I joined a city softball league with some people in Erin’s program (along with some free agent strangers) this past month. It’s been fun getting out and competing again, playing a version of the game that I love. However, it’s caused a problem. After years of not playing baseball (or softball) at all, I fooled myself into thinking I’d “replaced” it with other athletic activities. I assumed the personal challenge of disc golf, for example, would fill the gap left when I stopped playing baseball after high school.
I was incredibly wrong.
I don’t dream very often, so the dreams I have are typically a good indication of what’s truly on my mind. I’ve had several dreams about being in baseball tryouts. I’ve fallen asleep while revisiting plays from recent softball games and older memories of baseball. It’s grabbed onto me again, aided by my rediscovery that adult recreational baseball leagues exist. They play proper baseball, but they specifically do not allow former professionals play. So, it runs the gamut from high schoolers to, most likely, former college players. Those seasons start around March, with tryouts1It’s still unclear to me whether everyone who shows up can expect to be drafted to a team. in February. This gives me a good amount of time to get myself back into baseball shape, and will test my Year of One and my ability to commit to a routine.
I’m amused with myself, my naivety, and also thrilled to feel how I used to about baseball. It has been such an integral part of my life, and I’m not ready to be done playing by any means. If I can make some inroads into this league, I’ll feel more comfortable finding opportunities as we move elsewhere in the coming years. Even if I can just find a solid few people to play catch with and do some light practice, I’ll be satisfied. Practicing baseball, to me, was as much fun as playing.
- 1It’s still unclear to me whether everyone who shows up can expect to be drafted to a team.