An Idea Well Worth the Time

For a long time now, we've had reader requests for "columnists."  The problem with most columnists, though, is that column needs filling weekly or monthly. The comedian Tom Leherer put it best: "If someone has nothing to say, the least that he can do is kindly shut up."

That's how we've felt about columns for some time now.  I have only published editorial "Raves" at times where I think something needs to be said.  The blog universe has exploded, though, to the good and the bad.  Most are the amateur hour. To paraphrase Woody Allen, often when commentary and dissent are merged, you get dysentery, the verbal runs.  Anyone can vent their spleen in a blog.  Writing something with greater focus, thought, and experience takes a bit more.

MLN has many very talented freelance writers who contribute to MLN Sports Zone. These men and women spend countless hours on the road, covering teams major and minor.  They see a lot of the players on a daily basis whom ESPN will have no clue about until someone drags Peter Gammons or one of the other talking heads out to see them a year or three from now. Their expertise, and their daily observations are interesting for those of us who edit MLN publications, so I couldn't see how they would be any bit less interesting to our readers.

When one of our best writers, Dan Hickling, approached me with the idea of doing a journal from the  road, I was excited about the concept. Not exactly a "column," but a mix of short notes athat might never find their way into formal articles in the magazine and opinion from experienced journalists.

The goal of the family of four MLN publications is to provide a unique take on sports news for the millions of families that turn out to the professional sporting events of all kinds in Peoria and Macon and Bakersfield.  Sure, we'll write about the fast-track players headed to the major leagues, but we'd also like to tell you about the players who will be your players most of their careers.  Every time they sign a baseball for your kid, or hit a home run that sailed into the Jolly Jump past the outfield wall, you will remember them far more than some of the bright lights that are just passing through.

We are going to counter the staid Baseball America, MLB.com marketing for the majors mentality. We will open your eyes to the millions of fans who attend Arena Football, women's professional football, USBL basketball, and SPHL hockey.

For those who live in the markets of the minor leagues, you know their magic.  For those of you visiting us from major league cities who think you know everything about your team and sport, we will have a few new ideas to surprise and challenge you. 

This will be the new space for all editorial raves.  The older copy is being moved here. Watch here for upcoming editorials. If there is something you'd like to see, let us know. We appreciate your feedback. 

- Brian Ross