Old Guys Playing Baseball

My brother Ed plays in a fast pitch, hardball, "over 50" league.

He played close to us yesterday; we went to the game.

All the players are at least 50 years old. My brother is 67. There was a 72 year old playing right field for my brother's team.

It was exactly as you would expect - comical. Almost everyone is out of shape, some with noticeable guts, not great at fielding, although I have to say they can still hit.

But running is the thing. None of them can run. I am talking slow and awkward.

And I walked away from there with enormous respect. 

These guys were out there having a good time. Playing for real, taking it seriously, not mocking anyone who made a bad play or fell down trying to make one. You are allowed liberal substitutions for guys who can't run because they have bum legs or bad hips or anything that prevents them from running. If they get a hit, they run to first as best they can, a pinch runner takes over, but the batter gets to go back out on the field when the other team is up.

The spirit is amazing. The way they encourage each other; and all the typical baseball lingo is in evidence. I loved the coach of Ed's team - like a grizzled veteran coaching in the Mexican league. Coach Lou Brown in Major League. Fucking perfect.

Sense of humor. These guys were hilarious with one another. Joking, busting balls. It was obvious they were close. And each team respected the other. Joking on the base paths, helping each other out.

Making the effort, man. These guys know they are well past their prime, but they do the best they can, they enjoy it, and they exude self-respect.

Wives and dogs and family enjoying the game on the sideline on a beautiful summer day. There were maybe 8 of us there. Didn't matter. It was a fun day.

Beers and munchies in the parking lot after the game. 

At one point it struck me to be a uniquely American experience, but upon further thought I realized it is a uniquely small town experience. Baseball is universal. This type of thing happens everywhere. And it is very special. It means a lot to the people who play, the people who watch, and to the general life vibe that feeds on positivity and effort.

At a stage in life where most men are drinking beer in the recliner, bitterly whining about their jobs (I know a guy like that), these guys are out there against all odds doing something they love to do. Regardless of how they play, regardless of how they look - they are fucking doing it, man, and having fun doing it.

You need to know - there were two guys on the field who looked like real athletes - a guy on the opposing team who was short, slight and wiry - dude could hit, dude could run. And my brother.

I was so proud of him. He went 2 for 3 with a walk; two of the balls he hit were fucking crushed. When he ran on and off the field he looked like an athlete. He moved like an athlete.

Ed's team is 11 and 0. They will be in the playoffs.

We will be there.