The Man in the Ravine

OF ALL THE MAJOR American sports, baseball has the highest potential to drive its players insane with frustration. “Not failing” seems to be the highest pursuit, with staccato successes a nice fringe benefit. Hitters are considered wildly successful if they manage to produce a base hit three out of every 10 chances. Pitchers will always give up runs and hits; their ability to stem the bleeding is where they make their money. Even the sport’s demographics are daunting in their probabilities: only 10 percent of players in the minor leagues will ever do so much as get a cup of coffee in the majors.