Since I'm not sure whether ESPN is going to carry the game recap for today's game between the University of Nottingham Thieves and the University of East Anglia Blue Sox, I might as well just post one here. In short, we lost 13-9. We played a pretty sloppy game defensively, especially in the middle innings. Lynn, our fearless Chicagoan captain/second basewoman deemed it the "most shit game we've ever played." I played left field. The extent of my defense consisted of when I fielded a line drive hit down the line for a double and relayed it back in. At the plate, I think my showing could be classified as pretty much futile. I grounded out, walked, and struck out three times, all looking. I guess that's sort of to be expected, since we basically never take batting practice, but it was still frustrating. I mean really, just one hit? Hell, I'd take a bunt (I guess I never tried that though). Is it too much to ask? I'm really not the team's worst player. Not an unreasonable request.
Disappointing result notwithstanding, it was a perfect day for a ballgame. Even among helpless flailings with a bat, legs falling asleep for lack of action in left field, and facing the reality that your life calling may not lead to the major leagues, there's something about freshly mowed grass, a blue sky, and the satisfaction of wearing hiked up green socks that makes everything seem golden. We all looked very professional in our uniforms, the weather strangely decided to be beautiful (see earlier post on the rain soaked hell that was our game against Manchester), and everyone seemed to be having fun. We hit up our usual put, the Three Wheatsheaves afterwards for a pint and sausage and chips. Quintessential British fare.
I felt for perhaps the first time this year that I was a part of something at university. The nature of the musical beast at Nottingham, unlike at Luther, is very removed. Meaning, practices are so few and far between, there's no sense of community or anything. It's a very individual activity I feel. Learn your music, show up, play, go home. And even though I'm not really very social with the baseball guys other than Lynn and Adam, at least it feels like I'm a part of something, like I'm doing something worthwhile. 3 practices a week will do that for you. As much as I try, I'm really not too much of a ballplayer. Wish I was, but I'm not. As a result, I have to define myself as that guy who always shows up for practice, even though he sucks. I'm like "Rudy," except not really. In any case, through all the sore elbows and bruises, I've come to really enjoy playing ball here. And I like the guys on the team, even though I don't know them too well. A lot of the Luther folk in the flat have talked about not feeling a part of the university. We live removed from the campus, and I guess a lot of us have just not gotten that involved. I feel very fortunate that I joined both musical ensembles and baseball, because I at least feel like I'm doing something. Something small. It's a good feeling. And a sunny day spent on a makeshift baseball diamond just makes it better.
Since this is a shamelessly baseball related post, I just have to include this photo, in case anyone hasn't seen it yet.
It's beautiful.
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