10/17/01

Softball: Tales of the Aerobic Shtetl

Dear People,

Congratz to all on last week’s 16-15 won-on-the-last-hit paragon of blood-curdling athletic theater. The searing East Bay weather added to the grueling timbre of play, and perhaps explained in part why Mikey was able to lead his floundering contingent to a breath-taking final inning rally, despite the fact that he had to put down a frightening and historically unique insurrection from within the parched and sassy ranks of his very own team.

To be sure, I’ll never forget the raw emotion that swirled at the batter’s box as I personally led off in the top of the 9th. There was exasperation in Mikey’s voice as he tried to convince his beloved fiancée that despite the oppressive heat, it was now her rightful turn to catch. Tensions quickly rose as Jen bitterly complained, but Mikey responded with so much clarion principle that I feared for the very existence of their greater wuv. Still, and in all candor, it was an interchange of such stark beauty and intense revelation that in simply witnessing it, I felt as if I had lain myself naked under the dripping and sultry sheets of their torrid pre-nuptial lair.

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It is with great sadness that I must tell you that this weekend may be the last game that John plays before moving to Portland. He has been with the softball community since the beginning in 1997, and while he will certainly be missed, I’m not going to get needlessly maudlin in this forum (that’s just not my scene). Still, I would gently suggest that his absence will test the viability of our fragile community more seriously than at any time since Chad, Derren and their cherished snouzer-beagle "Lucky" left the Bay Area for New York back in the halcyon days of Fall ’99. Arguably, John’s departure is even more momentous in both scope and tone, and as far as I know, he doesn’t even have a dog. Yet his consistent athletic grace, magnanimous captainship, excellent attendance and reasonably decent grades are the benchmark by which our community will be judged, and that’s if we survive all.

Frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole post-John softball thing implodes, leaving behind a few dazed hangers-on who occasionally get together for batting practice, Croquet and buttermilk. On verra. In the meantime, there will be a game at Codornices this SATURDAY at 11AM, followed by a bring-your-own-meat POT-LUCK barbecue, IF I get enough commits by this Friday morning….Ray

PS: Please let me know what communal contribution you will be bringing to the barbie; Especially encouraged are ice, drinks, salads, veggies, condiments, paper towels, plates, cups, knives, plastic silverware, yummy desserts and of course, freshly canned haggis and jellied eels.

PPS: Page 91 of last Sunday’s New York Times Magazine features material of critical importance to all softball-playing peoples….


10/18/01

Softball: The Ceaseless Process of Organic Reconfiguration (Again)

Dear People,

There will be a game at Codornices tomorrow at 11AM, followed by a yummy post game barbie, frisbee, and other activities of frivolity and mirth. Unfortunately, there are no longer any slots left for the game, but you are welcome to call about late cancels, and everyone is welcome to the barbecue.

Please bring $2 for the field, and if you’re staying afterward, your own meat or equivalent, your communal contribution, and a concice
2-3 page essay on why those who play softball belong in the East Bay, not Portland….Raymond 845-7552

PS: I think we’re covered, but it’s my deep philosophical belief that an outdoor feast can never have too much soda or ice…. ;-)

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