Softball: A Rather Loosely Fitting Metaphor for the Entitlement Dilemma
Dear People,
My side slathered Chris Fure's in copious layers of Loser's Lotion, 22-17, and that's in spite of Greg's staggering 500-foot 5th-inning grand slam to the secluded barbecue pits beyond deep left (next to the oak cove where all the local squirrels engage in their unseemly rutting parties). Indeed, the outcome of this match was overshadowed by individual triumphs on both sides, including that of my very own brother, Lawrence-the eminent New Yorker intellectual with the suggestively spindly softball legs.
Now admittedly, Ren's first Codornices appearance in more than three years apparently began with a somewhat limited ability to “process” the trajectory of balls hit to his right field venue, and even worse, his first time at the plate was marked by a batting style that most analysts would likely confuse with the endearing swings of a blindfolded toddler trying to smack a piñata. Nevertheless, he began to congeal with the additional seasoning of every new inning, and thus by mid-game, he was corralling line drives with admirable vigor (sort of). Even better, he later smashed two robust singles straight up the middle, forever ending my dread of total familial disgrace. Yeah, Weschler Strong.
Of course it was Alan Miller who stole the show, even if he was tragically stuck on Chris' side. The Millmeister was celebrating his 65th birthday, which most thoughtful kinesiologists believe is a full 3-5 month's past one's athletic prime. And yet with two on and two out in the bottom of the 7th, Alan unleashed a blistering triple that darted past both Ali at 2nd and Jim in the outfield. It was a stirring display of raw Newtonian power, and the truth is that that orb only began to slow as it ascended the fabled sloped tundra beyond deep center right (between the contemptible Hayward fault and the side of the oak cove where the overrated squirrels screw).
In any case, I initially thought that Alan would settle for a double, but as he successfully scurried toward 3rd, I could see a burning determination in his senior little pupils, as if he were telling Steve Powers at short that he planned to soon consume every penny of Steve's dwindling future reserves of both Social Security and Medicare, and that if he had a problem with that, perhaps he should consider the fact that while the Baby Boomers popped out the Beatles, the Stones and Dylan, Generation Y (or X or Pi-squared or whatever it is that they call themselves these days) has given us the Backstreet Boys and Hanson. So no, Alan didn't say it, but his eyes belied it, and I believe Steve understood it-loud, clear and tremulous.
The point is that I'm not that sure about the state of the stupid country, but I can certainly say that the state of our aerobic union will always remain vital and hale if we continue to have venerable giants like Alan “wisdom rocks” Miller, who's searing multi-base statements can't help but put today's more callow generations in their sadly appropriate place. And therefore there will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11, IF I get enough commits by this Friday morning . . . Raymond
1/31/14
Softball: Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Dear People,
There will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11AM, and as of now there is still one slot left. Yep, one.
Also note: There is apparently a chance of showers that morning, so if climatic conditions are ambiguous, check your email around 10. Remember, we are a hearty folk by both birth and temperament and are not easily deterred by a little intermittent drizzly-pooh.
Finally: Please bring $5 for the field, which for this week only includes either a complimentary wheel alignment with air filter replacement and chassis lubrication or a half dozen steamed shrimp dumplings with braised tofu skin rolls . . . Raymond 845-7552
PS: Monday at 4: Ren, again . . .
http://townsendcenter.berkeley.edu/events/typology-convergences-towards-unified-field-theory-cultural-transmission
PPS: A Modest Public Service Announcement from Sarah…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahdR6aHQvMQ
PPPS: My Generation. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOWwN3T2xkc
Softball: Sunday 9:15AM: The Stupidity of Nature (Brunch it is!)
Dear People (especially the frightened several who have written me in the last hour),
Codornices has some of the finest drainage of any park West of the Mississippi, but the hideous softball-despising rains have been too consistent, too moist and too recent (as in happening as I peck), and given that the Doppler forecast is for more of the same, I have to assume that our cherished homeland will soon be a malarial suck-swamp of perilous mud-laden contagion. Therefore, I have no choice but to cancel today's game.
However, and as you know, this community is not “about” softball, but rather the hearty and contemplative banter of aimless souls lost in a callous universe not of our own making. SO, Chris Fure, my brother Ren and I will be having a succulent brunch of eggs, kale and whatever at the Crepe Vine at 11 (Corner of Shattuck and Cedar). If you'd like to join us, please let me know by 10:30 latest so we can save enough seats….Ray