It never, ever really ends

First game in September, last game of the regular season, hot, humid and sunny. A beautiful night for ball.

However, there was still a slight gloom hanging over the field as we came to terms with the passing of one of our own, Paula Lee Houghton (wife of Don). She finally succumbed to her struggle, fighting a brave battle with leukemia and leaving us all with a void to fill. One less position on the field, one spot that would be difficult to replace. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all her family and friends, those most affected by her absence. She wasn’t the best fielder, the best hitter nor even the best runner, but she was always an integral part of the game, an active participant and will be sorely missed. Perhaps, wherever she now may be, she can take some time out to watch over our games. We promise to be amusing and entertaining and could never refuse the extra guidance and support when out playing on the field. She will be missed, but as long as we remember her, she will never be truly gone. Moving on but not away, on to the evening’s festivities, that which we call baseball. A loose definition, perhaps.

Tip of the Day: Pitchers. Contrary to popular belief, your goal is not to record multiple strikeouts. As previously stated, it was the last game of the regular season and I am happy to announce everyone was able to clinch a berth in the playoffs. The ‘Bat Busters’ ran away with the regular season and, although the games were closer than the total points indicate, they still amassed the most (oodles is the technical term, I think) and get the prestige of lugging about the second most important honor of the season. Maybe even third or fourth, depending on the scale you apply.

Last place honours go to ‘Budweiser’ and 'Mooseheads', who were able to log the least number of points for the season but, as always, were both able to do it with incredible relish and style, while maintaining an incredible fashion sense. Since 'Budweiser' won more games against the 'Mooseheads', the latter clinches last. The remaining team, the ’Bevies and Bats', complacently battled to finish in the middle of the field but, honestly, who ever remembers the middle class. Top and bottom always get the kudos, are always noteworthy, those in the middle either weren’t trying hard enough or trying too hard and were unable to gain a position that was below or above average.

In the upcoming playoffs, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for, so I guess that excludes most of us. Best to just watch everybody. More amusing that way. Games now move to Country Lane, under the lights. ‘Bevies and Bats’ and ‘Budweiser’ meet first at 6:30 pm, for a full seven innings of amusement and hilarity, to determine which of them can finish slightly above average. The leftovers, ‘Mooseheads’ and ‘Bat Busters’ take the field after that, loosely scheduled for 7:30 pm, to continue the struggle for supremacy of the league. Okay, just more amusement and hilarity. Home team to be decided by a flip of something with opposing sides. Ironic. Remember, if you do happen to need a sub during the playoffs, the captain of the opposing team has to consent as well. And, as always, like for like and we don’t mean looks.

The following week, more of the same. At least, same place, same time. Losers go first, competing for further anonymity, to see who is able to grasp the firm reality of last place, a distinguished position of note in the league. A lofty goal. Winners go second, if just to fill the time slot. Kidding, everyone is playing for all the marbles and, assessing the league overall, most could use them, as we all seem to be missing some. We always manage a game even if we never play with a full deck. Good luck to all, no matter your ambitions.