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.

Equipment, defeat and the end of Spring Soccer

Yesterday saw the last action for the Lawrence Adult Soccer League, with rain-out games played for all teams. While the spring saw decent weather, yesterday previewed what is to come in the summer: 90 degrees and humid. That said, I will not be partaking in the summer, as another team member said: I will be useless running in this heat and humidity. Teams are smaller and so is the field during the summer session, and I will pick it up again in the fall.

The two topics I will mention today are defeat and equipment. The league I play in is perfect for my skill level, low for my competitive level. I wish I could say that I play in one of the higher leagues, and that I am successful in one of those leagues. Last fall, I scored six goals and eight assists in six games, yet this spring, I only scored once (maybe twice, I cannot remember now), and had five assists. This is part of the problem with competition and success: when you taste success, you want to maintain it. Our team overall played very well this spring, better than last fall. And yet I have a sense of loss, because I could not maintain my successful level of play. Certainly, a bounce here and there, and (let me count them...) I would have scored six more legitimate, maybe seven, goals, and I would be content. We play in a league that does not keep record of wins and losses, so it really is the team that matters. However, I judge my play on how well I perform. Whether that is an amazing pass (that leads to nothing), a great corner (that floats out of bounds), or a simple goal... I judge myself, as in any sport I play, on whether it lived up to my standards. And this season, after my past success, did not live up. Alas, I have fall to look forward to, and to prepare for.

However I will need a new pair of boots. The heal of my left boot has broken off, and after a season of games, my left foot is now hurting. All the more apparent after the game yesterday and into today, where a bruise has formed on my left heal. Thus the importance of wearing the correct equipment. I imagine that the majority of injuries comes from improper equipment, at least in soccer. But it can happen in many sports. Think of someone who just goes running daily. The must replace their shoes every few months. What happens is the sole of the shoe will wear unevenly, depending on your stride. After weeks of running on inadequate shoes, you run the risk of injury to your legs, because your body warps to the contour of the shoe. Me missing a cleat on the heal, put extra force on the outside of my foot, which is now bruised. A softball bat that is too heavy will strain the arm, a worn basketball shoe will slip. So it is important, before every season, and during the season, that we all take a look at our equipment, and make sure that we are not in danger of injury, which will prolong and allow us to enjoy sports for much longer.

- Tom.