Chasing Flies In Centerfield

Slo-Pitch season has started. It’s the only competitive sport I participate in and I can see it actually assisting in my journey to get more hunky and less chunky. When I heard that the first practice was going to take place I was excited, but soon determined I couldn’t make it due to my work schedule. As the days passed getting closer and closer to practice night I changed my plans so I could be there. That told me I was craving the different physical activity, as I knew it would fit into my fitness program with little problem. I also knew my power walking and loss of a few pounds earlier this year was going to probably help on the field. The team I’ve ended up playing with is mostly made up of guys in their 50’s and 60’s. I’m in my late 40’s and last season we attracted even younger players to our squad. I have no idea why they’d want to play on a team of ‘old farts’ but they did and we all had a great time. I’m interested in the team fellowship and individual challenge of improving my batting (I’m consistently good for a single or double each time at bat) and the running around the field chasing balls is another fun part of the game. We had a few new faces at practice the other night, which gives us a lot of players to draw from if some can’t make it to each game night. It also stretches out the batting order and allows for players to switch off positions so none of us gets worn out. I’m no stranger to the game having been part of a slo-pitch team 20-some years ago in a different community. That was a ‘beer league’ and back when I was running road races and pounding a lot of pavement so I think when I started playing again two seasons ago I knew it would fit into my routine, as it was a familiar element. My first season with the ‘old farts’ only saw me participate in practice nights as I joined after the short season had ended. Last season I got to play in most of the games. This season will hopefully be the same; it all depends on the schedule. With practice nights and game nights, typically we play ball twice a week. I hope to be there as often as I can and intend to eventually jog from home to the ball park (about a kilometre) as part of my warm-up and jog back home afterwards as part of my cool-down. I’m looking forward to it!

Source: www.thenewsleader.ca