As we continue our downward slide
Another one of those hot and muggy nights, the kind of ones you wish for in the middle of winter, the kind you reconsider when you’re knee deep in it, the kind just made for what we do, the kind of night for baseball. Of course. So, once again, we complied and took the field. The mugginess did not last all night, finally breaking and turning the evening into one of those pleasing summer nights. Unfortunately, this mostly took place after the sun has set, when the game we play has to compete with the encroaching darkness. Although it makes for a beautiful summer’s evening, it gets tougher to play out our adventure in the approaching gloom, at least the one we immerse ourselves in while out on the baseball diamond.
That said, we triumphantly beat out the gloom of night and completed both our games, with the same number of wins and the same number of losses endured. As the regular season dwindles down into the playoffs, most teams seemed to have hit their stride, formed a reasonable semblance of a team and played to their heart’s content. Teams accustomed to winning are finding it more difficult to record a victory, and others, more acquainted to the losing side, are beginning to hold their own, having their less than stellar efforts rewarded. Most games during the season have been close and the trend continues, with most games undecided and not a foregone conclusion until the last pitch is made. Bodes well for all as we head into that downward spiral into the playoffs. As always, its anyone’s game.
Although first place for the regular season is a solid lock, the struggle for last place continues, with the lesser placements still too hard to call. A couple of wins for a team, a loss or two for others, can rapidly dissolve the delicate balance between second, third and fourth, as the lesser teams compete for playoff placement, the honour of playing the regular season champions in the first round of the playoffs or simply getting stuck playing one of those middling teams. Or, perhaps the reverse, with teams trying to avoid the honours, to play a less notable team first. Probably that. Either way, it will most likely be too close to call, before, during and after. Or not. Time will tell. Can't trust him with any secrets. As commendable as it is to take one for the team, to give one’s all, to sacrifice one’s physical stability for the game, it is always best to remember that you are given a glove for a reason and it is always best to use that glove to field the ball rather than the other options available, the physical components of you body. Even though team members are grateful for run-saving plays, for remarkable attempts at fielding those balls, it is always best to try and avoid physical damage to one’s self. They will always appreciate the effort, but would prefer you stay in the game, prefer your efforts do not come at the expense of physical damage, by fielding the ball off parts of the body rather than into the glove where it was intended. Especially the face. Always avoid using the face. Some of us can no longer afford to suffer blows that may harm our physical looks. Always best to keep intact that which the lord gave you. He doesn't hand out spares.
Because we are all a damn fine good-looking bunch and it is best to keep it that way. Don't want to spoil it for the rest, even though it might make them look even more better. And, if you suffer from a pre-existing condition, best not to over-extend yourself. Prefer you on the field rather than in physical therapy. Mental disorders? No worries, welcome to the group. As in squirrels, we enjoy the odd nut. The more the merrier.
One more pointer. Sliding? Not going to make it to the next base on time? Sliding into the base is always an option. Never recommended due to the unyielding composition of our infield, but an option nonetheless. Still, definitely classifies as an over-extension. If you do decide to take the plunge, risk the possibility of permanently embedding gravel in your lower half, remember the goal is to actually come in contact the base at the completion of the slide. Otherwise, your sacrifice is for nought, even if stories will be told. Always make that gargantuan effort, as we all do, but if you feel it may put you in harm’s way, try to give it some extra thought. Self-altercations cannot always be avoided but perhaps some can be prevented. Avoid the pain if you can. We’re just a perfect bunch of individuals, aged as we are, and we should do our utmost to keep it that way.
