11/3/98
Softball: The Nocturnal Allure
Dear People,
Congratz to all on last weekend's inspirational 24-18 exercise in sheer communal courage. I confess that I get a tad sappy just thinking about how all our players persevered through four innings of hostile and bone-chilling drizzle, before the genteel rays of the stout Berkeley sun finally shone anew.
Unfortunately, Kleeberger field is taken for all of next weekend. However, after witnessing such clarion strength of athletic character, I have decided to take a brazen organizational risk that may sully my reputation for even-keeled sensibility. To wit: There will be a game next Saturday at 7PM, under the resplendent artificial lights of San Pablo Field in the beautiful flatlands of trendy West Berkeley, IF I get enough commits by this Friday noon. The price for the field and lights is a mere $2 per player, and that includes plenty of free parking, as well your choice of a complimentary dinner mint or flu vaccine.
Yes, I realize that Saturday evening is a traditional time for courting, and god only knows what licentious and lurid plans you already have thought out for your next week's romantic prey. Nevertheless, there comes a time when you must transcend your baser carnalities in order to serve the greater aerobic whole.
Indeed, I assume that I need not remind you that this Saturday will mark the 186th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Doc Adams, generally acknowledged to be the first person to ever play shortstop. Ever. And personally, I can think of no more fitting a way to celebrate this great icon's birth and career, than agreeing to participate in the first night game of our still fledgling experiment in athletic democracy. Transcend your fears. Make that commit. Do it for Doc Adams, whose determination to validate the rich soils between 2nd and 3rd base remains one of the defining gestures in the hallowed history of baseball development....Raymond
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