With a little more than a little trepidation I joined John Reel's over 47 team in the Labor Day Tourney. After 4 straight wins to take the cup, I am a little more than a lot grateful. My hesitance about seeing good baseball, changed the first game when our second baseman, Jay Hayner, deftly saw a grounder into his glove. I was impressed. It takes an arrogant player like me a lot to be impressed.The line-up seemed formidable because of players that I've played with, Billy Smith, players that are long-time teamates, Skip Treece, Jim Ansel. and players that I've respected and played against like Jim Latorre and Skip Lyon from the H-birds. This team taught me a lot. There was a non-chalant intensity about them. After the final out of the game -a masterpiece by Jim Ansel- there wasn't a lot of hoop-la. I was excited by being part of this team, but at the same time I realized what it was all about. Sure these players have been around, and winning four straight in any league is a great accomplishment, but their confidence and approach to the game couldn't help but make you feel that winning is great, but it wasn't the most important thing. Playing was the most important thing, and the game. For all you aging ballplayers out there(aren't we all).. Artie?.. there is life after the 28's,- and the 38's for that matter. Thanks to Dennis and Ed and Dave and Al and thanks John.
Well stated Ralph. funny how we are skeptical about each age group as it forms. When we started the 38+ (then 40+) I had to beg for players to have the first four teams only 7 years ago. Now with 11 teams and ready to expand further there's no talk of "Old man" baseball. course thats what the 38's call 48 ball , but i expect as more of you get to my age the older division will look pretty good. We can play no doubt about that. I'd like to thank those 47+ guys who talents keep them playing in the younger divisions but have made a commitment to help stabilize this division and make it attractive for the guys coming up. with their involvement it helps present this league as serious , well played competitve ball. some day this age group will win tournies across the land. we are that good. Idon't want to name guys but Thanks, it meant alot to me to have you guys take this venture along with me. And Ralph, your'e golden next year.
