Asks Quote by Thomas Boswell
“The best place to catch a baseball hit by (Mark) McGwire is definitely not within the confines of the playing field, or sometimes even the ballpark. Other players dial '1' for long distance. McGwire has to ask for an international operator.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Baseball column, Sports Illustrated, 1998
The quote humorously suggests that McGwire’s home runs are so powerful they would need an international phone call to be reached, implying they travel far beyond the stadium.
In simple terms: McGwire’s hits are exaggerated as extremely long.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hyperbole in sports commentary.
Themes
humor
exaggeration
baseball
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
humorous
satirical
When to use this quote
- sports commentary
- fan discussions
- media analysis
Key Concepts
hyperbole
sports myth
media rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How does exaggeration affect perception of athletes?
- When is hyperbole appropriate in reporting?
A Different Perspective
The joke may overstate reality, misleading casual listeners.
![“[B]aseball is diffracted by the town and ballpark where it is played... Does baseball, like a liquid, take the shape of its container?” quote by Thomas Boswell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/924/thomas-boswell-16231_ballparks_b-aseball-is-diffracted-by-the-town-and_1826098.jpg)
