Andy has been an absentee Bumble for the last few months - out late each Monday and Wednesday coming home smelling of beer with a silly smile on his face. Not to worry - he's not out having a fling. I was just a softball widow there for a while.
I have told the story before of his men's slow pitch softball team, The Longshots. They never win. I never go to watch. Until this year. Those Longshots actually had a winning record for a while. And I was actually convinced to come down and witness them in action live. I got to see the run-away inning I've heard so much about - where the other team runs away with the lead while the 'Shots temporarily forget how to field. But I also got to see the comeback - something they've just gotten the hang of this summer. With their backs against the wall, the scrappy 'Shots found their stroke and mustered a string of exciting hits that scored enough runs in the bottom of the final inning to walk off with the win. And then we had a BBQ in the parking lot afterward which was really the reason I agreed to come along.
These Longshots are a good group of guys. They get out, feel the excitement of a ringing hit or diving catch, pull their hamstrings and re-live the game over a few beers a couple of times a week. They have fun while also trying to have success. And this year, they actually made it to the playoffs! I kid you not. The Longshots hit the big time for the first time in their existence. And they actually won a game in the playoffs. But not the first round. No - the 'Shots got bounced after a brief taste of the postseason.
So now I have Andy back home each night. But we don't have any more time together like I thought we would. You see, it seems that soon-to-be 40-year-olds don't have as much energy as they thought they did. Non-stop softball and late nights up with his teammates have finally caught up with him. He's crashed on the couch. Safe and sound, dreaming of homers and championship seasons. There's always next year.
5 comments:
Mary can appreciate the loneliness of being a softball widow too. The worry of me getting hurt again was a sore subject around here.
There is nothing more exciting than putting it all together and snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. I've seen a few last inning rallies and they make it all worthwhile.
Tell Andy congratulations to him and the 'Shots' for a successful season. It isn't always about the wins and losses.....but the friendships and memories.
P.S. Age, softball, pulled muscles and late nights all take their toll. Rest up my friend. There's always next year.
Good for Andy! I love it when underdogs get their day in the sun. I find it very dear that he is all worn out and sleeping on the couch! It is rare if my husband can get through a weekend without at least one good nap.
Aww, sorry that the'Shots couldn't go the distance but maybe now that they have had a taste of success they can do it next year. This post was quite funny and made my morning.
Congrats to Andy and his teammates for breaking the playoff barrier :)
Hooray, Longshots! Guess it's back now to pulling the hamstrings and reliving the game (over beer). Until next year.....
Sounds like The Longshots know how to have a good time while getting some exercise. If I had any ability whatsoever I'd join a team just for the fun :)
I lose Jason to tennis 2-3 times a week, but it's all year round :( But I was proud of him for winning his club championship a few weeks ago. Hope our kid gets his athleticism!
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