Bases loaded

It was one of those hot, sweltering July nights, inundated with a humidity that thickened the air, squeezing the perspiration out of even the coolest of players, making it difficult to play one game, let alone two. So, fools for the game we are, most of us decided to squeeze in two games. Foolish, of course, but that has never stopped us before, even if it is to the detriment of our well being. But, if you took that viewpoint, look at all the fun you might miss. Besides, the ground was parched and devoid of water, hard and dry and needed the extra moisture, even it it was just a lot of sweat and perspiration from older folk who have been around the bases maybe once too often, with little consideration for their own hydration. That said, the evening unfolded as it should, victories aside.

Still ironing out some of the rules (guidelines at best), but I’m sure that they will be all straightened out, at least within this decade. No matter, as most seem to forget them over the off-season. To avoid confusion (even if it keeps the newbies on their toes) and to assist in clarifying the rules, perhaps we should go back and visit some of the basics, such as playing the field or, at least just getting around the bases.

Pitching mound. Just sits there in the middle of the infield, trying to be the centre of attention, but being mostly ignored. The action begins here, with the ball being thrown to the hitter by those trying to emulate pitchers. Again, although the action is initiated from this point, after the balls are put in play, it simply becomes a third wheel at that point and can be simply shunned.

First base. Although we start at home plate, the first goal of the participant is this location. Critical because, as with a number of participation sports, everyone feels the need to at least make it to first base. It is the mark of good things to come. Making it this far means you successfully kissed the ball with the bat, while successfully avoiding contact with the players in the field. Little confusing as getting to first base is usually all about making full contact but, in this instance, it is a targeted contact, hitting on some while completely giving others the cold shoulder. You are 60 feet from home but 180 feet away from going all the way. There is no going back from this point. Second base. Most people who have a good feel for the game, can make it here. And not just copping a feel, but being fully immersed in the moment, fully participating. It is also the midway point, but let’s call it what it actually is, a rest stop. At our age, the best shape in our life may be a distant memory and, after moving 120 feet from home, lets face it, you’re probably tired. A good vantage point to take a short rest prior to attempting running another 120 feet to home, or at least trying for the 60 to third base. Plus, due to its location, a good place to take in the game. Good overall view, so grab what you can while you’re there (as long as it’s consensual).

Third base. Not much talk about this base, even though it is considered an oral victory to make it this far. Your penultimate destination prior to scoring completely, you have come a long way to make it this far. Actions all goes down from this point. You can see the final destination from here and are able to contemplate being able to go all the way. Usually reach this base in stages, but some are lucky enough to reach it in one shot. Just maybe not as much fun as building up to it in stages. Quicker, perhaps, but it is not always about being quick.

Home plate. If you’ve made it here, you’re done with all the foreplay and you have finally scored. However, for safety’s sake, you are not allowed to touch it whatsoever, relegated only to running a fair distance behind it. You’ve scored, while completely avoiding any direct, full frontal contact. Even as a hitter, coming up to the plate, you are only allowed to straddle it, standing slightly to the left or right of it. The only one allowed to touch it, is the catcher and it is their job to keep you from successfully making it to home plate, preventing you from scoring. Confusing, perhaps, but it’s all in the nature of the game. That’s rounding the bases. Scoring has many stages but rounding all the bases is the ultimate goal. These are all the bases you will need to visit to fully score, but feel free to come up with your own analogy, your own method of getting to home plate, your own way to score. And just remember, every Tuesday evening at Palmerston Field, you’re invited to play baseball. It’s always a date.