Monday, April 27, 2009

Scrimmage #2




I have other things to write about – a couple of blog awards I’ve received; my impending dental surgery; the Celtics or Bruins or Red Sox – but I’m tired. I just played the second fast-pitch softball scrimmage of the year.

(After my Earth Day rant, this will seem mighty tame. Don't worry. If you want obscenity, just give me a few days to build my steam back up. I've never been able to completely keep my cool for more than a couple of weeks.)

I played seven or eight innings in the field. It was 73 or 75 degrees, and I broke a good sweat for the first time. It felt good, but I’m tired. So, I’ll tell you a little about the scrimmage and then I’m going to have some lunch and enjoy the Celtics game.

I met some of my new teammates this week, and a few more of the old good ones showed up for the first time. I think we’ve got a 17-man roster, so I won’t expect to play more than one game a week (out of the two we play each Sunday) unless we’re extremely shorthanded.

I felt pretty good playing first base, so maybe I can add some value to the team as another possible body to throw out in the field rather than just being a DH all year. I’ve lost a step, but I’m smarter than a lot of guys. What I mean is I’ve had a whole bunch of experience, so I can sometimes help to pull off a play I’ve got no business pulling off.

Example: There was a situation where the other team had first and third, two outs. Joey Baszkiewicz, our catcher, made a snap throw down to Big Jay Atton at third, in an attempt to pick off a runner. He didn’t get him, but I saw my guy on first taking a big lead when Joey made that throw. I figure he’s not going to expect a snap to first immediately after the unsuccessful one to third. He’s ripe for the picking. Problem is, I hadn’t worked out any signs with Joey to alert him for an attempted pick off. So, here’s what I did.

Joey Baszkiewicz, as I say, was the catcher. Jack Atton was our pitcher. You know how infield chatter goes, with guys saying, "Come on, so-and-so, here we go" and stuff like that? Usually, it’s directed at the pitcher. Well, I figure the guys on the other team aren’t so familiar with us that they’ll know I’m NOT talking to the pitcher if I say, "Here we go, Joey!" And I figure if I say his name, Joey will perk up and get the idea to snap it to me. So, I yell out, "Here we go, Joey!" and Joey did pick up on it, snapped it to me, and we got the pickoff, end of inning. A less-cerebral first baseman – not to mention catcher - does not get that job done, so that was satisfying.

I fielded my position well, as I said, but my hitting wasn’t great. I wasn’t too far off, though. I found myself lunging for a couple of pitches and got too much air under them. I was just overanxious. If I stay in my stance, don’t lean to reach those pitches, I either have a couple of vicious shots into right center or at least another ball in the count each time (we had no umpires for the scrimmage, so...) I’ll correct that easily enough.

Good to see guys like Joey and Big Jason. Jason is the guy I gave my glove to after my "retirement", and I like to remind him of that fact every time I see him. He still has the glove, still with my signature on it, and I keep telling him to protect that signature because he’ll be able to get three dollars and twenty-seven cents for it someday on E-Bay.

In reality, it’s kind of cool to know my glove will still be playing after I’m really and truly retired following this year.

Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m feeling good enough to give it one more shot this year and then call it a day. One more shot at a championship, which I’ve never gotten at any level in my 45 years of ball. One more shot.

It feels good.

Some of the guys were saying I only show up in order to have material for my blog. I told them I wasn’t sure if I would publish softball stuff every Monday this year. That brought about general moans and groans, since they like to read about themselves. I should qualify that. They like to read about themselves if they DO WELL. Hey, so do I. I don’t blame them.

I’ll write about it as the spirit hits me. I expect it will be most Mondays following our games, but maybe not all of them.

Well, the Celtics are coming on. I’ll be back tomorrow with something about those blog awards I got, then Wednesday with something about my bottom teeth. I’m having all of my bottom teeth, except two, out on Thursday, and I’ll be fitted for a temporary denture at that time. We’re supposed to start the season next Sunday, three days after my teeth are out. I'll be ready to play.

No other blog entries, following Wednesday, until next Monday. If you’re the type, I’d appreciate a prayer concerning the dental stuff. If you’re not the type, I’d STILL appreciate a prayer, you heathen. What the hell! It’s for me! I’m a nice guy, so get down on your knees!

Soon, with more better stuff.


25 comments:

Reasons said...

Hooray go Suldog! Enjoy the post match rest.

Jeni said...

You really do amaze me that you're back out on the field again this year! But, when you love a game -and who can't love baseball- what better to do then but get out and "Play ball!"
Dentist again, huh? Ouch. I can empathize and sympathize as well as toss in a prayer or two.
Peace.

Michelle H. said...

All my prayers go to you for the dentist appointment.

So glad you enjoyed your second scrimmage. Rest up!

GreenJello said...

Having that many teeth pulled does NOT sound fun. You can always pull a fast one, if needed, at the next game... pretend to get hit in the face, and say the pitcher knocked your teeth out.

Pat - Arkansas said...

You... retire after this year? Hah! We'll see what we see!

OK.. I'm the praying type, so I'll keep you and your lower gums in my prayers starting on Wednesday (hey.. .it doesn't hurt to pray ahead)and will trust that come Sunday you'll still be wearing your temp dentures and not cussing too much! My sympathies to YOUR WIFE as she puts up with you through the first few weeks of toothlessness.

Rosaria Williams said...

I will tell you, dents must be respected, or dental surgery gets worse with each decade. You aouns strong and fit; nothing will get you down.

Keep up the rant.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, you always MAKE me laugh...even on a MONDAY!!!!! Great thinking during the game!!! And you've got my prayers...Love this!

MVD said...

Wait, so you won't be live blogging from the dentist's chair as he ties string from your bottom teeth to the doorknob?

Have you at least discussed this possibility with your dentist?

Anonymous said...

Darling Suldog,I am so happy that you are happy but that was almost all, Greek to me.

But hey, good luck with the dentist, I feel for you, you know I do.

Jinksy said...

Dent de Lion of another sort, Suldog? Best of British luck - though thinking abut it, this may not be the best variety to send at the moment, as us Brits need it all ourselves.... xxx anyway.

Anonymous said...

What I mean is I’ve had a whole bunch of experience, so I can sometimes help to pull off a play I’ve got no business pulling off.

You always make me laugh. It is a nice way to start a Monday.

Good luck with the dental stuff. Hate the place myself. I am the type. I pray it goes well for you!

Karen said...

I'm the type and I'm praying that your dental surgery goes well and you heal quickly! :)

Alison said...

Hope they are putting you "under" for the surgery. It's the best way to go. I had the uppers done many years ago because of an accident. I'm sure the techniques have advanced even more after all these years, so it will be a peice of cake for you!
You have my thoughts and prayers... but you will be well without them anyhow!

I loved being on the co-ed softball team. Sure wish my old bones would stand it again. I had so much fun... although I was much better as a catcher than I was as an outfielder. I certainly understand your passion for the game.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Hey, KnuckleHead! We need a celebration over your obtaining your 100TH Follower!

I promise to pray for you, as I share the same dental phobia. *shudder*

PS All I wanna know about that baseball junk is do they sell really good ballpark dawgs and beer? :)

Nana Net said...

Oh my dentist appointment! Ugh!! As for baseball---Way to go. I truly do love baseball season. More so when they start to fight and all. LOL Oh well what can I say them there players truly do get serious about their game! Keep up the hard playing and remember to just enjoy yourself!

Chris said...

I'm looking forward to at least SOME softball play-by-play. Should be interesting, and hopefully we don't hear about a Suldog torn Achilles or something.

Good luck at the dentist . . .

lime said...

i am giggling about you being glad the glove will still play even after you are really and truly gone next year. i'm not buying it. ;) but it's all good. i say enjoy it.

in other news...how about them bo sox against the yankees? ok, it's not that i am a huge bo sox fan, it's that i so entirely loathe the yankees that knowing they got swept fills my heart with joy. that you are a bo sox fan means i can come here and enjoy the gloat a bit.

Ananda girl said...

Prayers and blessings Suldog! Thanks for the baseball fix. Its a good feeling for a Monday.

Buck said...

"...after I’m really and truly retired following this year."

Yeahrightsure. We've heard *that* song before. ;-)

You KNOW I'll be thinking and sending positive thoughts your way as far as the dental thing goes. I'm amazed you'll be playing ball three days after the surgery; I don't think I left my RV for at least four days following mine. But... where there's a will (and good drugs), there's a way, eh? The BEST of luck, Jim.

Fi from Four Paws and Whiskers said...

After our experiences, I hope your dental work goes smoothly! Quick shot of local, some easy tugs and off you go...
Ball three days later? quite possible - how will you play? probably below your usual glowing standard but I am sure they will not mind :)

Unknown said...

Prayers coming your way from the NH seacoast (on an ocean breeze :-))

Glad you had so much fun with America's pastime : )

Expat From Hell said...

Keep hanging in there with the 1B thing. I think I remember Yaz playing a few of his last games there. You are in our prayers for the teeth - pray that God has mercy on you, and keeps you safe - and from coming out looking like Alfred E. Neuman.
You're a great sports writer!

Hilary said...

My best, positive thoughts to you for your upcoming surgery, Suldog.

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!

I so don't do sports - Any - Not even when Suldog is playing, and I love that man!

Good luck with the surgery, Sir - Be strong...

Janet said...

Hey, i love the softball stories. Glad you had a good game.