crocodile tears
No, the title isn’t about the late Crocodile hunter. Sure, that’s a sad story but, what can you expect? How many times can you tease the Grim Reaper before he gets tired of the game? I mean, eventually someone loses at Russian Roulet… it’s only a matter of time.
No, my crocodile tears are about the end of the 2006 season. It’s past Labor Day now and time to concentrate on my fantasy football team and Pittsburgh Steelers. About this time last year, I was glued to the TV every night with hopes of a Cleveland Indians victory but, I’ve given up that pipedream this year.
The ‘06 season was tough, on many fronts. My team underachieved for our abilities, and that climaxed at the World tournament through my own bad pitching. My worst fear became reality: I wouldn’t be ready for the World’s after taking the most crucial part of the year off with my back injury. I absolutely was NOT in pain while pitching at the end, just didn’t have myself where I needed to be in order to give my team my best. So, it’s not exactly breaking my heart to see the season end. Having said that, I’m not looking forward to month after month without games. Doing lessons and clinics all winter keeps my heart and mind on the game but, it doesn’t do anything for the competitive spirit.
I did get asked to head back to New Zealand for the winter season, October to March. Do you have any idea how tempting that is? I haven’t been down under for softball in 6 years and it’d be wonderful to see my old friends again. Not to mention, avoiding winter and playing softball. But, sadly that little thing called “Life” is in the way from doing that. I only wished I could’ve appreciated it more when I was carefree going between USA and New Zealand, staying in summer, playing ball, and having the time of my life. I thought it would never end. “Youth is wasted on the young”.
Instead, I’ll spend all winter thinking about what could’ve been in ‘06 and try to keep myself busy. With clinics planned from Hawaii to the Virgin Islands already this winter, I guess life isn’t so bad. Just remind me not to pet the sting rays when I’m swimming.