Surprise, Ariz. — The pendulum swings fiercely when illustrating the two extremes of baseball fortune.
On one end of the spectrum, there's the riveting highs, the excitement of being in a pennant chase in September and October. No other sport rewards its loyalists like baseball. Sure, patience is a virtue, but 162 games in an era of instant gratification is an eternity. That's why the payoff, if you're fortunate enough to experience it, is so rewarding.
On the other end of the spectrum, there's the struggle of lows. It's real. When your team sends strong signals in the beginning of the season that it's going to be a long one, the enthusiasm from spring turns to helplessness in summer. If this happens quickly after Opening Day, it can be burdensome and taxing.
