I’ve had to take a temporary break from writing consistent Blog entries.  I hope to continue again in the near future.

Legacy Sports TBall League
Cubs vs. Braves

Here is what I did for a few hours last Saturday morning.  Enjoy.

Today, my softball game was anything but boring.  After getting pelted by a few minutes of hail, the sun took over and the game began.  I ended up getting on base 4 times in 4 at-bats, I made 4 catches in the outfield (including a diving catch), I threw a runner out at second base, and I tripped while running the bases – leaving a nice scrape on my knee.

All this in just 5 innings (by the way, we won the game easily).

I’m not exactly sure why this particular game is so thrilling for me, but it is.  Even though hitting a softball traveling about 15 mph is much easier than trying to hit a baseball traveling at 90+ mph, I love the challenge of trying to hit the ball in just the right place where no fielder can make a play.  Even though I’m not as fast as I used to be, I love trying to get an “extra” base on every play.  Even though I only make a handful of catches in the outfield each game, every batter that walks to the plate is another potential opportunity for me to rob him of a hit by making a diving catch.

I love to be outside on a sunny afternoon or under the lights at night playing a game.
I love the smell of freshly cut grass, wet dirt, and worn leather.
I love playing catch before the game to get my arm loose.
I love hearing the sound of the ball “ting” off the bat and “smack” into a player’s glove.
I love playing with old friends and new acquaintances.
I love having the opportunity to compete.
I love sliding head first and getting dirty.
I love diving in the rugged outfield grass trying to make an ESNP worthy catch.

But most of all, I love to hear the stories of how the lives of some players have been drastically impacted by being involved in the Cactus Softball League.

For me, softball is far more than just a game.  It makes me a better person.  It gives me the opportunity to challenge players both on and off the field.  It is one of my passions in life.

I guess that is why softball is not boring for me.

Softball is an interesting game.  Usually, I end up making anywhere from 3-6 catches per game in the outfield.  This was not the case yesterday.  I played in two games and did not make a catch until the final out of the second game (a total of 11 innings and 33 outs).

On the other hand, catchers rarely make any catches for outs during a softball game (an occasional short foul ball might come their way).  This was not the case yesteday.  I played catcher for one inning (a total of 4 pitches) and ended up catching a foul ball.

Many consider softball to be a boring “past time”.  My situation yesterday gives their argument some weight.

Why is does this matter?  In the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter but it did bring a question to mind.  Why do I enjoy playing softball so much when I can play 11 innings and only touch the ball two times?  I’m sure there is a logical answer to this question, but that probably won’t be my answer.

More to come next time…

“There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his own way alone.
All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.”

Edwin Markham (American Poet)

If you are interested in the history of the NCAA Tournament and how it came to be know as March Madness and the Road to the Final Four, read the article below.

UCLA, Magic, TV all propelled us to Madness

Ashlynne Rachelle was born on Thursday, March 6th @ 12:54pm. She weighed in at 7lbs 10oz and was 19 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing great.  I also need to give a shout out to my oldest daughter Faith – it is her 4th birthday today.  Happy Birthday Faith!!!

Have you ever said, “I just don’t have time?”

There’s no such thing as not having time. When we say “I don’t have time,” what we’re really saying is that we don’t choose to make certain things a priority right now, or, there’s something else we’d rather be doing.

Think about all the demands on your schedule and take a look at the things you spend the most time on. The truth is, we make time for the things we want to make time for. But that isn’t always necessarily what we should make time for.

Starting today, make it a priority to set aside time for things that are ultimately important… your spouse, your kids, your faith, your health.

~Excerpt from Family Minute (February 26, 2008)

Jim Elliot, was an Christian missionary to Ecuador who, along with four others, was killed while attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people through efforts known as Operation Auca.  He is credited with saying the following…

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
“Wherever you are – be all there.”

At many dog races, the canines run after a fake rabbit around a track until they get to the finish line. On occasion, when there is a mechanical failure, the dogs actually catch the pretend rabbit and are ruined for the rest of their lives. They never race again because they know they are being deceived. They may even become depressed and stop eating.

We may feel for these dogs, but aren’t they like most of us? We spend much of our lives striving after the “if only’s.” If only I had a new car. If only I had a bigger house. If only I could get that promotion. If only my wife wasn’t so cranky. If only my kids were smarter. Etc. Then, if we do ever attain an “if only”, we realize it doesn’t deliver the anticipated happiness. It was a fake all along.

~Excerpt from All Pro Dad’s “Play of the Day”