Softball: Musings from the Far Side
Dear People,
Jeff W’s team pan-seared my own 17-8, in a stark and compelling display on the dispositive divergences of ineptitude contained. I refer you to the top of the 7th, when a soaring two-on two-out fly to deep center right bounced randomly off Anthony’s arm, elbow and skull before ricocheting straight into Siobhan’s patiently awaiting glove. As a pair, they shut our rally down cold, and moreover, they now become instant favorites to take this year’s gold for best Vaudevillian act by an athletic duo in a supporting role.
Not to be outdone, and unabashedly inspired by the incident in question, Frank, Kerri and I took to the field in the bottom of that very inning and promptly committed six errors over four batters in less than three minutes. Unfortunately though, in this somewhat unhelpful streak of over throws, dropped balls and general infield retardation, we as a trio did not have a Siobhan to save us, and thus five unearned runs later, our side succumbed to the ghastly tipping point on which our tragic fate was sealed.
In any case, the game as a whole was yet another triumph for the continuing evolution of our vital communal roster, which now has three more representatives from Cal Biology—Paul, Ben and Jim. All three are like Ehud and Jeff in that they blend rarefied aerobic excellence with raw scientific smarts, and best of all, Jim is nearly as fast as Pace and a true herpetologist! I mention this because on occasion I myself love to stare deep into the eyes of a semi-sedated Indonesian wart snake and ponder whether she’s at peace in her scaly little body.
I honestly don’t know, but my favorite caption in the history of cartooning is still “Dang it, Monica! I can't live this charade any longer. I'm not a telephone repairman who stumbled into your life. I'm a Komodo Dragon—largest member of the lizard family and a filthy liar.” Oh sure, human beings are still my 7th favorite species, but that’s in part because I happen to believe that there’s a little of the mischievous Komodo in all of us. And therefore there will be a game at Grove this Sunday at 11, IF I get enough commits by this Friday morning. . .Raymond
PS: Codornices is available as of the first Sunday in November, but only starting at noon (Thanks to that contemptible pre-pubescent lacrosse league). Codornices at 11AM becomes available as of the first Sunday in December, and since players at this past game voted to stay put until we get that 11AM slot, we will remain at Grove for one more month, unless I hear widespread and bitter opposition to the contrary.
10/23/09
Softball: Your Always Prepared for Catastrophe Sport
Dear People,
There will be a game at Grove Park this Sunday at 11AM, and as of now, there is one slot left (As always, please let me know ASAP if you committed and need to cancel).
This week’s field fee is just $4, and that includes either a $900,000 FHA-approved 40-year fixed mortgage at 3.75% or a complimentary shaved zucchini with squash blossoms, pine nuts and chilled organic oregano…Raymond 845-7552
PS: Given the recent anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, I'm sure many of you are concerned about disaster preparedness. Now obviously, our community will be playing ball even if the power is out and the streets lay in ruins. But as long as we’re on the general topic, I am delighted to report that Zac Weiner—the towering safety-conscious spleen of our entire community (you’d certainly recognize him since he plays at least two games a year)—has started his own business teaching CPR, Emergency Preparedness and First Aid classes in Berkeley.
Even better, he’s kindly offered those of you on this list a 20% discount if you sign up and take a class before Thanksgiving. To take advantage of this offer, go to www.alexiagroup.com, register for a class and enter the discount code SOFTBALLDISCOUNT. Personally, I happen to believe that the Hayward Fault is all bark and no cattle (a geo-tectonic pussy, if you will), but just in case I’m wrong, you should at least check out his website.
PPS: Internationalist cool. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&feature=fvw