THE NATIONAL PAST TIMEKILLER ——– by Steve Nadis
I’m an “unworthy friend,” to borrow an expression from Patricia Highsmith (“The Blunderer”). A friend stopped by today, excited because he just got baseball mitts for him and his 6-year-old son, and instead of sharing the excitement with him, I started reflecting on, and talking about, all the hours I wasted as a kid playing catch and baseball. As a kid growing up in suburban Chicago, a large fraction of the days during summer vacation were spent throwing a ball back and forth or playing softball (“lineball”) in the street or catching fly balls or fielding grounders or playing in actual baseball games–organized and pickup. It was the main thing I did. It was the main thing every boy I knew did. We played for hours and hours a day and often into the evening.
I don’t have many fond memories about playing baseball (though lineball [16"] was fun). I did it because it was the only thing to do. Although there were a few highlights–the occasional home run and one game-winning (dare I say “walkoff”) grand slam, etc.–I actually didn’t get that much enjoyment out of it. In particular, I remember those lonely evening bike rides to Roemer Field where I played in Little League from ages 10-12. It was a real stadium, with dugouts and a scoreboard and even a snack bar. I had made the “A League,” which meant we had all the amenities, and that part of it was cool. But the games, themselves, weren’t that much fun for me. I was a decent enough player but still worried alot about getting hit by a pitch or beaned by a superfast line drive to the head or making an error or letting the team down in some other way. And then some of those crazy parents might get on my case.
So when my friend told me about his recent purchase and his excitement about playing baseball with his son for the first time, rather than sharing some of that enthusiasm, I just had to be a downer. I couldn’t get beyond my own memories. I couldn’t think of anything else besides all those hours–and indeed all those years–I wasted playing baseball. What I’d do to have some of that time back now. But I can’t. So the best I can do now is wish that my friend and his son have more fun than I did.
Snake, you and I are in the same mood today. I had a similar situation yesterday where I felt I “rained on someone’s parade.” Even though you are telling the truth, you feel bad about it. I even had to call my dad today because I actually felt guilty. So I’m going to tell you what I wanted to hear — don’t worry about it. Shake it off. Friends are friends. No one is perfect. Try not to be hard on yourself.
Thanks WFW, you’re absolutely right. He can take it. What was I worried about?
But what would you have been doing if you weren’t playing catch/baseball/lineball? Getting into trouble maybe? You learned eye/hand coordination and team play. You learned personal responsibility (I’m assuming riding your bike to the games meant you were responsible for keeping track of your schedule and game times as well as getting yourself there in a timely fashion).
Good point, Roses. Otherwise I might have spent the time in the pool hall. Or worse.
Nobody lets me play…
One time a team asked me if I wanted to play, and I was sitting in the dugout while my team was UP. The batter hit a ball straight up and it was coming down into the dugout, so I reached up and caught it.
I was chastized by the ref.
I still don’t know why…
MsAmber
“”"OH THOSE WERE THE DAYS,,,,
Yes Z, those were the days. But when you get down to it, what kind of days were they?
Baseball was my life from 0 to 12 when i had to stop playing because of nerve damage from chemo, but not only was i good (sorry to brag but i was better than any of you were or ever will be) but people noticed and tried to draft me and such and i still believe that baseball is the greatest game ever played. THe other great sports are hockey, just to get into shape for baseball season, lacrosse, I played goalie in my wheelchair, and teniss/ pingpong, they are just fun. Thank god that baseball is our national past time, not volleyball.
-Digs
P.S. I always get spirited when talking about baseball, wait a few weeks and I will be back to normal, by the way Redsox 14-8, ooooooooooo ya baby
Wait a minute Digs, what are you saying? Volleyball isn’t our national pasttime?
I am just saying that although Volleyball has its thrills, they are few compared to Baseballs, though Volleyball can be very fun at a more family get together level.
-Digs
I respect your viewpoint, Digs. Perhaps we can “agree to disagree” on this one?