Submitted by Fred on

The Comeback Kid

Categories
Games


For as long as Gotham has had softball teams (Batmen and Bombers) I have pitched for one or the other.

However, I was forced to retire this Winter due to chronic hip and back pain. I became the non playing Manager of the Batmen, but never scratched the itch or exorcised the dream to return to the pitching mound.

Over the last few months the pain has abated due to my strengthening core work and emergency situations presented me with opportunities to pitch and play on the same field as my son David (our 3 generation goal is to get his 15 year old son Jackson into a game too).

At first I was  apprehensive and nervous, but that evolved into heightened awareness. It is an  incomparable feeling to stand out there on the mound with a new ball in my hand, stare in and hear the ump say "Play Ball".

It's great to be young and able. So great!


Comments

Corey Bearak

I always thought you has some more ball in you. The men I play ball with weekends and most Tues eves range from younger than David and one almost your age and running up and down a court might even be harder. On summer weekends many more of the players are around Jackson's age; one younger (and very good) and others a bit older).

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 08/14/2014 - 22:48

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You never forget how to ride a bike. As long as you can, get on and ride.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 08/14/2014 - 23:25

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you were so much older then.....you're younger than that now :D
Cayce Crown

You have always been a top pitcher, with or without a baseball.
Hope I'm around to hit a few of your pitches for many years to come.

PS - You should talk to Dr SW

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 08/15/2014 - 03:40

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Fred....You are the man !! Comebacks get harder as we get older....One of the keys to living past 100 is making many comebacks ! Core work is essential to making it happen. State of mind is essential to making it happen. Activity and something to look forward to are essential to making it happen. Thinking young. Being in love with your wife. Having a great relationship with your kids. Working and exercising all of your learned skills. If you weren't Sandy Koufax on that mound I don't know who else it could be. Passion brother! PASSION. Today is Friday. Get to the gym son !!

Hollander Sends

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Fri, 08/15/2014 - 08:28

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Great to hear that you are BACK on the mound. Satchel Paige has got nothing on you. How about reinstating the great Gotham summer/fall softball game! Odey Raviv

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Sat, 08/16/2014 - 04:16

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Hey Fred, The Red Sox could use you now that they have traded their entire pitching staff. PECO

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Mon, 08/18/2014 - 02:05

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Keep up the good work Fred... You've got years left in you for sure. 3 generations will be a reality before you have to hang it up! Also, why aren't we seeing the pictures? There has never been a Fred event without the pictures!!!!

Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on Tue, 08/19/2014 - 16:22

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Erik Scheibe

Great job. People are inspired by people who fight to continue on.

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