The Gadfly is a series of letters offering commentary on local issues and published in the Warrensburg Gazette.

Dear Editor

The Mules baseball team completed their season by winning the national championship last weekend. They’ve always fielded an excellent team that’s entertaining to watch and that plays solid fundamental baseball. Over the past several years I’ve attended a lot of their games as they’ve come ever so close to winning it all; this year I was unable to attend and they won.

A month or so ago, a CMSU music professor suggested eliminating intercollegiate athletics to save money. The Faculty Senate didn’t think much of the idea, as the move gathered almost no support. Successful athletic teams, especially those that win national championships, stimulate alumni identification with the school, which in turn leads to more donations. Perhaps the music professor might make a more consistent, if no more popular, case if he suggested eliminating all programs that relate to entertainment, including music, art and broadcasting. A case could also be made that successful athletic teams are important in recruiting students – they fit into the overall college experience, along with academics and West Pine Street.

Getting back to baseball, I’m beginning to wonder if my support jinxes a team. It certainly seems that way with the Royals. I arrived in Missouri in 1969; when I left in August 1976 they started their drive to their first division championship. Their glory years ended after I returned in 1986. Perhaps I should market my services – pay me and I’ll stay away? Meanwhile, Legion ball is starting up; I think I’ll catch a few of their games.