A Funny Little Memory

My family is full of game and sport enthusiast. We play cards (and yes for money), board games, basketball, pool, darts, volleyball and softball.

When playing softball, we use anything we can find for bases. This past time we played, a Marine Corps issues mesh laundry bag was home plate. Playing softball with my family while on vacation brought back a very funny memory.

When I was 10, I was living with my Grandma for a few months. My uncle, the most stubborn, competitive and hot headed man I've ever met, played softball on a local team. One day, he brought me with him to the batting cages.

He was watching me, trying to instruct me on how to hit the balls hurling toward me. I wasn't doing very well. Actually, I didn't hit a damn thing.

I was frustrated...and embarassed!

I then thought to myself, "Oh, duh! I'm not hitting anything because I'm not standing on the base!"

I took a step forward, positioning myself on the base. And then all of a sudden....UH! Softball right into the gut! I couldn't breathe. I could hardly move!

My uncle? Um yes, he was cracking up!

I still think about this each time I step up to the plate.