Winter on the run: Baseball returns

Tim Lincecum struck out one and allowed a hit during a scoreless first inning of work yesterday as the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS opened SPRING TRAINING play with a 10-7 win over the Indians.
Travis Ishikawa homered twice for the Giants.
I was just happy to read a BOX SCORE again: It's a sign that winter is on the run and the arrival of spring is inevitable.
I am currently working on a story that poses the question: "Is baseball still the national pastime?"
People are telling me no, that other forms of entertainment have robbed the sport of its special place in society.
The photo above displays the historical place of baseball among all levels of society. This shot from the JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM shows a baseball team based at a World War II-era internment camp.
Baseball could rise above war, fear and prejudice (eventually).
I'm just glad it's back.