Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:20:16 -0500 From: mojo999@hushmail.com Subject: SUMMER BASEBALL V-5 SUMMER BASEBALL V-5 ------------------------------------- GAME TIME!! ---------------- The month of June has flown by. It's now Wednesday of the week of our 1st tournament. The committee meeting we always have before the 1st pitch gets thrown is about to end. All our bases seem to be covered and the weather gods look like they will cooperate throughout the weekend. 24 teams of boys age 16 and under will be in town this weekend and this blue can hardly wait. The format is double elimination which means if a team loses any 2 games, they go home. It also means the team from the winners bracket that gets to the championship game on Sunday has to lose twice that day to the team coming from the losers bracket. It is always easier to play on Sunday if you're from the winners bracket. Local teams or teams coming from out of town with short distances to drive are always scheduled to play the 1st games on Friday night. The teams from long distances play Saturday morning, and almost all arrive sometime Friday night. Ozzy is licking his chops. He is booked full, as always, and having a few hundred teenage boys around makes him even happier. He has opened his hotel to us as usual providing meeting space, hospitality room, and complementary sleeping quarters. Steven and Joel are leading off for the blue team. Steven will not work the semi-finals or finals, only because of his age. I have Tim (whom you remember worked with us last summer), and two umpires named Rich and Bill slotted to work Sunday's finals. Mark, Andy, and Marcus are all helping through the weekend. Andy will be coming with Joel and Mark and is planning to stay at Pete `s house. Mark and Joel will be staying at Ozzy's hotel. Pete tells me that Marcus has been a royal pain because he wants to help us and be around his big brother...and me for some reason... And Bulldog wants Marcus the computer expert to help her with team registrations and perhaps computerize her operation some. She processes an incredible amount of information and historically has done so manually. With an error rate of less than 1%. And with a near photographic memory. Over the winter, Ray suggested it might be time to bring a little technology onboard and immediately received a major eyebrow treatment...which is just now relaxing. She did give it lots of thought, however, and when Pete thought it safe, suggested that Marcus could possibly help her. And we may have a new helper. Although not especially interested in baseball, Ty has offered to help. This now 14yo piece of beautiful Asian art will be welcome although I have no idea what I could have him do. Not sure what has motivated his interest now, because Pete has never pushed any of his brood to help. Perhaps its to be around Marcus who he really likes as a brother. Or perhaps to be around Steven who he absolutely adores. Or to be around lots of other boys near his own age. *********** It's now early afternoon on Friday. I've done all I can do work-wise, my umpire gear and travel bag are all packed, my laptop recharged, and I am especially excited that game time is near. Part of my excitement is definitely because the Rock and his Angel are coming to play. And yes, they are driving. As part of the convoy that usually makes up the travel party of teams and families. Angel's family has a minivan, and 2 other team mates will be in it. Last I heard, they are coming in sometime tonight, and the boys think they are staying at Ozzy`s hotel. They play the 1st time slot in the morning. I scheduled Steven and Joel to work this game. En route, I called Bulldog to let her know my ETA. Marcus is already at her table busily sifting though team papers and helping set up her work area. He brought his laptop and suggested setting up a database (just what does that mean, Tom?) with all the team information in it. Once the onslaught of teams arriving is over, he may start on that. Joel, Mark, and Andy will arrive about an hour after I do. They will meet Steven and his jalopy at the ballpark. Ty will meet me at the hotel. I'm very anxious to meet this young teen for the 1st time. He's coming with Pete. Pete plans to tour around independently of me, and Ty can either travel with him or with me. It is so good to see my friend and mentor and ex-lover as excited as I am to get the games started! He has assured me that I am the point man and that he is the casual observer. This was never a concern for me, as I would be happy to carry that man's baggage or shine his shoes any time and any where. ********* I arrived and after checking in at the front desk, I went to tournament central. Bulldog gave me a hug, I saw some other committee members chatting with families and coaches, and then I saw young Marcus. He was just coming back with a can of rat poison (Mountain Dew) and when he saw me, grinned a grin about as wide as a grin can get. He ran over and gave me a hug. Strike me dead if he isn't just about the cutest and hottest bit of young teen male beauty alive. He is taller by at least 2 inches and weighs I'm sure about 125 lbs now. He's wearing board shorts and a tank top. The shorts reveal very nice lower legs which if my eyes don't deceive me now have a very light dusting of hair. And the tank top reveals arms that are developing muscle and some more light hair cover. And underarms that are still hairless and quite inviting. And the bugger held the hug quite a long time and rubbed his very nice boy parts into my leg. There may be some growth there as well. "Tom, I'm so happy to see you! I'm helping Margie with stuff! Can I still go around to the parks with you?" "Hey Marcus! Happy to see you too, dude! Sure you can go around with me." Then, "Does your dad want you to do things as well? Like helping Carl or keeping the scorebooks? What does Margie want you to help with?" "Dunno. He's been out at the parks all afternoon I think. And we haven't talked too much about it." "OK. Let's do this. Margie, do you want Marcus to help you with all the teams coming in?" "Yes, Tom. He's done a good job so far. And my usual volunteer helper can't make it today." "OK. Please stay and help Margie tonight. You can tour with me tomorrow and Sunday if you want. You can go with your dad or Carl too, if you want. But for now, help Margie. Give her as much of your time and help as she needs. That OK with you, Margie?" "Yes." "That OK with you, Marcus?" "Yep. I just wanna go with you and see the ballparks and players and stuff..." "You will!" Gawd...I almost said "You will, baby..." "Margie, anything I can do for you before I head out?" "Nope. Go. I have a very good helper here." "OK. I'll give you a shout once the games have started. See ya, dude." "Tom, by the way, Ty is with his dad. They are at one of the diamonds. Pete mentioned you were going to meet Ty here, but Carl called and said he needed Pete for something. Call Pete and he'll let you know where they are." "Thanks, Margie." Jeeze, I forgot that I was going to meet Ty here at the hotel. I wonder if he is as gorgeous in the flesh as he is in that family photo... A couple of teams arrived as I walked away, and Marcus started helping Bulldog with the sign in process. She does have a very good helper with her I could tell, and I could also tell he was very excited to see the older boys coming in. I saw him more than once checking out their clothes and baggage...and their physiques. I looked at the teams arriving...no Angel and Rock. Oh well. I definitely plan to be at their diamond to see them play in the morning. ******** I went to my room and dropped my travel bag. My umpire equipment stayed in the car and will be handy in the chance I need to work. I should not have to, but I sure do want to. The last 2 weeks of last season went by in a blur, because of Pete's and Steven's situations, and I didn't have that much time to miss working. But I'm really starting to now. I called Pete just before leaving the hotel. "Hi, Tom. Did Bulldog let you know where I am and that Ty is with me?" "No and yes. She said Carl called you on a matter. She did say Ty was with you. Anything I can do to help you guys?" "No, but thanks for the offer. What's your plan for touring tonight?" "I want to start at the furthest park and end up at Kimmel, which is Steven's and Joel's site." "Good. I kind of planned the same. Do you want Ty to join you?" "Absolutely, if you and Carl don't need him. You want to meet anywhere in particular?" "How about Ranger Park, say in ½ hour?" "Sounds good. Tim's working there with Frank and I want to say hello. I'll catch you there." "OK." I pulled into the parking area at Ranger and saw the umpires out at their cars getting ready. The SD was with them and so I parked next to their cars. "Hi Tim, hi Frank. Glad you blues can work tonight. Hey John (SD)." "Hi Tom. How you doin` boss?" said Frank. "Good, thanks. John, everything kosher?" "Yes. The diamond looks great, the blues are here, and the teams are arriving. Souvenirs are ready and the concession stand is open. By the way, Tom, you hungry?" "Yeah, matter of fact. Let's grab something while Tim and Frank get ready. Have a good game, guys." Off we went. John was a newbie volunteer a couple of summers ago and this is his 1st in-charge assignment. He did help us a lot during the rains of last summer, I remember, and Carl especially wanted him to help this summer. "So, John, you doin' OK? You are seeing what a labor of love these tournaments are." "Yeah, Tom they are a labor. And I love it. And yeah, I think things are going well. Pete and Carl are around somewhere. I'm glad they are, coz I'm worried I'm forgetting something." Now I know why Pete suggested meeting here. Not only to introduce me to Ty, but to get better acquainted with another of our rising stars. John isn't an umpire star in the making, but he is a management star in the making, and a rather attractive one at that. We both ordered a burger from concessions and asked to see if we could help in any way. They were in fact a little short handed, so John and I started hauling ice from the makers in the rear up front to the customer service area. John noticed the seating area out front needed some cleaning, so he grabbed a broom and some wet towels. I took the broom and started sweeping. He wiped down the picnic tables and benches. When that was done, we checked back with the host people. They thanked us, saying everything else was good to go. We grabbed our burgers. They wanted to give the food to us without charge. I thanked them, but said we would pay for what we eat and signed the running tab that we routinely do. "John, you'll do fine. Just remember to call in to Margie later. And know that I'm here to help any way I can." "Thanks, Tom. I better go say hello to the teams. You staying awhile or do you need to move on?" "I'll stay at least til I can catch Pete. And I'll probably watch the 1st few innings. Your press box people all here and ready?" "Yeah, they're around somewhere. And thanks for the offer to help." "Welcome. I'll be around through the weekend. Catch ya." Pete, Carl, Ty, and a couple of host people were wrapping up some diamond work when I spotted them. They just finished positioning the bases and Ty was helping chalk the foul lines. Pete looks handsome as ever in his late 50's and is in pretty good shape. Carl is muscular, works construction when not on committee business, and is in his 30's. His tan is impressive and his body contour is equally impressive. And as he straightened up from putting 3rd base in position, I could see his tan line does not stop at any clothing line. Damn, the dude must find the time to layout naked. And then there is Ty. 14 years old now and shirtless. Shirtless to show a fabulous definition of muscle in neck, shoulder, arm, and torso. Shirtless to show sumptuous young nipples situated on perfectly shaped young pecs. Shirtless to show a great young flat tummy and very yummy inny. Cutoff, ragged edged shorts that stopped mid-calf on some very impressive calves. And the cutoffs were not only ragged, but TIGHT. And REVEALING. 14 years old and not a hair on his body other than his head. I damn near choked on the last bite of my sandwich. I almost popped wood right then and right there. "Hey, guys!", I called when I swallowed that last bite and got Mr. Peter under control. "Anything I can do?" "Hi, Tom", both Pete and Carl replied. Then Carl asked, "The field looks pretty good, doesn't it?" "Yes it does. You guys been out here long? And isn't this the park that almost lost their property?" Pete responded, "We've been here since 2pm. They were short-handed and not able to get everything ready. And yes, this is the park we helped save." Ty walked over just then and Pete made introductions. "Tom, meet Steven's and Marcus' brother. This is Ty." He tried to wipe his hand off on the front of those shorts as he extended it to shake mine. "Hello, Ty. Glad to meet another of the clan." We shook hands, and his hand was remarkably strong for a young teenager. And it remained firmly in my hand for perhaps too long, as I wasn't sure I wanted to release it. He watched me closely as he approached and shook hands. He allowed the faintest of smiles on his face as I struggled to let his hand go. He then continued to watch me as he adjusted some boy parts within those raggedy shorts. Then he asked Carl and his dad if there was anything else needing done. "I think we're ready, son. Did you remember to bring our towels to clean up with? And where's your shirt?" "Yeah. The towels are in the car. My shirt's over in that dugout. Can I get something to eat and drink?" "Yes. Let the concessions people know you're with me. Be sure to sign the voucher." "OK, dad. Can I travel around with Tom tonight?" Pete looked to me and I almost drooled my approval. I asked, "Pete, we still wanting to end up at Steven's games?" "Yes, sounds good. Both Ty and I want to see Steven work. And ending there makes it real convenient for me to get to the hotel." "Ty, you're welcome to come with me. We'll catch your dad over at Kimmel." With that, we went out to Pete's car so that they could towel off and freshen up. Carl was going to his car and then was going to stay here for tonight, as he wanted to work on the diamond between the games, and again before everyone went home. Out at the car, I reviewed my itinerary with Pete and watched a very sensuous display of his son's teen assets. A fresh tank top finally went on after a lengthy and thorough self-inspection. Like Ty was trying to see if there were any body parts missing and just where the devil they might be. Then Pete unceremoniously pulled out a pair of jeans and handed them to his son without speaking a word. And said jeans promptly and without protest found themselves replacing the cutoffs. And hugging those fabulous buns. And doing only a slightly better job of covering Ty's other delightful boy parts. I fumbled around in my pockets, finally located my cell phone, and called Bulldog to let her know my whereabouts and my next stop. ******** Ty got fed and Ray may faint when he sees the bill. We got ready to watch some baseball. While he chowed, the teams took their warm-ups and started infield practice. I had caught glimpses of the players as they dressed out of their cars, and dammit they looked very fine in various stages of undress. As they stripped out of shirts and shorts. As they put on uniform, socks, and shoes. As they tucked and re-tucked those uniform shirts into those uniform pants. As they adjusted for the 10th or 20th time their jockstraps and cups and the various boy parts therein. Lord, if there is a 2nd life, let me come back as a jockstrap worn by teenage boys. After a couple of innings, we started our tour. It was a warm night yet cool enough to travel with the windows down and air rushing in. We both found it refreshing and in typical teen boy fashion, Ty spent a lot of time inspecting his clothes and whatever might be under those clothes. And I was loving the show. We arrived at each site and gradually made our way to our final stop. En route, Bulldog told me that Steven's game on the plate, the 2nd of their 2 games, was going into the 3rd inning. That all was going well and that she had already heard compliments on how he and Joel were working. We arrived, said hello to the SD, and checked in at the concessions stand. We offered our help, which was appreciated but not needed, and Ty helped relieve some of their food inventory. We then saw Mark and Andy. We went in their direction so that I could introduce Mark to Ty. After introductions, Ty went to sit with Andy, and I asked Mark how things were going. "The games are going well. Joel did a good job on the plate and Steven had three bangers (meaning, very close safe or out calls) that 1st game. And he got `em right. And he looks great this game with his balls and strikes. I overheard the coaches before the game worry about him being the same age as the players and whether he was ready to umpire this age group. The coaches have been very impressed, Tom. Very impressed." "The catcher of the red team even came back to the dugout after the 1st inning and yelled to his team that `this blue is damn good, boys. Be ready to swing the bat. And pitch strikes!" "Thanks Mark. How's little bro doin`? "The rat's being a good boy. He's not bothering Steven at all. He even helped announce the players in the press box the 1st game. I guess the regular announcer had car trouble and he didn't get here til midway of the 1st game. The regular guy just sat back and watched and listened to Andy do his thing. I overheard him tell the SD that Andy did a very good job, and perhaps has some talents this way. And he did do a great job. I`m proud of the punk." "Excellent! I'm proud of him too." "Mark, I assume Andy is staying at Steven's house this weekend? "Yep. Last I heard, they have a tent to play in. Steven, Marcus, and Ty all set it up in the back yard." "And I assume Steven is playing taxi for the weekend?" Laughing, Mark replied, "Yeah. Andy thinks Steven's wheels are the best. The 1st time Steven drove to see Andy, about all they did was drive around. That and have sex. Don`t know when they ate or slept that weekend." I laughed and said, "I'll catch you guys later. Ty and Andy seem to be hittin' it off OK. Tell them to meet up with us out at your car if I don`t get to them 1st." I walked up and down the fences surrounding the playing field. Just wanted to soak up the atmosphere and have a bit of quiet time. Depending on the age group of the teams playing, different parks will host the championship. And the committee even takes that selection a step further by trying to ensure each park gets a chance to host one. We do not play favorites among the parks, but this one is a favorite. The host people bust their asses for us. They are blessed with volunteers that commit the incredible amount of time it takes to maintain facilities. Also it has lights and the playing field can handle a huge amount of rain. They hosted the championship last year, and so will not host this year. But this was the park last year that also witnessed the natural father of Steven and Marcus going berzerko. These light poles have seen a lot of baseball over the years and have suffered a few gunshot wounds for that privilege. ******** Stay tuned!