Game 1 - After the Fact

Grantland Rice, an American sportswriter during our turn of the century wrote , ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.’  Vince Lombardi, famed Green Bay Packers coach and namesake for the National Football League’s (NFL) coveted Super Bowl trophy is quoted as saying, ‘Winning isn’t the only thing; it’s everything.’

I hate football.

Your Memorial Ballers lost their Home Opener yesterday on Dairy Field 4 against The Philadelphia Zoo.  The score, a crushing, stomping, lot to little 32-6 with Please Touch rallying slightly bottom of the seventh.  Unfortunately, our effort provided too little, too late.  Regardless, spirits were high, our mood cheerfully sarcastic and a good time was had by most!  Honorable mentions, plays of the day and general awesome-ness include an incredible but made-to-look-easy catch by Nora Banks playing short right field; a snag which not only ended an eight-run Zoo rally but also bottom of the first inning.  More than one line-drive was effectively terminated by rookie third-baseman Matthew Schwartz, dedicated fiancée of Please Touch Museum Music Coordinator, Ann Goering.  Ann, also a Ballers rookie, made her all-star debut at second base and closed as catcher during innings six and seven.  Newly drafted Grant Writer, Brain Rafter covered left field – Literally.  Rafter arguably spent more time on the field after diving and impressive feats of acrobatics, laying out for more than one Zoo pop-up or foul fly!  Dan ‘The Man’ B. made his debut at short stop, thus rounding out our newbie Ballers.  Please Touch veterans such as solid left center Andrew Riley, right center Rob Fernandez and all-around Renaissance man FLuzi who pitched, killed time in right field and closed at short stop, lent experience, constructive criticism and an air of ballin’ flair.  In addition, catcher turned closer Claudia Setubal held our opening opponents to minimal run devastation during innings six and seven while seasoned slugger Renee K. staked second base, innings four through seven.  Co-captain, Adam ‘The Beast’ Phillips played an amazingly solid first base stretching, scooping and chasing down pop flies despite pre-season ankle injuries and DL rumors.  As remaining co-captain, I was content to keep score, maintain our rookie roster and provide endless encouragement; albeit laced with love and sarcasm.

In short, I have to disagree with Vince – Winning isn’t everything.  It IS how you play the game, the example you set and the fun you have with truly amazing people!