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What Am I Going to Do Now?

September 25, 2010 By Sandra Heska King

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” ~ Rogers Hornsby

As baseball season draws to a close, I wish I had recorded some games.

I used to be a news addict, but now baseball is about all I watch. If the Tigers aren’t playing, I look for someone else. And that’s not easy since we don’t subscribe to MLB.

Come to think of it, we don’t even own a DVR.

I feel the shakes coming on.

“There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem–once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit.” ~Al Gallagher

I don’t know why my life has revolved around a small foldout schedule.

Well, not my life. But at least my entertainment. I must be in front of the TV at 1 or 2 or 4 or 7 or 8. And I might watch a replay at midnight or the next day.

Or both.

It’s really sad when I decline a dinner out unless we can be home in time for the first pitch, preferring to scrounge for leftovers or eat a cold cheese sandwich.

Maybe I need an intervention.

My cheap frugal husband should be glad. It doesn’t cost him anything. Except for the satellite bill, of course. And it’s much less expensive than a trip to the actual park.

I kind of like watching from my summer seating anyway. I can see up close and personal. Every glob of spittle. Every “adjustment.” And I can read on lips words I’d rather not, and quite possibly words the players wish I couldn’t.

And I can fuss at them like a mother. They seemed a lot older when I was younger. Now some are younger than my own kids.

I think I have a problem.

I also love the closeups of facial expressions that speak volumes of joy and pain and frustration. And the occasional acknowledgment of a power higher than a game.

“Baseball is a ballet without music. Drama without words.” ~Ernie Harwell

I’m not sure why I’ve been so obsessed with baseball this year. Maybe I’m just tuned in to the drama of life that’s played out on the field. Where you start at home and end at home, and are safe. Where you press on with everything you’ve got to the end in spite of obstacles. Where you can win even in defeat, and perfection is imperfect.

Maybe there really isn’t anything wrong with me.

After all, baseball is a study of life.

But what am I going to do now?

“Life will always throw you curves, just keep fouling them off  . . . the right pitch will come, but when it does, be prepared to run the bases.” ~Rick Maksian

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Comments

  1. Lyla Lindquist says

    September 25, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    Why, you’re going to cheer for the Minnesota Twins in the post-season, that’s what you’re going to do.

    You still have a few weeks before this really hits in full force.

    A couple of years ago we took a family vacation to Florida and followed the Twins around for a Spring training games. Well, yeah, we stopped at Disney too. But the baseball was more fun than anything else.

    I enjoyed watching the end of the season with you. 🙂

    • Sandra says

      September 25, 2010 at 7:52 pm

      LOL, Lyla. I had a feeling you’d jump on this one. I envy your spring training experience. We did see the Tigers play in Lakeland once.

      Okay. I’ll root for the Twins! I love to see us boot the Sox out of second place.

  2. ~Brenda says

    September 25, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Well, hello fellow baseball junkie. Nice to meet you. No baseball is just another reason to hate winter. Bah humbug!!! :))

    It helps that my Andrew starts practice for spring ball in February. Makes the wait a little shorter for me. It’s not baseball GAMES, but it’s at least baseball!

    As for baseball on tv … sigh. We’re just going to have to wait.

    Perhaps we both have a problem.

    • Sandra says

      September 25, 2010 at 7:54 pm

      Baseball Addicts Anonymous?

      Oh wait. We’re not anon any more.

      Maybe we have to buy some baseball blooper DVDs. 😉

  3. Carol Garvin says

    September 25, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    First there’s baseball, then there’s football, AND THEN finally there’s hockey! Hockey is my downfall. 🙂

    • Sandra says

      September 25, 2010 at 7:57 pm

      I tolerate the Losing Lions. But there’s no “dance.” You did forget basketball. I liked that when my kids played–especially because it was indoors. I tolerate the Pistons. And hockey? Well, I admit I do kind of get a charge out of the fights.

      Is that another problem?

  4. deidra says

    September 26, 2010 at 9:43 am

    NFL!!!!! That is one of my vices. I know the Lions don’t give anyone much to cheer about, but I can’t help it. And now with the addition of Suh, there’s a Nebraska connection for me. It’s like kizmet.

    And, my dear friend, I must – respectfully – disagree with you regarding the “dance.” As a lover of ballet, the ballet of football is what draws me in. The leaping and reaching and stretching and turning. It is a beautiful thing indeed. As for the Pistons, they were quite a thrill back in the day with their back-to-back championships. I still have my t-shirt.

    • Sandra says

      September 26, 2010 at 6:31 pm

      My niece is a diehard Lions fan. And I actually got tickets for my son and husband (birthdays 3 days apart) for a game next month. And I enjoy a good FB game–high school if I know someone who’s playing and it’s not too cold–and NFL or college. Especially if it’s a family thing. It’s not something I organize my day around. 😉

      We had a pastor in Georgia who was always sure to finish his sermon on time to get to the game (he usually had tickets.) I’m not sure he hung around long to greet people.

      My son (and daughter) preferred to play basketball because it’s such a fast game. I miss those games, and again will watch the Pistons if I have nothing better to do.

      I’ll give you a little football ballet. I just see more in baseball. Maybe it’s because I grew up with baseball. It just feels like home. 🙂 I would have loved to play softball.

      I have a Pistons hat. 😉

      Maybe I’ll try football again. It’s not like it takes up a whole week.

  5. DS says

    September 28, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Just so you know… I loved this post!

    You just had to comment on the “adjustments” didn’t you.

    Bad girl.

    Your husband should ban you from baseball all together.

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