I’m psyched about my first softball game of the Fall season tonight. Our Summer league was so fun that I’m really stoked to get back into it. Playing softball is great for the following reasons:
- Exercise. It’s not something that I get a lot of, so any outside activities involving body movements is a plus. Considering I sit a desk for about 8-10 hours of my regular day, a little action is welcome. Even if I ever start going to the gym, it won’t be as fun since there is no competitive edge or joyful aspect to lifting weights and running on a treadmill.
- Fun. Nothing beats the thrill of trying to catch a fly ball or getting a hit and rounding the bases. As a kid who loved baseball and everything the Dodgers, I of course dreamed of being a big leaguer. However, I lack the physical prowess, not to mention the skills or even the talent to become one realistically, so I’ll have to settle for the lowest division of community softball.
- Bonding. I play with a bunch of my coworkers, and playing on a team together has pretty much been the greatest thing to happen to us as a group. We’ve really gotten to know each other and each other’s families through playing this game, and the feeling of comradery has never felt better.
- Ego. I realize I’m not particularly good, however, when I do well it is an incredible ego boost. Since I am basically the youngest team member (now that my sister is gone), I am in better shape than most of the rest of the team. Even if I’m not in better shape, I’m more resilient without any of the knee or back injuries that go along with being over 30.
- Escaping. For the hour and half (or so) that I’m playing, I’m not worrying about work or school or my car or my house or my laundry or my bills or anything else. I’m only worrying about left field and home plate. It’s a nice escape, especially with my other escape (the Dodgers) playing so poorly of late.
So, yeah, that’s it. I can’t wait to get out there and man left field. I will miss my sister this season, since she was always a spark for our team’s fire. Oh well… Time to go play ball!