18 Comments

Really enjoyed this one Will. Reminded me of a Little League I will never forget but in which I was the manager. Yeah I know. I wrote about it for my friend Gary's baseball blog. https://www.baseballhistorycomesalive.com/mark-kolier-recalls-the-greatest-baseball-game-i-was-ever-a-part-of/

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I was writing a piece recently and ended up including the names of the three players I struck out in my pitching career. I cut those names later, obviously, but I still remember their at-bats, not to mention my one home run, grounding into a double play, and the missed interference call in our all-star elimination game.

All of these moments occurred in 2001.

Yep to all of this.

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When Mick was asked what it felt like to move around on the stage like he does at 80, he replied, “A lot like it did when I was 78.” He is a physical marvel.

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Ha. I feel like I did at 46 myself.

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Good one! My youngest sister, twelve years my junior, turned 53 this year and was lamenting getting older. My reply, “Oh, to be 53 again!”

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Jun 13·edited Jun 13

Well done, I too played for years, but was better charting pitches and keeping books than hitting or throwing curves, but the memories, lessons, and love of the game persist.

No one wants to lose, but it was Rook and Pawn's time. I think William is a great kid, and I've watched him grow from the opposing dugout. I was extremely happy for Cody, Ryan, and especially Tim. They truly put in the dedication to go from winless to champions. Hopefully, the players take that away as their Holland Park memory above all else. Best, Haynes

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Nicely written, Will. However, when William is done playing (and the same with you), there are alternatives. I've been playing Men's Senior Baseball for 17 years now. There are two main leagues in the states.

Men's Senior Baseball League:

https://msblnational.com/

And Roy Hobbs:

https://royhobbs.com/

All are based on your age. I'm 61 and play in an over 60 (there are divisions basically every 5 years) team in both of those leagues here in the Chicago suburbs. Obviously we're old men (my wife calls it "Old Man Baseball), it's nothing like you see on TV, but the competition and camaraderie is fabulous. I've played in tournaments in Florida with them as well.

Seriously, check it out and go oil up your glove.

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My 15-year-old former baseball player (now a football player) is making money this weekend by umpiring an all-star tournament. All of the “all-stars” in the tournament are 7 or 6 years old.

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Hey, do you guys wanna hear about the Grand Slam I hit in my first Little League at bat?

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Yes, actually!

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Thanks for asking! Fastest home run trot ever as I sprinted around the bases while the umpire was signaling the home run. Maris only hit 60 more than me that year. So yeah, your memories will still be there in another 20 years or more Will.

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I was always thought just the beginning of "Raining Blood" by Slayer because of the drums. Also a short enough part of the song to fit well as walk up music. https://youtu.be/wfvBKQ8f264?si=gi5IJn92sfzvWDdo

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We actually tried this one!

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That's awesome. Please use it. I've tried to get my nephew to consider such things, but I'm too much of a dork to him (he's committed to VaTech to pitch)

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Insightful comments on Caitlin Clark, Will. I guess I fall on the casual fan side, but fully understand where you're coming from. I wonder if Angel Reese and C lark will someday appreciate each other. Like famous rivalries in the past such as Larry Bird/Magic Johnson or Chris Everet/Martina Navratilova?

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I actually think they already do ...

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"Regular Schmuck?" No one in my circle thinks of themselves in this manner...and I'm pretty sure Andrew McCutchen won't either...

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Well, it's just a turn of phrase. I promise I do not think you--or Andrew McCutchen--a regular schmuck.

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