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Years ago I was given the responsibility to take some high school kids to their quarterly gifted and talented artists gettogether, held at a neighboring high school. The morning program was nothing special and after lunch all the kids, 30 or so, began filtering outside to skip the afternoon program and hang out on the back lawn, also the athletic fields. Baseball and softball gear was strewn inextricably around.
Some kids began inspecting the gear. I noticed and yelled, “Let’s play! I’m all-time ump! Count off in twos, 1 versus 2s!” Those art kids, all dressed in late 90s Goth style, took to the diamond like they were born to it. Some of them needed a little advice not to swing at a wild pitch, and when a kid from my school struck out and pleaded for me to call him safe (“Oh, Mr. Jester!” he complained), the pitcher I could see smiled. Getting a single in a game like this isn’t so hard for most kids but to these kids, success in a seemingly real game made them question their own self-identity as clueless misfits.
I think of how fun that game was often. A real team spirit. Afterwards in the car ride home the kids couldn’t stop talking about how fun it was.
OMG, I was in LOVE with John Starks, M4L. What HEART!!!! Charles Oakley was such a bad boy. But John Starks, wow, do you remember those playoff games where he hurled all those 3 point shots? (Missed most of them) but what a guy. I loved him. Patrick was a leader and a solid citizen but how could you not love John Starks. (Also loved Pat Riley in those days – very HOT in his Armani suits)
Growing up, I used to sit through detailed discussions of basketball plays at the dining room table (Dad and boys), but the baseball seemed to speak for itself. There wasn’t the same kind of pre-thinking of strategy for baseball. (Though I can demonstrate various pitches on how you hold the ball.)
My father thought football was a stupid man’s game. (Which isn’t true at all) But I inherited his prejudice, I guess. I am also aware of all the terrible injuries these guys get. One of my uncles had completely ruined knees from football.
I like watching baseball while laying on the sofa, with the sound down slightly and my eyes closed. It’s a fantastic way to take a nap! The announcers banter seem to have a very soothing, narcotic effect on me!
I agree with much of your assessment of football donatella. The defined time is such a key part of the game, and increases the intensity. I watch much more college football vs NFL. As you prob know, in college first down stops the clock & there’s no 2 minute warning. It’s fascinating to compare how the differences in how the clock works affect strategy.
Years ago I was given the responsibility to take some high school kids to their quarterly gifted and talented artists gettogether, held at a neighboring high school. The morning program was nothing special and after lunch all the kids, 30 or so, began filtering outside to skip the afternoon program and hang out on the back lawn, also the athletic fields. Baseball and softball gear was strewn inextricably around.
Some kids began inspecting the gear. I noticed and yelled, “Let’s play! I’m all-time ump! Count off in twos, 1 versus 2s!” Those art kids, all dressed in late 90s Goth style, took to the diamond like they were born to it. Some of them needed a little advice not to swing at a wild pitch, and when a kid from my school struck out and pleaded for me to call him safe (“Oh, Mr. Jester!” he complained), the pitcher I could see smiled. Getting a single in a game like this isn’t so hard for most kids but to these kids, success in a seemingly real game made them question their own self-identity as clueless misfits.
I think of how fun that game was often. A real team spirit. Afterwards in the car ride home the kids couldn’t stop talking about how fun it was.
OMG, I was in LOVE with John Starks, M4L. What HEART!!!! Charles Oakley was such a bad boy. But John Starks, wow, do you remember those playoff games where he hurled all those 3 point shots? (Missed most of them) but what a guy. I loved him. Patrick was a leader and a solid citizen but how could you not love John Starks. (Also loved Pat Riley in those days – very HOT in his Armani suits)
Don’t forget Anthony Mason. Always my fav
Donatella, Charles Oakley is my favorite Knick then Starks. I like Ewing but not top of the list
Growing up, I used to sit through detailed discussions of basketball plays at the dining room table (Dad and boys), but the baseball seemed to speak for itself. There wasn’t the same kind of pre-thinking of strategy for baseball. (Though I can demonstrate various pitches on how you hold the ball.)
My father thought football was a stupid man’s game. (Which isn’t true at all) But I inherited his prejudice, I guess. I am also aware of all the terrible injuries these guys get. One of my uncles had completely ruined knees from football.
Cobble, are you sure it wasn’t the wine & cheese that makes you sleepy (ie you do remember you had that during the 1st 3 innings)?
I like watching baseball while laying on the sofa, with the sound down slightly and my eyes closed. It’s a fantastic way to take a nap! The announcers banter seem to have a very soothing, narcotic effect on me!
By lechacal on June 11, 2010 2:52 PM
Donatella I loved that post.
🙂
I agree with much of your assessment of football donatella. The defined time is such a key part of the game, and increases the intensity. I watch much more college football vs NFL. As you prob know, in college first down stops the clock & there’s no 2 minute warning. It’s fascinating to compare how the differences in how the clock works affect strategy.