Interesting. I also agree with one of the posters there that Garner should have been aware of the illusion. Ensberg did a nice dance around the question of why Garner didn't know.

Looking further down in his comments, he said:

"I always like to remind people that baseball is business that is built around making money. I love the game of baseball, but I only pursued it because I could make a huge amount of money. If MLB players made $10,000 I would have gone out and found another job. Remember, I was a walk–on at USC anyway"

Sometimes honesty isn't the best policy

MVH, I can't disagree with you more on your post. You are trying to frame my response as though I am saying I only played because of the money. Is that what you think or do you think I was trying to say that I am a realist who was given an opportunity to make millions playing a game I love? I love to surf, but I can't earn enough money surfing for a living. I like golf but again, I can't make a living playing.

Honesty is always the best policy. Would you rather be lied to?

Morgan Ensberg

Sorry, I should have picked a better phrase. I should have said - "it may be true, but I wouldn't have said it out loud."

And no, I don't blame you - $10,000 wouldn't exactly pay the rent. I would like to think, though, that because you love the game, that it wouldn't take millions to get you to play. I'd take it you would play for, say, $80k a year?

First off, Mr. Ensberg's post is the coolest comment in the history of Baseball Crank, and I have been reading this site since 2002.

Second, I too share curiosity about the question raised by maddirishman. I've been to Minute Maid many a time, and did not know or hear anything about this optical illusion, just one of any of a hundred things you don't realize as a fan. It's a fascinating post -- and certainly an interesting explanation -- but still, one would think Garner would be aware of this issue by now. Perhaps in the heat of the moment, he forgot.

Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article