The end of softball, the start of volleyball and disappearance of soccer

The September-October time frame is always an interesting one. If there have been no rain-outs over the last part of the summer, there is a two-week break before volleyball begins, but we know that never happens. Instead we are forced to play softball in the 6:00pm darkness of mid-October, in 40 degree misting rain and heavy winds, when we should be inside a gymnasium, sweating in shorts and t-shirts.

Only this year, the weather was absolutely perfect on this October evening. Thoughts of a long off-season awaited, as six months of Friday nights inside would take the place of the sweltering summer heat and endless beers in the back of the team pickup truck (though I rarely, if ever, partook in the post-game drinking, wanting to rather rehydrate with water instead). And it always happens the last week of the season, when league championships are already decided, and most teams are looking forward to the break, when there is nothing on the line, we have our best performances.

Mine came on both ends of the double-header. My defense at thirdbase was Gold Glover caliber, ranging far to my right and left, making stabbing grabs and throws on the run. For a life-long center fielder, games like this amaze me, and make me want to play at the hot corner again and again, only wishing that the season was just beginning. Alas, I will have to wait the cold months to see if my grace continues.

And we segue into the fall season of volleyball, of which there is little to speak of at the moment. Our team, together for a third year, winner of (I believe) eight of the last nine seasons in the highest level of co-ed volleyball in Lawrence, again are one week away from another championship. We currently sit at 33-0, though we have not played any better or worse than season past. The biggest difference is the level of play. Two teams have taken sabbaticals, and teams from lower levels were forced up into the 1st division. We have asked the league to make changes for next season, however this may be our swansong. We may leave on top.

And finally, for financial and time-constraint reasons, I was unable to play fall soccer this year in the adult league. This disappointed me greatly, as I had purchased new boots for the season, and looked forward to continuing on my offensive streak. I had played so well the past two seasons, my first in many years, that I had great expectations, as I was in somewhat better shape. It was not to be though, as my son was born in mid-July, which decidedly took up more time and resources than I could spare. Here's to looking toward spring, and a possible return to form on the pitch.