As we get older many former athletes miss competition. I am the same way. I think part of the reason I am drawn to fantasy sports and daily fantasy is the competition aspect of it all. I like to win. I like to compete. I also like winning money.
Yesterday I was playing for my neighborhood’s softball team. It’s competitive. There are playoffs and teams come from the county. I honestly, have not swung a bat in at least ten years. I have thrown a few times, with my son, or my father. I have also tossed a few games of t-ball for my son’s team. I like to think I was well rested.
I was excited to play. Baseball was my best sport in high school. I wasn’t all conference, but I started a few years in high school, mostly at third base. I caught occasionally, usually when my friend Drew would pitch. It was a blast. If we ever got very far behind or ahead they would let me pitch to eat up innings. I had a decent knuckleball I would try to throw. Sometimes it would hit people, or get hit out of the stadium. I think I had more fun playing baseball in high school than the other sports I played. (Basketball and football) This was despite the fact our baseball team was normally hovering at .500. The other two sports were much more successful. My state runner-up medal for basketball is somewhere in my basement.
First two games yesterday I was rusty. Dropped a few balls and missed plays I would have made 20 years ago. Just getting used to being back on the field is not easy. I didn’t strike out, but hit some weak balls into play. I’ll get better for the nest time, I thought. Then the third game started.
First two batters get on. I’m playing third. Ball hit between third and short. I make the ball and proceed to race the runner to third. I won. He was out. Yet, so was I. I rolled my ankle horribly when I hit the bag. I heard a pop. I assumed it was a bone. I knew it wasn’t my Achilles. I partially tore that three years ago playing volleyball. I walked off the field and headed to the bench. I started to get light headed and dizzy. I thought I was in shock from breaking my leg. A friend, Frank, helped me get home.
Thankfully, we have an emergency orthopedic injury clinic near us. X-rays were negative. I didn’t dislocate it either.
I did tear ligaments.
I’ll be in a boot and on crutches for the next four weeks.
Am I going to quit? No way. I’m going to get in better shape and be ready to play again. I have to. I need to. I also want to be able to play sports with my kids. I need the competition. I also need to start wearing ankle braces. I’ll be back.
Wagers for tonight have already been posted on Twitter!
Baseball Record 15-19 +591
Baseball Parlays 6-138 -157
GOLF 0-8 -650
Soccer 1-1 +000
Win The Weekends 