The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
May 12, 2009
THINGS I PONDER IN CENTERFIELD
Ah, Spring. Warmer weather and longer days.
It also means I'm going to be playing slo-pitch.
And once again I'm on a team that plays in the Senior Slo-Pitch League, or we would be if there were such a league.
So far we've managed to practice twice a week and will probably continue to do so until somebody writes up a schedule and we get to play a few games. For now, I'm happy with the practice time.
Standing in centerfield the other night I marveled at a lot of things. I was thrilled to see so many players from all age groups gathering together to play. We borrowed equipment from one team and players from another joined in our practice. We all had fun and enjoyed the evening in Memorial Park.
Then I started running through the list of 'ifs' while watching the play develop around me.
If I were a little faster I could have caught that one.
If I were a little younger I'd be a little faster.
If I were a little lighter I'd be a lot faster.
If I were a little shorter I'd be quite a bit faster.
If I were a little fitter I'd be a whole lot faster.
If I were a little less worried about the details I wouldn't have missed that one that just sailed past me while I was daydreaming about being a little sleeker, slimmer, shorter but a whole lot faster than I currently am.
Then it occurred to me it really didn't matter because we each have a skill that fits into the puzzle that makes our team work.
So I gave up on the 'ifs' and started looking at the good stuff. I was outside, breathing fresh air, sharing a few laughs and fellowship with some old and new friends doing something other than sitting at home.
It was at about that time a fly ball went into right field, I chased it and caught it on the fly. It felt good and it reminded me why I was out there to have a good time.
Once the stiffness goes away tomorrow I'll realize how good a time I actually had and will be out there again the next practice night soaking up all the fun I can handle.
And maybe I'll hit one over the fence this year, but if I don't it won't really matter to me, just as long as I tried.
