Fan Credits Lifetime of Cognitive Dissonance for Ability to Enjoy Baseball Now

Ethan Miller wasn’t sure how he’d react.

“You look at how the virus is very much not under control in many parts of the country. The testing shortages and delays are back for pretty much everyone except athletes. No one really knows what the best way forward is with schools.

“But man, did you see Rich Hill last night? That was awesome.”

Miller, a St. Peter-based financial adviser, has watched every Twins game along with a handful of others since the season started. He says that a solid background in enjoying things he maybe shouldn’t helped him deal with watching baseball during a pandemic.

“My favorite singer growing up, bar none, was Michael Jackson,” said the 46-year-old father of three. “I just heard ‘Billie Jean’ on the oldies station and turned it up. This was the same day I re-watched (Roman Polanski’s) Chinatown for like the 50^th time. So, yeah.”

Miller says his ability to compartmentalize goes beyond his entertainment preferences.

“My doctor said I really need to watch my cholesterol, especially given my family’s history of heart disease,” said Miller. “Yesterday, after horfing down my Chipotle order with extra sour cream and chasing it with a large fountain Coke, I definitely thought of that.”

While the MLB outbreak appears to be limited to the Miami Marlins so far, Miller is prepared to deal with any further incidents on a case-by-case basis.

“Yeah, if it’s just a random guy or two here and there, I think I can deal with my conscience pretty easy,” Miller said, tugging at the collar of his Adrian Peterson jersey. “But if I wake up and see that half the Rangers have it, it could take me a good hour or two of nagging self-doubt before getting back to normal.”

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