Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:35:30 -0800 (PST) From: T H Subject: SUMMER BASEBALL (TOURNEY 3, PART 4) SUMMER BASEBALL (TOURNEY 3, PART 4) ------------------------------------------------------------ BULLDOG -------------- Yes, Joel and Mark are not the only team that can communicate by telepathy. It's Wednesday, I'm on my way to my 1st tournament committee meeting. I plan to be there no later than 7:29:59. I swears, as I was traveling, getting a sandwich, and arriving at the meeting room, I heard words of comfort and assurance. This is going to be a small tournament by their standards, and I have been in almost constant contact with Margie. She and Pete truly have been quite a team all these years. Yep. Meeting called to order at the stroke of 7:30. It flew by me. Grounds and facilities. Corporate sponsorships. Teams confirmed and game schedule cast in stone. Teams know not to bother leaving home unless: 1. They have submitted their rosters and player age verification papers; AND 2. They have received and understand all playing rules; AND 3. They have paid their team entry fees. This is Bulldog territory. She is in fact Tournament Central. Teams coordinate through her. Submit their papers and payment to her. Check in at her table upon arrival. Bow down before her. As they damn well should. I was spacing a bit when I thought I heard my name called to report on umpires. What brought me back to reality was a rather menacing growl. I immediately looked in Bulldog's direction. The dreaded eyebrow. I'm doomed. Pete had previously done the umpire scheduling. I had to switch 2 Blues because of family considerations. I reported I had confirmed each umpire's game schedule and that they knew where the diamonds are located. They confirmed receipt of the playing rules. Ground rules for each site would be explained as they arrived for their games. The eyebrow returned to normal. I was now done with my report. I needed to pee like a racehorse. The committee heard Pete's latest condition. Excellent improvement. They had all been to see him. There were fresh flowers in his room daily, courtesy of a generous corporate sponsor. Lois had received a fabulous bouquet and was getting flowers almost daily, again courtesy of a generous sponsor. Meeting adjourned. Bar time. ***************** Finally, it's Friday! Teams are arriving and paying their respects to Bulldog. Then scattering to their hotels. As usual, many teams are staying here. This hotel is a major corporate sponsor. Teams receive substantial discounts on room rates. A hospitality room is generously stocked with food and beverage. Rooms for umpires and certain other guests are provided gratis. All in exchange for almost full bookings throughout several summer weekends. A constantly busy restaurant. Zoo-like bar business. All provided with pleasure by the private owner. An owner with a BL logo on his business cards. Umpires are also checking in with Margie. Joel pays his respects, she pays him no attention. He then checks in at the hotel desk. He, Mark, and Andy then go to their room. Joel's 1st game starts in approximately 1 hour. He'll be heading there in about 15 minutes. He's working a double-header (2 games in a row) with Tim. Tim worked the championship game with us 2 weekends ago. I want Mark to travel with me between the sites. Then later he can stay at Joel's site, watching the man he loves do what he loves doing. Andy is the other reason I wanted Mark to go with me. So that Andy can get acclimated. Get acquainted with me. Ends up, Andy will be staying through the weekend. That's cool, I'll keep him busy. With work, you naughty readers. LOL. Now that you're thinking it, this kid is a very fine looker. He's an average 14yo in height and weight. Smooth complexion with angel fuzz on his face. Pretty eyes. Very nice mouth. Not athletically inclined, he is in good shape and works on his tan. The tan accentuates the light hair I see on arms and legs. Looks like a nice bubble butt. Pretty nice bulge in front, too. I'm looking at Mark minus 8 years. Mark is very handsome now and was probably a knockout at 14. Joel has coyly informed me he is VERY happy with Mark's endowment. I wonder if certain anatomy parts run true in his family... *********** More to come!