Striking up Some Ratings for the Olympics

Tom Purcell on Jul 27, 2021

But most of the game’s best backyard moments involve some sort of comic relief.

I’ve seen unruly players, including my beer-bellied Uncle John, get so frustrated they eventually yell “fore!” and smack the ball into the weeds or a neighbor’s yard.

Though I joke about putting croquet on the Olympics schedule, watching a few hours of the laid-back game on TV would bring much needed levity and calm to a COVID-wracked world that is in dire need of both.

After all, in what other sport, during the heat of battle, is it possible to consume hot dogs and potato salad?

Plus, as far as I am concerned, any athletic event that has a legitimate reason for players to say “hold my beer” is one I’m going to enjoy.

Tom Purcell is an author and humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com.