8/28/00: Hard Sell (The Woe of Imminent Loss)

8/28/00

Softball: Hard Sell (The Woe of Imminent Loss)

Dear People,

Congratz to all on last week’s Homeric 10 inning two-and-a-half hour 28-28 masterpiece of enervating aerobic magnificence, the first tie in the history of our thriving aerobic democracy, and a statement to the world that as a community, we will not brook the dated notion that a 56 run game is somehow suggestive of "pitcher’s rot." No, my friends, this explosion of pointage was the astonishing collective bray of a people on recreational fire, and indeed, rare was the belief among them that the limits of human endurance are technically less than infinite. Of course two-and-a-half hours is a long time, and I for one now accept the majority’s contention that a proposed 11th inning would have presented grave ethical dilemmas that we were ill-prepared to face, especially since everyone was so tired, sore and cranky.

I should also point out that the majesty of this match was all the more remarkable given that it was played within the frightening confines of a tall chain-link fence that the city of Berkeley had just installed around our beloved Codornices. For the first time ever, the roaming yak and antelope of deep center-left field were cut off from the game, and while I suppose that the local authorities will claim that they’re only preparing for the park’s imminent reseeding, I could not help but wonder if there was something more sinister at play. As is my wont, I will investigate.

In any case, I’m well aware that next Monday is a holiday, and that many of you will be tempted to leave the Bay Area for the extended Labor Day weekend. I understand that, and I’m not about to suggest that you shouldn’t do so. However, I did just happen to be reading Marx’s early writings on the dialectical contradiction of the human condition, and while I find his central thesis utterly obtuse, the subtle grace of his prose reminds me anew that he died well before the raw allure of baseball would change the class struggle forever. Indeed, as I wrote you two years ago this very week;

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I guess I don't have to remind educated Berkeley types such as yourselves that in the late 19th century, as the toiling multitudes fought for the eight hour day and the right to unionize, Emma Goldman herself declared that "socialism and softball were the theoretical foundations upon which the proletarian classes would finally achieve their fair share of the economic pie." Think about it. Socialism and softball. I think you see my point. Make that commit. Do it for the workers.…..

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Admittedly, such an appeal was steeped in the logic of unabashed historical sophistry, and frankly, I’m embarrassed to have even written such calculating tripe. Nevertheless, the simple fact is that it’s now just two years later, we’re about to be kicked off the only grass tundra we have ever called home, and to rub it in our tiny little noses, The Man has put up a fence. A cold and stark steel barrier that practically shouts out "This park closed to softball-playing louts (and other working families)." Just another labor day? Perhaps. But this is not the time to stray, for we’re still guaranteed one last week in the Kansas of our dreams, and I for one plan to be there, fence or no fence, indeed, quorum or not.

Therefore, there will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11AM, IF I get enough players by this Friday morning. So go ahead and make that commit. No, not for "the workers," frisky and worthy as they are, but this time for yourselves----decent and kind folk, the common clay of the lush aerobic West, and two weeks hence, a pathetic and motley stick-wielding people in desperate search of land……Raymond

9/1/00

Softball: Fingers Crossed

Dear People,

Weather permitting, there will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11AM, followed by an ambrosial match of ultimate frisbee. As of now, there is just one slot left.

If climatic conditions are ambiguous, please check email or voicemail, but remember, we are a stout people by both temperament and creed, and a slightly damp field is not a reason to bail.

The park fee is $2, and for this week only, includes a fascinating
pre-game slide show on Chilean marine fungi….Raymond 845-7552