Here we go again...I must be downright NUTS to keep this up!

[Ed_S]

For the last 10 years, I've spent the summer on a baseball field with a bunch of kids, mostly the same batch for the last 5 yrs or so.
But kids grow up, and our league ends at age eighteen. Last season was our finale, we ain't going back to the 'ole ballpark, my "boys" are too old. Some are playing college ball now, though.

Well, some time ago stupid old me told these youngsters I'd stay with 'em as long as they wanted to play - and they didn't forget!
After coaxing, last fall I promised to look into places to continue play - and I keep promises!

Baseball league organizing is done in the dead of winter, I've been to several meetings already & I found us a good competitive men's league, mainly serious teams instead of a "beer league". It's time to quit or commit, write the check or stay home.
I held a "team meeting" tonight - bunch of guys from my team & a few "retirees" that couldn't play with us for a year or two. Ages 19 - 22.


Make a long story short - we're gonna do it again! I thought for sure that cars, college, & girls would've taken their attention by now...

What scares me is twofold - these guys show no signs of stopping, and this league has NO upper age limit!!

I keep picturing myself at eighty, in a wheelchair & on oxygen, being pushed by a bunch of 55 yr olds on the way out to argue with the ump...

I'm gettin too old for this crap....


Can't wait to get on the field!

[Knothead]

Hahaha, Ed...

You had me fooled pretty good for the first coupla' sentences...I was thinking, "poor guy, he can't get away, he's asking for a strategy"....

Then I keep reading, and realize that you've got something pretty special goin' on, and I'm thinking, "I ain't helping him! He's created a magical deal here! If he don't know, I'm jolly well gonna tell him!"

Turns out you knew all the time...

Very cool, buddy!

[Target]

After reading your post Ed_S, it prompted me to think all kinds of things...... but perhaps what struck me the most was the thought that for all of you, players included, the magic journey you helped to foster is just beginning. You all are truly lucky men.

[Knothead]

Originally posted by Target
...for all of you, players included, the magic journey you helped to foster is just beginning.

Yep, that's how it looks to me, Target!

What a cool deal, I wish I had created something like this!

[Brainchild]

I keep picturing myself at eighty, in a wheelchair & on oxygen, being pushed by a bunch of 55 yr olds on the way out to argue with the ump...

And lovin' every minute of it too.

Man that is a cl thing ya got goin there Ed.Congrats

[Ed_S]

Thanks, guys!

I really do have mixed emotions about this. They're a great bunch, & I love the time we spend together. Some of the guys are fantastic players, and some probably should hang it up... but they'll always have a slot as long as I'm involved! I guess that attitude is what's kept it together - it sure ain't been the coaching! I'm lousy on the field... (Our best season was 600, and third place!)
Watching them learn the game, & grow into young men has been a priviledge. None have "gone bad", at least not too far. I like to think their involvement in the game has helped!!

On the other hand, this is a major time commitment each year. May - Oct is just gone - there's simply no free time. Between practices, games, league meetings, etc., you might as well live on the field.
Everything's coated in ballfield dust - you bring it home in the clothes & it goes everywhere! Back of my truck is filled with gear, and smells like a locker room. And by the way, hail damage is nothing compared to foul ball hits! I've been hit by fastballs, bowled over by the mob, stopped fights, done ER time with injured players, and drenched from a cooler. Haven't been beaned by a bat yet - but give 'em time!


No matter what, I'll miss OUR ballpark - we've played out of THE premier youth facility in the area, the ONLY one with true grandstands and a gymnasium! Had last night's meeting at the clubhouse. I'll also miss the camraderie of spending time with the other coaches & managers we've competed with for years. Few things equal doing "field maintenance" the day after it rains... this consists of a bunch of guys in an otherwise empty park, hanging out & watching dirt dry...

Lucky men?? Yep! And I still say I must be nuts...
Last night, in 30 degrees, a couple of these knuckleheads tried to suggest firing up the field lights & practicing....

[Ed_S]

six months, twenty-seven games, and a bazillion practices later...

We're done with summer season (late May- early Aug) - did well, but went down in flames in the final game of division playoffs - in extra innings, yet.
Seven inning game, tied after 7 so play continues. No outs, bottom of the eighth, runner on third miss read a signal for a "squeeze play" AND the batter laid down a poor bunt. What should have been the winning run was out at home instead. Then the batter makes a bone-head try for 2nd... get the picture?
My players were so mad we did poorly in the ninth & they scored one. We didn't.

BUT - overall, one play away from division champs ain't too shabby for a rookie season in a new league!
Great year really, no serious fights, no broken bones, and only one window knocked out of my truck!


Onward ho - fall season starts in 10 days and is already scheduled!! This oughta be fun - due to age divisions in different leagues, we couldn't play in our "old" summer league, but can in the old fall league. So my guys, battle weary but in shape & ready, will play guys that were sidelined all summer! Almost not quite fair....almost... hehehe...

Evil grin, rubbing hands in anticipation...

[sm8000]

So where are the college-bound headed? I go to a small college in northeast AR which recruits heavily for its varsity and junior varsity baseball teams. If anyone's coming there, I might meet them.

[Ed_S]

All are staying in-state for college, only 4 are leaving the St Louis area.