What If His Name Were José Altuve?
When ICE detained Venezuelan baseball coach Oswaldo Pirela, DHS declared that “no one is above the law.” Pirela isn’t José Altuve.
But, that’s precisely the point.
An ICE detention involving a Venezuelan baseball coach raises uncomfortable questions about immigration, humanity, government power, and why we care differently when the person involved is someone we already consider one of us.
Two Songs at the Ballpark
A seventh inning stretch at an Astros game sparked a reflection on patriotism, belonging, and why baseball’s organic rituals may unite us better than nationalistic ones.