12/31/08

Softball: A Potential Year-end Icon of the Fine Visual Arts

Dear People,

In the last game of this cheery, peaceful and delightfully prosperous year, Chris Fure’s team showed a disconcerting lack of ethical restraint by decimating my own, 21-14. Still, it was our first chance to frolic in three long weeks, it was played under sublime blue skies, and despite the callous brutality with which the Furenator’s contingent exploited our 95 errors, there were still moments of bilateral warmth and affection that made me realize anew why this community continues to persevere.

I specifically refer you to that wondrous play in the 5th when Frieda—Chris’ lovely wife— took off from 1st on a sharp line drive to short. Ken scooped up the orb with his usual aplomb, and tossed it straight to Deb at 2nd. As best I could tell, the Debster was ready to make the force and end the inning, but unfortunately, she bobbled the ball like a distracted juggler on ’ludes before falling spastically to her knees. Meanwhile, Frieda darted ever forward, and as she approached her rendezvous with Newtonian destiny, Deb continued to scurry for the ball while spinning, writhing and blocking the base entirely, as if she had suddenly confused the rules of Professional Softball with Greco-Roman Twister.

Curiously, Frieda herself saw no point in slowing, and thus she toppled over Deb’s body as though it were nothing more than a low-lying pummel horse. At first I was braced for the usual injuries and calamity, but in fact neither player seemed hurt or even alarmed, and truth be told, they disentangled from each other so slowly, gently and sensually that I felt as if I were watching a stirring philosophical metaphor for what Gandhi always sought in the competitive athletic realm.

Ironically, Frieda’s folks had just arrived with a camera in tow, and while I forgot to ask if they shot the poignant scene in question, I do know what I’d advise them if they had been clicking. I’d tell them to produce just one original print in stark black and white, sign the name ‘David Hockney’ on the lower right corner, frame it in rich pecan woods, and then name it “A Tender Mounting at 2nd.” Why? Because then, my friends, that photo would sell for at least $2,000,000 at Sotheby’s next auction of rare aerobic ephemera.

Yeah, match after match and year after year, we as a people are a compelling story that cries out to be told. And therefore there will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11, IF I get enough commits by this Friday morning…Ray


1/2/09

Softball: Curious Syntactic Structures on the Upscale Menu

Dear People,

There will be a game at Codornices this Sunday at 11, and as of now there are still three slots left.

Please bring $3 for the field, which for this week only includes a complimentary pre-game collation of Twice Cooked Tofu with Savory Cabbage and Garlic Soy Reduction….Ray 845-7552

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