Softball at 50

Tonight was the last game of our church league softball team's season. I've been playing softball for 30+ years. I've played on bad teams, good teams, really good teams, but mostly above average teams that could be very good on occasion and very bad sometimes. I've regularly played every position at some point in those years except shortstop and even did that for an inning in a game just so I could say I'd played every position in one game. I've played with ex-college baseball players a few minor league players and even a professional basketball player who once scored 30 against Pete Maravich (of course Maravich scored 50). I've played with and against numerous Arkansas Softball Hall of Famers. I've played in a championship game at Ray Winder field, in a driving rainstorm at 3 in the morning in Duncan Ok, in 104 degree heat in Ft Worth, Tx after a 3 day fast (not very smart), and on numerous anniversaries and kids birthdays. I've gotten to play with the son's of one my best friends (thanks Q & C) and kids that grew up with my girls. I love softball. I love hangin out at the park, the smell of a glove, the feel of a bat in my hands, the sensation when you hit one on the sweet spot or snag a line drive. Everyone has things that define who they are, maybe not to other people but to themselves. Softball has played an important part in defining me to me. I've never been a great player or the best player on any of the teams I've played for, but I was a very good solid player, hit the ball hard with occasional power to the gaps, good fielder, smart baserunner, could play wherever I was needed and contribute to the team. I wanted to be at bat at important times and wanted the ball hit me when the game was on the line. This is how I think of myself in the rest of my life too. Even now when I'm not a good player anymore (and boy was the decline sharp and quick) I still remember what it was like when I was and still believe that there still a little bit of that left in me. There used to be a Pepsi commercial of 90ish old men playing softball and I always said that was going to be me, don't know if I'll make it that long but I plan on playing as long as I can find a team that will let me play. Thanks guys for letting this old man keep playin. See ya next year.