Submitted by Fred on

After Life!

Categories
Games

There are many ways to define "after life".

For me it is being the oldest player in a highly competitive slow pitch softball league where most players are in their 30s and old is 50.

I am the pitcher and playing Manager for the Gotham Batmen and one of my teammates is my soon to be 50 year old son David.

The plan for this season was to have his son, my 18 year old grandson Jackson, play for the Batmen as part of a 3 generations unit, but the best laid plans were frustrated by Jackson's inopportune case of mono. 

Then David went down with a fractured finger and then there was one.  Little old Me. 

The Batmen finished in second place in the regular season with an 8-3 record and won their first 2 playoff games to achieve the Division title.  You should know that Whenever we win it is a thrill for me to scream "It's great to be young and a Batman!"at the top of my lungs immediately following the last out. Why? Because it just is!  Fun is more fun when you win.

To give context, I (slow) pitched every inning of every Batmen game, walking only 6 all season in 15 games, while giving up less than 5 runs per game, utilizing a variety of veteran left handed tricks plus a hesitation pitch and knuckle ball. 

Playing with house money, we played Tuesday against Brews On First, a team which beat us 5-4 in the regular season.    

We got our revenge with an 8-5 win and I was honored to be presented with a calligraphed Game Ball from my Batmen teammates for my fielding and pitching. It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Last night we played Chaos (9-2 regular season record) for the overall Championship in Central Park.  2 years ago we got to this overall Championship game and lost.  So this was a rare second chance for vindication.

Well vindication it was as we won going away by the convincing score of 7-2 and I enjoyed the exquisite joy of being mobbed and piled on after the final out in the rush of victory and it was with extra special relish that I screamed "It's great to be young and a Batman!"

It's like I died and went to Heaven!

P.S. I was awarded a game ball again!

Comments

Norman Spizz

Congratulations. I hope that you retire and stay a champion ala DiMaggio

Submitted by Judy_Mauer on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 21:54

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Judy Mauer

hoooooorayyyyyyy !!!!! I know how important this win was to you. It's like a lifetime achievement award. And I know how much time, energy and effort you spend on your physical strength and prowess. Hard won with hard work. No one deserves it more.

Submitted by Fred on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 21:59

In reply to by Judy_Mauer

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Fred Klein

Forever Young! You are a best friend!

Submitted by Michael__Appell on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 22:13

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Michael Appell

This is your quest: to dream the impossible dream, to run where the brave dare not go, to try when your arms are too weary, to reach the unreachable star.
This is your path (no fork in the road), as long as your heart beats and there is a pulse, you will take the mound and go after the next victory - and you will stay young.

Submitted by Fred on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 22:33

In reply to by Michael__Appell

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Fred Klein

So true: Forever Young!
Daniel Schwartz

Baseball is truly ageless and timeless. It would have been nice to have the three generation family out there at once, but winning is always a great feeling in itself. Enjoy the moment and stay at it. By the way, be easy on us at the Gotham Picnic in September.

Submitted by SoniaSaleh on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 23:25

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Sonia Saleh

Congratulations! It's always fun to play and then winning is the icing.
Cayce Crown

You gotta be in it to win it.
You're an inspiration to those of us only in the 6th decade of living.

In 1923, Babe Ruth broke the record for most home runs in a season. In 1923, Babe Ruth struck out more times than any other player in Major League Baseball.

Submitted by MatthewMasseo on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 00:17

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Matthew Masseo

Curse Breakers: 2016 Cubs, 2017 Batmen
Geraldine Newman

Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing. I'm so glad you are young and a batsman!
Gideon Schein

You are the greatest, not just because you are a champ, but because it gives those of us in your decade a sense of triumph. Let's both go for a repeat in 2018!

Submitted by NeilHollander on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 05:54

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Neil Hollander

I'm gonna start calling you Satchel after the late great Satchel Paige . You have his moves and finesse and his mix of pitches . Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax and Cy Young couldn't hold a candle to you . But I will say that 75 years old and 50 plus years of marriage trump the championship . I was right there with ya Brother so keep that in mind . A story if I may . Circa 1990 . I was standing on the mound in Tokyo Japan whooping the ANA pilots with a mix of pitches similar to yours . Top seventh the VP of ANA flight operations walks out to the mound . Mind you he was from the opposing team. And takes me out . He was paying my salary and told me "Hollander San ... It will not look good for us to lose face to the American pilots today . " True story . So I didn't get my W that day . Unlike you my friend . I was in my prime at age 70 three years ago . I could still go Yard and throw knuckle curves . I admire and respect your endurance . I remember those weekend mornings I saw you running the shore road from Roslyn to Port in a zen type of trance . I give you tremendous respect and accolades . I can't close without saying "Behind every great man is one hell of a woman and in your case I know this to be true ! TRACK WALL SEE YA

Hollander Sends

Submitted by Fred on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 06:51

In reply to by NeilHollander

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Fred Klein

We are so simpatico! Thanks!
ODEY RAVIV

Congrats to the team and special kudos to player/manager Fred- He's like a Sandy
Koufax who never stopped pitching with his indomitable Left arm.
Rona Gura

Congrats!! I loved seeing the pics on Facebook and Insragram
Burton Fendelman

Believe me, the years only get better with a positive attitude, as you obviously do.

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