Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:25:52 -0400 From: teamblue@hushmail.com Subject: SUMMER BASEBALL V-6 SUMMER BASEBALL V-6 ------------------------------------ REUNION ------------- Steven's and Joel's game was the last to finish tonight as it was a very exciting game that went extra innings. It was tied at 3 at the end of the 7th inning. A winner emerged by a score of 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th. I met the blues as they walked off the field. And in the short distance to the parking lot, they received numerous compliments for doing a very fine job. I stayed with them as they changed clothes. Mark had rounded up Andy and Ty and met us there. Pete would soon join us after helping the SD close up. Most of the players did not change here but chose to change back at their hotels. They were going to shower anyway so it made sense to change clothes only once. And being rather late, the families wanted to perhaps find a burger joint on the way or just go to the hotel and unwind. The losing coach approached and asked me if he could speak with Steven and Joel. He came to offer his appreciation to both blues for an outstanding game, and especially to Steven. He said, "Young man, we were not sure what to expect from a teenager umpiring a game played by kids his own age. I was going to complain before the game when we saw you. We were wrong to worry. We saw that before the 1st inning was over. And would have been very wrong to complain. We are sorry we thought that way. You did a fabulous job. We hope you both work more of our games. Thanks for making it fun tonight." Steven shook his hand and thanked him for the compliments. Each of us smiled and I believe Andy had the biggest smile, for it was his honey that received most of the praise. Pete got there after the coach left and asked what he had said. I replied, "Pete, he came to talk about shining diamonds." As the blues finished changing, I reminded them of the games in the morning. With so many teams playing, we will start early. As in 8am. Meaning the blues arrive no later than 7:30. So, making sure I got confirmation, each nodded their heads. I wasn't worried about Joel. I wanted Steven to realize any fun and games with Andy tonight had to be in moderation. Steven received a rather stern acknowledgement from his father, since Pete and I had previously discussed their early start. Ty all but begged to ride home with his brother and now-he-knows-for-sure-boyfriend. The boys would have relented, but Pete said no. Pete wanted the birds to have some time alone. He's stopping at the hotel to say goodnight to Bulldog and to collect Marcus. And he has a very full day planned for the younger brothers tomorrow, so he wanted to make sure they got home and to bed at a decent time. Joel and Mark left for the hotel. Pete and I will say our goodbyes there later. I was a bit tired myself and would turn in very soon. Bulldog was just gathering the last of her paperwork when we got there. And Marcus was sound asleep with his head on the table. Pete laughingly said, "Margie you slave master! What have you done to my son?" "Worked his ass off. And?" she retorted. "Good. Do you still want him to help you tomorrow?" "Yes, Pete. At least in the morning. Then he can go do other things. I'll keep an eye on him if he stays here." Ty shook his brother awake and walked with him to the car. Pete said, "He does want to go to the games tomorrow, but I want him to help you 1st. We'll see you early in the am." I said goodnight to Pete. As I walked Margie to her car, she said, "That kid is a very good worker, Tom. I was unsure what to expect when the day started. His energy level was incredible until just about an hour ago. He learned just about everything very, very quickly and already has started that database thingy." I concurred with her about what a quick study he is and how much energy he has. The bar was still open, so I stopped for a brew. It seems everyone in life knows Pete, but they sure don't know me. So I overheard lots of conversation. All pointing to having another very good tournament being well-run, well-played, and well-officiated. With that happy thought, I went to my room and crashed. ********* The rooster crowed all too early the next morning. I got up, did morning duties, and went to meet Joel and Mark for breakfast. As I sat down, my cell rang. It was Steven, who called only to confirm that he and Marcus are alive, awake, and ready to rock. Andy and Ty, however, are dead to the world. I laughed and told him I appreciated the thoughtfulness of the call. I asked him if he would be bringing Marcus here. He said he would and that his dad will bring the others out to the parks later. I told him that I would see him soon. After breakfast, I went to tournament central and reviewed my plans. In walked Marcus. He politely said good morning to anyone within earshot, then went to raid the restaurant of anything not nailed down. He wore a very nice polo shirt and another pair of boardies this day and looked just drop dead fabulous. The kid has lotsa style, lotsa class, and a god-awful lot of sex appeal. Returning to the work area, Marcus brought enough donuts for every guest in the hotel and what looked like a gallon of OJ. The last of the teams were starting to arrive for registration, and he immediately started gathering their papers. Margie shook her head in awe and mouthed to me the words, "That boy..." I arrived at the park. Joel and Steven were preparing to work. I caught up with the SD and we walked to the concession stand to offer any needed help. We brought several armloads of supplies up front and then did a quick inspection of the restrooms. The hosts thanked us and we moved on. The teams were starting to arrive with some players and family members not yet fully awake. The SD located the coaches and welcomed them. I located Angel and his Rock. I was relieved they arrived safely. They got in quite late because some members of the travel party forgot what time they were leaving town and where they were meeting. I sensed more than a little grumpiness and could understand. I'll let Steven and Joel know later that this team arrived in the wee hours and ask them to be extra sharp. And don't these Amigos look just fine, even if grumpy. Indeed Angel has had a major maturity spurt and Rock has put on even more muscle. They were laughing and joking with some of the other players when I approached to say hello. They saw me coming, stopped their chatter, and welcomed me by calling out, "Hey blue!" "Well, well. I guess we let just about anyone play, don't we?" I replied smiling. We shook hands and the Amigos introduced me to their teammates and the nearby parents. After some chitchat, I left them to visit with their opponents. But not before I got confirmation the Amigos are staying at Ozzy`s and even their room number. "Glad you guys could play this year. Best of luck." As I mingled, I often looked over in their direction just to appreciate their young male beauty. They randomly looked in my direction and smiled subtle smiles. They both seemed to be very happy with life and it warmed my heart. The teams finished their dressing and moved to the diamond for pre-game. And down the line in the bullpen, Angel was loosening his arm and preparing to throw nastiness to his lover and catcher. I decided I was going to stay for the entire game. I called the other SDs who reported teams and blues all arrived and ballparks open for business. I called Bulldog and Marcus answered. "Hi Tom! Margie is off talking to Ray, I think. And I'm handling all this team's papers!" You could almost feel his enthusiasm and taste his self-confidence. "Hya, M! Good for you dude. I know she really appreciates your help. Just let her know I'm staying awhile at your brother's game. And that all the other sites are good to go. Hope to see you soon, amigo!" She was in fact with Ray just a few steps away, and they were marveling to themselves what a dynamo they were watching. And how single-handedly the donuts were almost gone. Joel's on the plate and he immediately recognized Rock and Angel. It's all business now and players need to play and umpires need to umpire. Joel knows how to work the teams like a pro. But as I would, he will hope that the young lovers will play well. After checking with the SD, saying hello to the helpers in the press box, and seeing if the concessions people needed anything, I walked down the fence, leaning on it, and remembered a certain pat on my butt. The opposing pitcher this morning was a very handsome lad with a full head of dark hair and a wicked curveball. He looked to be perhaps 15. Nice physique, with a very prominent basket bulging the front of his pants, and with fuzz on his face that glowed in the sun. Team Amigo spent the first 3 innings swinging at air, and everyone could sense this would be a pitchers duel. This pitcher didn't have Angel's fastball velocity but he could sure throw a breaking ball that would fall off the table. The opponents spent 4 innings catching up to Angel's heat, finally getting a base hit. Both pitchers were throwing strikes. And hard. And mean. And Rock was a wall behind the plate. Nothing got past him, pitches in the dirt or foul balls. Joel could have worn his birthday suit and been perfectly safe. The opposing catcher was a younger kid, perhaps 14, and very good. And extremely good-looking. He had strong arms and was developing a fine muscular ass. The cup within his jockstrap pushed out the front of his pants and seemed proud to protect the very nice boy goodies within. Two pitches did get by him though, nicking Joel, and the poor kid apologized over and over again for not blocking them. Joel walked with him towards the dugout after the 2nd one and the coach overheard him say that it couldn't be helped and encouraged him to keep working hard. A pat on the kid's ass with his mask sent him to be with his teammates. The coach looked at Joel and thanked him for being so positive. Joel was having a good game calling balls and strikes. It is surprisingly easy to do when the pitchers are throwing strikes and working the strike zone. Nonetheless, like all good umpires, Joel set the tone early and stayed consistent throughout the game. And Steven on the bases? God above is he a beautiful young man. And sweet Lord, how confident and professional he looks. He established a rapport with the coaches and players early on and maintained it throughout. And the coaches realized early they had no concerns this game with his youthfulness, and treated him with the respect reserved for veterans. Although it was early in the day, the fans were into the game, enthusiastically supporting their sons, and fully appreciating the opponents and the quality of play. They were also hungry and thirsty, which made our hosts in concessions very happy indeed. The game ended all too soon considering the quality being displayed and the atmosphere. Team Amigo won by a score of 2-1, but it was a real battle. Both pitchers went the distance and recorded numerous strikeouts. Both catchers had exciting plays at the plate. They blocked the incoming runners' path to the plate, took relay throws that were really zinging in, and received collisions for their efforts. They held the ball and made the tags. Joel called the outs. The teams by custom line up after a game and shake their opponent's hands. These teams did as well to the applause and appreciation of the fans. Two players from each team spent more time than usual with their counterparts, for this game Angel had met a peer; a rising star in his own right, not just a foe. And Rock could appreciate a younger and less fortified version of himself. What the young catcher for the other team lacked in muscle and bulk, he more than made up for in attitude, hustle, enthusiasm, and team leadership. Pete knows every college and professional baseball scout that has ever lived. I will spend the rest of this life trying to get to know some of the people he does. There were some talent scouts here already this day busily taking notes about potential future recruits and draftees. And burning out their radar guns on the pitchers. One however, was looking with his critical eye at the blues. *********** More to come, sports fans!