And so it begins
First game of the regular season is under our belt, since there is no room left above it for most. Just kidding, always room for more. The weather cooperated for the most part, although inundated with mostly overcast skies and cooler temperatures underneath. Not a typical spring day, but comfortable and we all need to take comfort wherever we can get it.
The games were mixed, one too close to call until the last inning, the other a little more far-fetched. All teams managed to score runs (eventually). We began the season only having one practice game in which to gather experience and hone our skills, which seemed, for most, all that was required to fully immerse everyone in the high calibre of play we have come to expect from ourselves. Okay, maybe not for most, maybe just for some. Okay, maybe just a few. Perhaps not high calibre of play. Perhaps, more mid-level…or lower. Perhaps more than we expected, but less than we are truly capable of. Okay, so we could probably all use more practice, all that we can get. But that's what you’ll get over the course of the regular season. No option but to move forward. Keep in mind, we more or less all start out on an equal footing. Where we end up is usually determined by the number of missteps we make between the start of the game and the end. Judging by the first set of regular games, that can be a lot. Hopefully, they will trail off as it comes closer to playoffs, with just the odd stumblebum wreaking mild havoc on the field. Hopefully. That is, of course, above and beyond the times one or more of use will put their foot in their mouth. I, myself, just like to pre-empt it all and jump straight in with both feet.
We can all take pride in the fact that we were essentially injury-free and we all left the field under our own steam. Albeit, some slower than others but, hey, it’s a long regular season, best to pace one’s self. Never know when they’ll expect you to expunge that little bit extra out of yourself, so probably best to save it, keep it in reserve for when you are called upon. Or, if never called upon, save it for another time. You’ll need it eventually as we all age further, so try not to waste it. New season, but no matter how things may change, most just simply stay the same. Firm hand on the rules still continues to escape the grasp of some, not only our enforced ones, but sometimes even the basic rules of baseball. No worries, you’ll learn, either by being openly ridiculed by other members of your team or being called out and corrected by the umpire. Most learn by the former rather than the latter. Harder perhaps, but always more fun for others. Most often referred to as taking one for the team, which we tend to do a lot, even without trying.
Others come late to the game. Well, not really late to the game, since everyone was already there, but late to the field, slowly coming to the realization that they should be somewhere other than sitting in the stands, a realization hurried along by that team ridicule thing. Again, taking one for the team, making it fun for others, painting a highly visible target on your back. Thanks for your sacrifice. Keep up the effort. And, keep in mind, a moving target is harder to hit, but it’s a small field. We will still most likely find the mark.
As always, the evening pretty much transpired as one would expect. Four teams split up into two games, two teams winning, two teams losing, everyone seemingly enjoying themselves. Nice if we could all win, but that is precluded by the basic nature of the game. Still, most seem to escape the evening with some sort of personal victory. Because, it’s not whether you win or lose, but how much fun you can squeeze out of your teammates. Thank goodness most of us have one of those easy open, clog-free spouts. And, for those of us in less than ideal shape, we’re much more squeezable, so all the more fun. On to next week.
