"I long for the days when athletes were revered. I want to see the romance return to sports, to see people enjoy the game purely for the game and the players"

In this quote, Mike Piazza expresses his yearning for a time when professional athletes were held in high esteem and appreciated by society. He yearns for the days when sports were not just about competition and winning, however likewise about the love and passion for the video game itself. Piazza desires to see the "love" of sports return, where individuals can value the ability and commitment of the gamers without the distractions of scandals and debates. He wishes for a time when the purity of the video game is valued above all else, and individuals can merely delight in the sport for what it is. Piazza's words show a desire for a return to an easier and more authentic appreciation of sports.