Miss

The blog has been gone for 2 months, but unlike previous gaps in postings my absence didn't have to do with work, family, or lack of time. rather it had to do with softball, specifically assholes in softball, who drained my life force.You see I've been playing in Inwood on Sunday mornings this fall and then umpiring there in the afternoon league. I've officiated high intensity goon games where motherfuckers were getting there goon on me on every pitch for 5+ hours. Honestly, I handled it well, but dealing with it did tire me out. It's like my main man Eminem raps "But what happens when karma, turns right around and bites you and everything you stand for, turns on you, despite you?" - WHEN I'M GONE 

The final breaking point was when I called strike three on a batter who took a slow lob down the middle that short hopped the catcher. Way to close to take. I mean swing the bat dude. After strike three the batter took his bat and threw it into RF, and then made a threatening motion toward me as to punch me. That really bothered me. I mean do I really need this shit? I am a player. I have a good career now. I needed a break and that break also affected the blog.

That break is over. 

I miss this blog. 

I miss my readers. 

I miss thinking.

I miss writing.

You can't be afraid to swing and miss in softball or life. They say time heals all wounds and this recent absence has really made me appreciate this forum. It has allowed me to connect with people on a totaling different level that transcends softball after all it is more than just a game and while the games may be ending in the next few weeks, but the Season we call life goes on.

It Means Warrior

One of the highest compliments a player can be given is to be called a Softball Warrior. It denotes skill, desire, honor, and bravery on the softball battlefield. You would go into any game with this kind of player on your side regardless of overwhelming odds.

It should be notes that on the night of his Re-Election the name  Barack

 

in the bible denoted a valiant warrior who cooperated with the prophetess Deborah to win victory in a battle against overwhelming odds.

Don't hate fellow Americans. Embrace Your Warrior Presdient.

4 More Years. The Battle Never Ends

A Good Sandy

The devastation caused by the Hurricane Sandy in our area

has been shocking and clearly will have long lasting repercussions both Off 

Hoboken

and even On

Great Lawn Field 4

the field. I hope all my readers out there are doing well after the terrible storm.

Ironically, the name Sandy will be synonymous with this storm forever. However  one of the players I've admired the most for his grit, talent, and determination is also named Sandy - Sandy Zinn.

The guy is a winner

Not flashy. Not Selfish. Not Obnoxious.

but gets the job done becuase he is Reliable, Aggressive, Intelligent, Focused

and much more,

A lot of times you see a guy on another team who is an excellent player that you would love on your team because of their talent.  Sandy's ability is noticeable, but over the years what really stuck me was how hard he played. You could just tell he puts everything into every play. Bottom line he makes other players around him better - My kind of player. 

He's been a winner Below 96th (B96) for years

Now he's taking his game to A96 - Inwood style

 

 While the damage Hurricane Sandy won't be forgotten or belittled, it's worth noting that softball has a good version of Sandy - True Gamer

Good Sheppard needed on the Path

I love this quote from Dante's inferno "In the middle of the journey of our life I found myself astray in a dark wood where the straight road had been lost." If you always saw the road ahead of you, the trip/journey would not be worthwhile. 

Unpredictability is one of life's greatest gifts and nowhere else is this more self evident than in sports. The best leagues to play in are the one's where the championship is up for grabs and unpredictable. Competition drives interest, excitement, desire, and hunger. That's one of the biggest reasons why the NFL is so popular - Parity. When you have 3-6+ teams vying  for the title it creates an ultra competitive environment where on any given day anyone can win.  

These say "your only as strong as your weakest link" and in the ultra competitive environment of sports you often see "a little guy or a guy you don't expect" make a difference.

That's why every team needs a Good Shepherd. Without getting too religious (god knows I am not religious) the metaphor of a Good Sheppard is simple "no one gets left behind". Teams that have players that make other players better and get the most out of everyone regardless of their skill level are always better off. It's easy to pick on your scrubbiest guy, great players are "Good Sheppard's" and make everyone feel important.

The path to the championship is not always clear and you never know when you will need everyone. Instead of tearing someone down try being a Good Sheppard and you just may arrive at your final championship destination in an unforeseen way. Confidence is fragile and Hero's aren't born, they are made from Leadership. Corny but true

Point the 45 the Other Way and Make My Day

I've always been a big Clint Eastwood fan as a Actor
and Director.
 

The guys is brilliant, but I found his speech at the GOP Convention

in poor taste.

While he is totally allowed to Freedom of Speech at least make what you talk about intelligent and clever. This was just good old fashioon goon mudslinging poilitics as it was:

• Not funny
• Disrespectful to the office of the president (implied curses)
• Ignorant - Target Date for Iraq? Are you kidding me? Did he expect soldiers to all get on the Red Eye and fly coach?
• Stupid - Lawyers don't make good presidents b/c they weigh both sides of a decision?
• We need a business man? Did he forget who caused the Recession?

Make my Day and say something smart.

Face it this election really isn't about making these betters for the GOP ... it's about Power. Stop the mudslinging everyone and debate the issues intelligently. Anyone can be a goon, but not anyone can be a leader. Be careful who you point the 45 Clint  b/c when you say something stupid you could be shouting your party in the foot.