A wee bit beyond the rules

Another one of those hot and sultry nights, better suited for immersing one’s self fully in some kind of cold liquid rather than playing ball. But, it’s Tuesday and play ball we must. So we complied, even if some did so more fully than others. Heading into mid-summer is when some teams seem to hit their stride, pulling it altogether, amassing runs against more less fortunate teams, winning, in some games, handily. Ironically, this is also the time of the season when most of your regular players are off enjoying themselves elsewhere and teams are fielding more subs than regular players. An infusion of new blood always tends to stir things up. Funny how that works. Perhaps it is simply coincidence that a prevalence of subs lead to victory or perhaps the teams have just fully meshed, overcoming any obstacle to be able to snatch victory from defeat. I lean towards the coincidental bit. No mashing about. In any event, something is bound to fall apart at some point. Anything can happen up until the last two games of the season, when it becomes all or nothing, do or die, boom or bust. Until then, no pressure. And, no point it setting the bar too high. The higher it gets the more likely someone can slip in under it. Some nice hits this week, some remarkable catches, all intermixed with some not so pretty plays and some not so remarkable misses. Okay, some of the misses were also remarkable, not due to their rarity but more due to the athletic prowess and ability displayed in successfully not making the play. All entertaining, all commendable, some just outright good for a chuckle or even a rip-roaring laugh. All in all, a typical, enjoyable evening of ball. Even if it was nothing to write home about, definitely nothing to be ashamed about. What doesn’t kill us makes us have to come out and do it all over again. Or, just makes us stronger. But smell isn’t everything. Some memorable moments, some good, some bad. All enjoyable. Usual stuff. We’ve rounded the bases, ran the positions, even violated some of the rules. You think that would about cover it it. However, there may be just a few more things to be wary of, things to practice, specifically in our league.

Fielders. There for a reason. Rare, but some are less likely not to miss a catch. Best to avoid them. To play it safe, best to avoid all the fielders when batting. Difficult for two reasons. First, difficult for most to hit the ball where they want to all the time. Most often luck of the draw. Second, the fielders do not maintain a fixed position and are prone to movement. Some can move quicker than most. May be hard to hit a moving target but, unfortunately in this case, the target is moving towards the hit. Fielders, on the other hand, might be best to watch out for other fielders. Although it is possible for certain items to occupy the same space at the same time, people ain’t one of them. Runners. Watch out for these and not necessarily just the ones on the opposing team. Need to watch out for those batting behind you, especially those prone to roadrunner tactics. If you make it to first and they come to bat next, try to be wily, be prepared to move your ass, else they may run it down, like a cheetah running after its prey. Not to worry, no one has been caught or bitten yet, though some may get so close that you can hear them breathing down your neck. But, feel free to toy with them and run really, really slow as they are not allowed to pass you. That is, if you don’t mind the odd few yelling at you.

Errors. Even the pros experience these. Due to our lowered expectations, we tend to experience a few more, if not several. Okay, a lot. Bloop hit on the infield? Run that puppy out as it may require one, if not more, players to get you out. The more players involved, the more likely one will just muck the whole thing up, allowing you to still reach base safely. For those making errors, do not carry it about like an albatross around your neck. If everyone did, the bird would be an endangered species. Make your errors count, embellish your mistakes, make them entertaining. If we can’t be good, we can at least create an amusing visual spectacle for others. Errors may cost you the game, so just try to ensure you are not the last person to make one. You most likely are not the first. In any event, most will be forgotten within the passing of a week or it may be dredged up repeatedly, haunting you until the end of your days. Either way, worth it and a chance most seem willing to let you take.

Pitchers. You gotta love them, they’re on your team. Some might even go home with you. Yet, just because they are on your team, does not mean they will give you the pitch you want, else we wouldn’t have to give them three tries. When at bat, make those pitches count, because there is never a guarantee that the next one will be as good (or as bad) as the first (or second). And remember, you really gotta love them. Although, best to try and avoid any sort of contact, be it physical or just using the ball. Probably a rule, if not a law, somewhere about it.

Umpire. You do something wrong, he’ll most likely catch you. Give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s there to protect you, even if it is from yourself. He bears you no ill will…at least not on purpose. And, as always, be aware of your surroundings. That way you are less likely to miss the funny bits.