Has it been that long??? 20 years... I think it has. It was before the kids for sure. And it was probably around or before the time we got married. 20 years! Wow.... 20 years since I've put on my cleats... came to the plate... and stared down the pitcher. 20 years since I've slipped on the piece of leather and picked up a roller and shot it to first. 20 years since I've stepped foot on a diamond.
We won my inaugural softball game... as I emerged from retirement. Though... I never really retired. I just took on a second career.
Strangely enough... I felt pretty at home. Both teams were from church. I knew about 80% of them... or recognized them. There were some great players. There were some average players. And a handful of beginners. I didn't have a batting glove.... was wearing soccer cleats... had a $30 bat when everyone else used $150-$300 bats. But when I came up to bat... everyone, including the OF took a few steps back. HA!! I'm not a power hitter... I can barely swing for contact.
I asked to play SS or 3B cuz I don't have the depth perception. I'm not good... nor do I have the range. But I still have one heckuva arm. During warm ups.... had to get use to the infield bounce. And during the game... made a couple of errors. Most likely due to nerves. But also made a couple of heads up plays and including that amazing backhanded snag.
Too bad there were no lights at the field. There's nothing like a summer evening... as the bugs are buzzing away on the pitchers mound... the wives are yapping away.... and children are giggling on the side... and world is alive with the murmurs of.... "Plaaaaaaayyyyyy baaaaaallllllllll."
Gonna feel it tomorrow. Over strenuated in all sorts of ways. But pain never felt so good.
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