Thus the playoffs commence

Well, it was a long haul, but the playoffs finally arrived. With two games under our belt, just two more required to discover our ultimate place in the universe. Or maybe just the neighbourhood. Most were able to cover the entire distance, arriving at the playoffs relatively unscathed (at least the marks don’t show), but some underestimated the required mileage and were unable to successfully finish the trip, taking one or more rest stops along the journey. Others hit a few bumps on the the road, but most were able to get back on track and remain in the game. Others did crash and burn and were unable to get back on the road. To everyone who went off road during the season, those who got left behind, it wasn’t the same without you, even though we all mustered up the courage to carry on in your absence. Thanks for coming out and, hopefully, thanks for coming out again. If not this season, next.

Once again under the lights, we maintained our indomitable style and flourished on the field, be it with successful plays or simply extraordinary errors. Usually no middle ground with most of us, as we do everything with style, be it for better or worse. It usually all evens out to make us look slightly above average. If not, that’s what the rest of the team is for, to fill in the gaps. No ‘I’ in team, unless your spell check fails. Even if it simply means there are others unto which to affix blame. If not, the lights and the bugs are also good go to’s. If you have the balls, you can even blame it on the quality of the equipment, even if it is all in fine working order (except, I am told, for a slight odor of the bags, a smell not likened to Febreze). The first game was a close affair. An up and down match, a dead heat that was tied at the end of seven innings. Thanks to Sid, our umpire, well versed in all that is softball, we were able to add an international flair to decide the outcome. Well, at least, international rules. Continued into the eighth, with the batting team putting their last out in the seventh inning on second base, one out recorded. Same format for the bottom of the inning. Repeat as necessary. And you thought the infield fly rule was complicated. Even with this format, the game was not ultimately decided until the bottom of the tenth inning and, as is our fashion, it had to finish with an error. But, as always, an exceptional error. However, like a good staring contest, first one to blink loses. Unfortunately, we cannot all be winners although, on a metaphysical level, we all are. As Stuart Smalley would say, ‘I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and, doggonit, people like me.’. We’re all that...well, two out of three ain’t bad, even if we are lacking in the middle bit.

All in all, a most excellent game. Little biased since I took part, but it was still good even with my presence. Second game was a slightly different affair, that is, not so close. It was as if both teams weren’t even in the same time zone, so I guess it had some international flair as well. Even if it was just due to the international dateline. They may have been so far apart, some team members may have been suffering from jet lag, just trying to get back on the field. It was as if the losing team were throwing the chance to play for the championship, just to position themselves to play a better team next week. Again, a little biased, as that would be the team I play on. Okay, I’ll relent. The winning teams both played exceptional games, earning the wins, if not the accolades. Even if we remind quiet, we were all cheering for you on the inside. Well, that’s my line. Still, have to say the game I will be playing in should be the better one, even if it is not for the championship. Just the way it works out on a personal level. Doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, at least to the losers. Still had fun playing the game.

I do, however, as with most during the playoffs, stay for both games and enjoy the gamesmanship and social interaction that takes place during all the games. Can’t help being a little bit impartial, but that should not take away from any game being better than the other. They are all good, even if the caliber is not high, due to the people involved. Don’t think we ever have a bad game in that case. Dammit, but we are all a fine group of individuals and can perform even better as a team. Each and everyone of us.

Before i start misquoting Tiny Tim, time to move away from the fluff. Going forward, the losers play in the same place at 6:30 p.m. next week, with the winners following up after the conclusion of the first, playing for all the marbles. I’ve never been known to play with all my marbles since I lost some, but assume that is something completely different. Anyhow, could specify the teams that play each other and when but, if you don’t know, you’re missing some damn fine baseball and can do your own legwork. Win or lose, it’s hard to see the season come to an end. Come out for both and enjoy the finality that it brings (until next season, that is).