I was fairly fast and a reasonably good base runner. I could catch reliably. I could usually get on base and could place the ball with some accuracy. I was a good, average player.
About fifteen years ago, I had a torn retina. Surgery saved my sight, but severely affected my vision. One day at Cornerstone Church, the guys called me out to play. While fielding a fly, I had three balls coming down at me. One wise guy told me to catch the one in the middle!
I haven't played since.
Yesterday, the FMCC softball team had a pre-season, informal 'shoot-out'. Coach, Dennis Massey, Jr., invited me to play until the rest of his team arrived.
I got on base both times at bat.
However, as I launched out of the batter's box the second time, I pulled a groin muscle that had me limping to first, hobbling to second, and barely making it to third.
I'm pretty sure it was my last game.
It's a milestone that makes me sad. I'm not as young as I used to be! Duh! I can't do all the things I used to be able to do! I'm aging...
My pride has taken a hit. A lesson of humility is being layered into my life. But don't mourn for me. There are still LOTS of things I can do. I'm not ready to lay down and die.
I may not be able to play anymore, but I can still coach and cheer!
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