While awaiting the recent Republican rumble, I stumbled on “Field of Dreams” — a old movie that I’d forgotten I liked so much. I tuned in when Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner looking as young and handsome as I once was) meets writer Terrence Mann (James Earl Jones) at Fenway Park. Shortly thereafter, they meet up with Dr. Archie “Moonlight” Graham, perfectly portrayed by Burt Lancaster.

Graham laments the way baseball used to be: “When the grass was so green and the sky was so blue it hurt your eyes.” Nostalgia? You bet — and plenty of it.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I wanted to climb onto Graham’s lap. I’d ask him why in the world the world — not just baseball — just ain’t the way it used to be. And why I was about to witness a debate/debacle featuring folks whose answer to problems is bombing the bejeezus out of whoever’s in our way — regardless of “collateral damage. Haven’t we been doing that?

“Field of Dreams” is also about subscribing to something seemingly impossible — and believing otherwise. Like electing Bernie Sanders. Or, like when folks label me, “Crazy — whacko — a fool!” We should be grateful for our naysayers. Because they’re what encourage me to get out of bed in the morning to just — keep — going. Recall that this is the movie where a whispering, unseen voice proclaims, “If you build it, they will come.” Because eventually, they will.

Perhaps like us, others have been watching some warm holiday movies. Everything from “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Elf” to “Star Wars.” But I think folks should consider watching “Field of Dreams,” and bear in mind that on New Year’s Day, it’s only 94 days until Opening Day.

May everything in our field of dreams come true in 2016. Play ball!

Buddy Doyle

Gardiner

Copy the Story Link