Really, it's not if you win or lose...

...it's how the game plays you (or something along those lines).

Now that everyone is slightly confused, it was another sunny, hot evening for baseball. The makes an unbelievable two in a row. After a somewhat unstable start, the weather gods have plastered smiles on their faces and looked our way in a favourable manner. Perhaps someone has done something right, done a good deed or just maintained a positive manner, so Mother Nature decided we just didn’t deserve what she was giving us (boy, was she giving it to us). In any case, whoever is doing these good things to create good karma and whatever you are doing to build it, keep it up. Even though Mother Nature is a woman, sometimes karma can be a right bitch. Best not to muck about with it.

We’re getting closer to midsummer and some teams are already feeling the heat and getting sparse, causing them to adopt players from other teams to fill out their roster. Always welcome these newcomers to your team, egg them on and give them a pat on the back. It can be damn hot out there and they are willing to sacrifice their level of comfort to partake in a second game, for a team that is not their own. They deserve a few kudos. Unless, well, unless they perform badly, not quite up to par. Then you can let the gloves fly and give them a decent good natured ribbing. Besides, even though they are playing for your team, they actually physically play for another, so a constant ribbing to deflate their ego may lower their level of confidence and may be advantageous to you the next time you play against them. In that case, don’t hold back. Rib them as viciously you would someone on your own team. And, for those exhibiting adequate skill levels, earned or perceived, not to worry. Sure we can find something else to rib you about. But, of course I jest. Not many of us has much air left in our egos (smart folk just leave what’s left of it at home), some lack a hearty level of confidence (overrated concept, hardly ever leading to amusement) and will play the same way we always play, no matter the ridicule. By the seat of our pants, hoping for the best, accepting the worst and playing it all out while trying to stifle a laugh. Most of us are just out for the fun of the game, the social experience, enjoying whatever comes our way, no matter the outcome. And, with our lessened retention skills, we can always imagine it was better than it actually was, especially after a day or two pass. Legends in our own minds.

But again, I kid. Most of us don’t even give it a second thought. And, even if we do, it is less likely in an effort to contemplate self-improvement, but more likely just to bring a smile to our face or induce a full-fledged belly laugh. Life is good. Midsummer and you would think that most of us would be coming into our own, exhibiting some sort of athletic superiority. Keyword think. Still a certain amount for errors out on the field, most resembling the basics of no-fault insurance. You know someone might have done something wrong, but you’re not sure if they are actually to blame. It’s not like they did it on purpose (we hope). In any event, just give them a decent ribbing and move on. Let the higher courts decide if any blame needs to be affixed. The judgement is usually not guilty. It’s not that we’re good or bad. We just don’t play enough too develop a level of consistency. Your athleticism is never at question, it’s just

how often you can display it with any authority. However, the best results are attained when one questions authority, so it may be overrated, nothing to strive for. Most of us will have opportunities to excel, display prowess on the field but we all look so damn fine just doing what we do, that it is of no consequence how we play. Good thing. We must be doing something right because we just keep coming out. Even if it is partly due to skill or getting our moment to shine, it is probably mostly because of the fun. Even though I always try to be skilful (keyword try), it takes less effort to have some fun. It’s all in the company you keep. Definitely think we are all in good company.