As I sit in the Wilson press box watching the fireworks on this Independence Day 2009, deflated after a Sharks loss, I can't help but think of baseball in the grand scheme of life.

At times I think we forget how lucky we are that our big problems each day may only amount to another heart wrenching Sharks loss, or the deli's lack of our favorite cheese or the air conditioning not circulating enough on the Leap of Faith bus to keep us cool.

When it comes down to it we live in a country where, despite its flaws, each and every person has a chance to rise above their struggles and make something of their lives. Watching the fireworks on a 4th of July night, one can't help but be nostalgic, rightly so, and think of all of those men and women through more than two centuries who have made America the place it is today whether through sacrifice or successes.

On a hallowed day like today we get a chance to remember and honor both. The sacrifice of so many over the years on shores both near and far paved the way for all of the comforts and success we can enjoy each day. For that there is no honor or thanks great enough.

So before the syrup of my patriotism gets too thick and starts to run all over your computer I just want to send a thank you to all who served this country of ours and wish each and every one of our Sharks fans a very happy 4th of July.

-JW

(And don't worry, the Sharks are a team with too much fight to go quietly into the night, their time will come. It almost has to.)