The Traveling Spotlight: I'm Turning Into a Jock Strap

Monday, August 23, 2004

I'm Turning Into a Jock Strap

Softball playoffs Week 1:
There isn't a muscle on my body from the shoulders down that is not sore at this very moment. Seriously...I hurt, but I played well. We Flowerville Wildcats won our first game, beating the higher seeded "Lady Buffalos" (formerly called Lady Bulls) 7-1. Yes, Tunagirl, you would have been a proud little fishy. This boy caught a ball thrown in from center field, tagged out the runner going for home, threw it to third who tagged out that runner, and who passed it to second for a triple play.

Game 2, Wildcats vs. Bears (The team I played for last year). We lost...fair and square. What I like though about this league is that most every team cheers me on, even when we are playing against each other. While playing the Bears, their best player pulls me aside to give me some hitting advice, telling me that I'm losing my swing power because I am moving my hips. I lock my hips and hit a double, and while I'm running to the base, the opposing team is cheering me on!

So many of the people on this league are people that suffered teasing by the jocks in high school. These guys pushed sports out of their lives and avoided it for years, only to try once again, in what they hope is a supportive league. For most teams, they get that support. Last year was my first time picking up a ball and mitt in 27 years. I had no idea how to catch a ball, and had never hit a ball in my life. So to learn to do both, I take as a serious accomplishment.

Game 3. Wildcats vs. Lizards vs Blind Umpire. We lost but both teams agree that this umpire is just not mentally there. She called a strike on a ball that was pitched behind the batter. Both teams know...just swing on anything. It's your safest bet. We look forward to playing them next week with a more perceptive umpire.

Bowling Season:

Somehow I was elected captain of my bowling team, which means I get to make all the phone calls regarding when we start up, decide on a team name, and insure team fees are being paid. We have a good group team though, and since both Shamus and I are horrible, we have a great handicap.

Volleyball:
When Volleyball had ended last year, our team manager had told me that she would not be restarting her team. After speaking with someone, I found that I was actually being shut out from my old team as they are joining the league again. Surprised? Yes. Hurt? Not really...as I had already been in the works to start up another team. Somehow...I've been elected team captain of this one too. Thus, besides collecting $55 from each player, getting shirt sizes, getting a team name and sponsorship, and setting up a few practice times, I've found two upper division players to coach us. It's official...my plate is full.

So looking at Volleyball team names, I've received some suggestions