 All-Star Game.

“This was neither our decision nor our recommendation, and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city. The Braves organization will continue to stress the importance of equal voting opportunities, and we had hoped our city could use this event as a platform to enhance the discussion. Our city has always been known as a uniter in divided times, and we will miss the opportunity to address issues that are important to our community.”

Another opinion that sports and politics don’t mix comes from the pen of author David Swissa who wrote the following:

“I worry that fans, regardless of their political affiliation, will grow tired of the partisan activities of a sport or broadcast booth. I worry that the sanctuary of competitive sports will be tainted by the divisiveness of politics, with no end in sight. I worry because both sports and causes deserve better. If this trend continues, I worry how many fans will simply get tired of the social messaging and exercise their right to just stop watching.”

Leaving Atlanta in his rear-view mirror, Commission Manfred has chosen Denver’s Coors Field as the host for the 2021 All-Star Game. Interesting choice. This is to be the year baseball honors Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth’s home run record while playing in Atlanta. Aaron is also credited with being a positive force in improving race relations in the Georgia city.

Census figures reveal Atlanta’s population is 51% African-American. Denver’s population is 81% white. Aaron’s playing career ended in 1976. Denver didn’t obtain a Major League franchise until 1993. Yet, by MLB’s actions, it makes more sense to honor the legacy of Hank Aaron in a predominantly white community in which Aaron never played a single game. Connecting those dots is a bit of an absurdity.