Let the games begin
First regular season under the belt. Now that wasn’t too hard, was it? Well, at least, for most of us. Things went as expected, two games played, two teams won, two teams lost, everyone had some fun. If not, you are still doing it wrong. Close games. Perhaps just so close because they follow one another, but fairly reasonable. Think of it this way. They were so close that we have two teams tied for first place, the other two tied for second. So still, technically, no one is alone in last place yet. Kudos to everyone, another notch on the belt.
No major injuries to report other than the odd pull from running and the occasional person just falling down. To be fair, said person was running backwards, a state of motion most tend to avoid. Lesson learned. Probably not. Captains are doing a fine job. Taking the motley crew that we can be and building us into a semblance of order is no easy task. Even if not always successful, they are all volunteers and necessary to the game, so you have to commend them for being brave (or foolish) enough to step up to the plate. Never a valid reason to complain. Not to say I might not mention it, it’s just that you can’t complain. If you do, they might make you do it, so best to remain silent. All aside, excellent job by the captains (obviously, I don’t want to do it). New and old players alike seem to be adjusting well to the rigors of the game, hitting well, fielding well and staying upright on the field. Well, most. Some seriously fine catches were made during both games, some from unexpected sources (no, I did not finally catch a ball), others made while leaping and stretching, a few exceeding the normal physical extension of the average human. Throw in the odd pirouette and the game might turn itself into a ballet of movement. However, would tend to avoid something that ends in the splits, but that might just be me.
Now begins the grueling, arduous task of playing multiple games over the summer, culminating in the fall with the playoffs. Did I say grueling and arduous? Meant fun and enjoyable. At our age, sometimes easy to mix those words up. Especially when you put constant pressure on bones and muscles only randomly used for physical activity. Add in the fact they are old bones and muscles and we are itching for a slew of players on the disabled list or, at least, numerous courtesy runners over the course of the season. The number of required courtesy runners already does seem to be on the increase. Which takes us back to one of last week’s tips. Stretch before, during and after the game. Can’t be avoided during the game, but you have to do it manually before and after, under your own steam, without the benefit of someone chasing you with a ball, making you run full force to first or hitting the ball in your general direction. Sound advice, best taken, to better avoid strains, stretches and cramps, all due to muscles not normally used when the body is at rest (a position most of us generally prefer). If it is all too much for you, you can skip the after part.
You could also skip the before part, but you are more likely to require medical assistance, be it in pill form, liquid form or via the use of additional equipment other than just a bat, a ball and a glove. Not quite into the age of bionics, so we are referring to aids made of straps, velcro, leather and tensor type elasticity. Other than the expected casual wear, best to avoid having to dress up, strap in and otherwise buckle up for just a friendly game of ball. So stretch, dammit. The life you save may be the one that has to do all your running for you.
