Times contributor Sam Eifling, who’s lately abandoned us to travel the globe, writes entertainingly today in Slate about his job until recently, what he calls “one of the more absurdist errands in sports journalism”— reporting on bass fishing tournaments.

Let’s say you tried to cover a baseball game the way I reported on a BASS tournament. You’d start by watching the ceremonial first pitch. Next, leave the stadium, only to return three hours later to read the line score. Then have a go at interviewing the players, knowing they’ll keep mum on how all the runs scored for fear the opposing team will glean some useful information about how to swing the bat.

Advertisement

It’s a funny piece. Even if you don’t care anything about journalism or bass fishing.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Update: Bossa Nova Next article Re Lou Holtz for Congress