Getting it right (with a possible delay)

Another beautiful evening for a game of baseball. So, obliging as we tend to be, we played one. Well, two actually, although most players did not get to enjoy the labor of both games. Guess that is the extent of our endurance (see last week’s blog). Only the second game(s) of the regular season, but we all seem to be holding up well, avoiding permanent injury, even though some seem to insist on the attempt. Other than the odd pull or strain or simple inability to hit, field or catch at a professional level, all appears to be fitting in with our lowered expectations of athleticism, readily replaced by our full expectations of fun and enjoyment. Not that any of us do not strive to be athletic in our endeavours, just that some of us look so damn funny doing it. All for the best. As they say, if you can’t beat them, enjoy them. May have paraphrased that a wee bit. We all seem to be ready and willing and eager to play (once we show up), the only possible delay to the start of the game stemming from the construction and positioning of the pitching screen. Judging by the number of hits taken by this shield, think it is well worth exercising the patience and maintaining the struggle to see it put together properly. Although, as it sometimes occurs, batters might feel the pitcher could learn something from a good whack, such as those leading the league in strikeouts. Another possible delay could stem from the odd bout of social interaction, persons unaware that it is their time to take the field. Perhaps justifiable, since some of us do not see each other all too often, we’re a damn fine bunch of individuals, get along with everyone (as much as humanly possible) and are just so much damn fun to be around with. And, not to worry, if you take too long to assume your position on the field, most of your teammates are sure to yell out your name and make you the centre of attention, even if that is not the position you play.

Yet another possible delay might occur from a slight level of disorganization. But hell, this isn’t the big league, we are not managed by highly experienced and extremely overpaid individuals, so best to grin and bear it. We can all benefit from the odd delay to our antics on the field, one that gives us a chance to catch our breath, gather our thoughts and generally reflect on life. Or, to just be able to yell at someone on the other team. Either or, it all gets done. I, myself, try to hold my breath, keep my thoughts to myself, show a little restraint, try not to make a commotion and enjoy the time. Well, OK, perhaps I just enjoy the time. Besides, all the coaches are volunteers, highly underpaid individuals. Still, they stepped up to the plate. Most more than once. Obviously they’ll never learn, no matter what we may say. Might not be too considerate to comment on their inconsistencies but, damn, it can still be fun. Besides, we should all be comfortable in our own level of inconsistency at this point in our life. We should all be able to dish it out as well as take it. Never be more than a few mouthfuls. In any event, at some point in time, you will be served. But, seriously, they all do a damn fine job. Kudos to all those who are willing to make that sacrifice to coach for the good of the group. And kudos to the group for living with their sacrifice. They do the best with what they are given and we can be a motley crew (not a musical reference). And even if you are not wholly responsible for creating the recipe for the evening, for putting all the ingredients together, you can always be there to offer a hand, to help out, to assist. Even if it is just to stir the pot. All in all, we seem to amusingly begrudge each other with little to no effort. We have fun with each other. Nothing really serious going on here. Looking at how the evening transpires, week in and week out, it seems we are getting it right. Even if it sometimes does take a little longer.