Rounding Third July 16, 2003 Black Wednesday Written by Jonathan Chapman Click here for previous articles

Rounding Third (R3) died this morning while suffering through the all-star break. It had wanted to hang on until the second half started in hopes of some type of revitalization. But during the last month R3 had begun to show signs of weakness and mental strain (that seemed to mirror the Los Angeles Dodgers) probably brought on by baseball's seemingly irresponsible business decisions and lack of regard for the fans. The column left a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order as it did not want to suffer through any lack of creativity and turn bitter.

Creator Jonathan Chapman was working on R3's next column when he heard the news. "Lately I'd noticed the work was requiring more time and lacking some of its past spontaneity. But as it wished and is rightly proper, I will not freeze R3 in hopes of reviving or cloning it at a later date. I would like to do a 'best of' piece just so I can revisit some of old stuff." When asked about his immediate plans, Chapman responded, "I suppose I'll return to short stories, although I suspect I'll probably try some other baseball format one day. I still love the game. I would rather walk away now while I still do than stay and become resentful or even worse, apathetical."

The column, began in 1998 as Tidbits, ran for three full seasons on the web due to its gracious host, Fantasy Baseball Headquarters. It was developed as a fun and sarcastic way of enjoying the sport as well as life that too many take too seriously. Often it attempted to use humor to expose some overlooked truth. Occasionally it succeeded.

In lieu of flowers, gifts and other such nonsense, R3 had requested that fans simply find something productive to fill whatever space it had occupied.

R3's three and a half seasons on the web are available as zipped Word documents by emailing rounding3@baseballmail.com. The files are free since neither owners nor players have a financial stake.

The Wednesday

It comes but once a year
It seems no different from the rest
But of it I admit I fear

Following a game of celebration
It is set aside as a day of rest
Instead I pace with desperation

I know my love will soon return
(How long does the winter seem?)
But for a game, the fan does yearn

RoundingThird, July 18, 2001