You're perfect just the way you are

Under the threat of potential weather, we were once again able to dodge another bullet and had to suffer another fine evening of ball, no matter the quality of the game. Although the forecasted rain never fully materialized, we still got to deal with the residue of earlier precipitation, which left its indelible mark on the batter’s boxes surrounding home plate. Not saying it left some big puddles, but if Noah had still been about, he might have been able to see if his ark would float. Time to call in the grounds crew.

Wont as I am to mention names, thanks to Brian Graper, who volunteered to hoof it home and bring back some equipment to fix the mess, including a rake so large it may not have even fit on the ark. With ample equipment in their grasp, a number of labourers were able that make short work of the mess about home plate, making it the prettiest it may have been all year. And, of course, it could never have been accomplished successfully without the oversight of several foremen. Like a city work crew, nothing can get done well without an excessive number of people about to watch the work progress. Thanks to everyone for pitching in and, for the rest of us, thanks for just showing up. No, really, thanks. We couldn’t have the games without you. If you weren’t there, all the extra effort fixing the field would have all gone to waste. Everyone does what they can and it all works out for everyone. Like all good baseball players, we all pitch in, we all do our part and we all make it work. No matter the amount of effort, we all come together to make it work.

And then we take the field. Sometimes less like all good baseball players. Late in the season, and still, some plays seem to go casually awry, some balls get inadvertently missed and some people just aimlessly run into other people. Figure by now we all might be getting better at it. But where’s the fun in that? Don’t get me wrong. Each game is chock full of exceptional plays, beauty hits and miraculous catches. We all deserve a pat on the back. Go ahead, commend yourself. Finished? Good. There is also a number of missed plays, leaving us far from perfect. But not to worry. As exceptional as perfection is, it is ultimately boring, playing without the fear of mistake, playing with the lack of apprehension of making an error or two. With all the guesswork gone, there is little fun left to be had. And, the way we usually play the game, we all seem to lean towards being a humorous bunch. Ideal as it may be, perfection is not all it’s cracked up to be and it is far less likely to crack up others. Although it is always something to strive for, a goal most have, it is not always about catching it, as there is always more fun to be had in the chase.

And when those exceptional plays come our way, they seem all the sweeter. That’s my rationalization in any event and it seems to be working out for most, well, me anyway. So, don’t take it too hard on yourself when you make those errors. You’re probably making the game more enjoyable for someone else. Laugh it off, shake yourself off and move on to the next play. It’s bound to work out better than the last one. Eventually. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. For this week, at least.