Softerball

Softball season started last week at work.

I love sports. I don't think you understand how testosterone-driven I am when it comes to sports. Seeing as baseball is one of my favorite sports to watch, I can't help but get excited for this season, especially since I had a fun time last year.

The problem I had with softball last year is the same problem I had with girls in high school. I would step up to the plate and strike out.

Our first game was last week, and we.... tied. 16-16.

My first at bat, I was nervous. Like, really. I had practiced with Jeff the night before at the batting cages, and I was remembering everything I did, such as getting a much lower stance, and swinging slower and more controlled. My head would process this, and by the time I decided if I wanted to swing or not, the ball would pass me by.

The ball would pass me by for a ball.

In fact, that ball would pass me again as a ball. And another. And another! The guy walked me!

My teammates behind me knocked me in and I scored my first run of the season.

Second at bat: same thing! The guy was struggling with his control, and walked me. I didn't get to score due to some good catches by their defense, but whatever. I had gotten on base twice without swinging the bat once.

Third at bat: I got greedy. I really wanted to swing my bat. I bought this bat for $30 at Sport Chalet, so I'm going to use it. The first pitch that came in, I swung for those fences.

It popped softly back to the catcher, who turned around to try to catch it. Everyone looked and held their breath; the ball luckily landed behind her.

That was enough excitement for me, I'll just wait for this guy to walk me again.

I stood there, watching the ball leave his hand, float through the air, and cross the plate for a strike. The umpire rings me up, and the inning is over.

-_-

I had a decision to make after: do I go home and pack, or do I join the team for a celebratory happy hour?

The pros of going home:
- Save cash
- Be productive

The pros of going to happy hour:
- Getting to meet and learn more about new people

If there's one thing in life that I would urge young people to do, it's that when you have the chance, learn how to socialize with others. Practice makes perfect, and perfect will net you cool friends down the road.

P.S. Brigantine has a pretty good house brew called Brigantine Beer.