7/27/99
Softball: Lessons to Ponder
Dear People,
Congratz to all on last weekend's splendid little 15-13 display of bone chilling recreational grandeur. In retrospect, the caliber of individual performances was unusually elevated, and I must confess that I take particular pride in my own 6th inning two-out bases-loaded infield pop-out. Yes, pride. For it occurred to me after that ostensibly disappointing visit to the batter's box that it was in fact not at all clear from an ontological perspective weather it would have been "better" to smash a potentially game-tying multi-RBI base hit, or, as I did, decisively end the uncomfortable tension of the moment with a gentle pop up, at least thereby validating the fears, dreams and aspirations of the opposing pitcher. Like last week, I don't pretend to have the answer to such an admittedly disturbing and complex question, but again, it is apparent that these are the types of issues we must wrestle with as modern softball playing peoples if we are ever to truly understand the ethical foundations of vigorous athletic competition.
And speaking of under appreciated efforts in sport, it turns out that this Sunday, August 1st, is the 51st anniversary of the day that legendary Athletics southpaw Robin "doggie" Roberts pitched what the Philadelphia Inquirer called "the most pitiful performance by a reliever we have ever witnessed." As most of you probably know, Roberts was called in to save the Athletics in the bottom of the 9th, in a sizzling two-out 2-2 drama against the Chicago Cubs, with men on first and second. 'Ol doggie was a young rookie, but stout in his convictions, and not about to flinch under the pressure. Curiously though, his very first pitch was a sensual curve ball that wafted directly into the back of Cub outfielder Phil Cavarretta, thus immediately loading up the bases. And his very next pitch was an unexpected slider, unexpected in that it smashed directly into shortstop Andy Pafko's clavicle, consequently putting another hitter on base, and forcing home the winning run.
Two successive pitches. Two hit batters. End of game. Frankly, I get a bit veklempt by the efficiency of accomplishment that such an outing represents, and while I do not honesty know if this towering giant of the assertive mound is still with us, I think it would be a nice gesture to honor the effort. Therefore, there will be a match at Codornices this Sunday, August 1st at 11AM, IF I get enough players by this Friday morning. So make that commit; This time, do it for Robin "doggie" Roberts, whose own journey into the tumultuous waters of 9th inning rescue is apparently an indelible reminder to all of us that pitching and hashish simply do not mix....Raymond
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