As the season ends, thus begins the playoffs
The last evening of the regular season reached its conclusion pretty much as expected, with little change to the way things were (and still is).
Summer maintains a firm grasp on September, with no signs as waning even as the first day of school came and went. Even though rain and thunderstorms were forecast, none appeared, instead a sunny evening filled with humidity and perspiration invaded our game space. We did manage to survive the entire regular season without a rainout, even though many were forecast and the odd sprinkle did occasionally reveal itself unto the field. We don’t always treat Mother Nature well but, thankfully, she does not always act like a vindictive bit…er, like a woman scorned. However, best to keep your guard up. Buy her some flowers, maybe. Plant a tree.
As stated, no real surprises to the end of the regular season. One team came in first place, followed by another in second, a further one in third and one bringing up the rear in fourth place. Not really bringing up the rear but more of a full frontal loss, in your face, teasing but not quite coming through to fulfil. Just the kind of last place team that may prove to be a spoiler in the pennant race. Perhaps not, but something the first place team may lose some sleep over. Okay, maybe not but, as with Mother Nature, you may want to keep your guard up. In this case, flowers and trees would not suffice. Playoffs tend to be a whole different ball game.
The schedule, as defined in the last game off the season, will be the schedule as defined in the first game of the playoffs. The only change in position is the late game matchup will be the early game lineup and the early game matchup will fill in the late slot. Playoff games normally begin at 6:30 p.m. at the fields of Country Lane Park, on the street of the same name, side by each with Captain Michael Vandenbos Public School. But don’t go by my account, as our Communications Director will be sure to contact you somehow, ready and able to tell you where to go.
In any event, we will be playing on a lit field and it can never come too soon, as we don’t work for the post office and are extremely adverse to gloom of night (as is my camera). Sleet and snow would give us second thoughts as well, but none of these are a concern at the hind end of the season. So far anyway (see second paragraph, Mother Nature thing, hell hath no fury, yada, yada, yada).
As with any change in environment, playing under the lights can be a troublesome affair, especially for the rookies, but even the seasoned veterans can find some difficulty under the fluorescents. An occasional influx of insects gravitating towards the lights can sometimes be an undue influence as well. Plus, most of the seasoned veterans are older and the lateness of the full seven inning playoff games can sometimes extend past their bedtime, causing them to not quite be able to maintain 100 per cent. No worries, the old people as with the rookies, are evenly displaced amongst the four teams, so what effects one will more than likely affect the others. Even playing field. Literally. Much better outfield than the undulating hills and valleys of our home turf at Palmerston Park.
No real need to remind, but just keep having fun and try to avoid injury. Too late in the season not to be having fun and in way too advanced stages to suffer injury. And, for others, way too late to get a grasp on the rules, so just leave the decisions to the umpire and try not to miss a good game.
Good luck in the playoffs.
