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Abstract:
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The narrative itself is an ageless one , a fundamental Shakespearean tragedy in its progression . A young man is deemed invaluable and exalted by the public . The hero is cast into the spotlight and bestowed with insurmountable expectations . But the acclamations and pressures are burdensome and the invented savior fails to fulfill the prospects once imagined by the public . He is cast aside , disregarded as a symbol of failure or one deserving of pity . It’s the quintessential tragedy of a fallen hero .
The protagonist of this report is Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg , who enjoyed a phenomenal rookie season before it ended abruptly due to a severe elbow injury . But from a broader perspective , this report considers the current state of baseball in American society . The immense anticipation of Strasburg’s debut in early June of 2010 was unprecedented and his success sparked the public’s interest . But the 21 -year -old failed to seize our adoration and his injury left many disappointed and disengaged . During a time when the casual baseball fan was disinterested and even the devoted felt disenchanted , Strasburg provided a brief reprieve from the controversies and allegations . Americans could connect with their beleaguered National Pastime once more .
Although Strasburg is the driving force , his role as “savior” could have been bestowed upon anyone . Nothing about his personality or looks or charisma garnered him such high esteem , but just his uncanny ability to throw a baseball . On the surface he is just a young prodigy in a long line of highly touted successes and failures – and he certainly won’t be the last . In essence , the star alone does not compose the story , but rather it’s the ideology surrounding him .
Lastly , Strasburg’s narrative is still unfinished . As in any tragic tale comes the hope of redemption . This unknown conclusion is fitting for a baseball narrative where every year begins afresh and endless possibilities emerge . As essayist Alexander Pope once noted , “Hope springs eternal in the human breast .” The same is true in baseball . |