Seasons in the Sun

I am a bit of a scrapbooker. Well, really more of a photo-albumer. I always liked to get photos of anything in which I participated. Seriously, I think it comes from my need to feel I belong (somewhere). I have gotten several team photos of the various teams on with I played (even if only for a game).
Such is the case below with the vaunted Dogs of War softball squad. The Dogs have been together for about 20 years, although few original Dogs remain. I have been a member (of some sort) since 1997.
As players get older and lives get busier, the Dogs have expanded to about 25 players. At any given game, you might see any random 10 of us. Oh sure, it bends the roster rule a bit, but this isn't the major leagues.
As for me, I am happy to participate on any level. It's great fun. It's competitive, yet loose. It's intense, yet very calming. It's just a great summer tradition and a way to keep up (if even loosely) with some old friends.
There's long-time friend Jim Gekas in the black in the back row. Tony (from Empire Carpet ads fame), Ron (from last week's post) and Harry Comerford (one of the newer guys) round out that part of the back row. Frank Moy (long-time Dog), Pete Zundel and Jim Pellum (the rookie and nephew of Jim G.) are kneeling up front. Steve Stumpf (long-time Dog, slow-motion runner and avid Sox fan), me and OT Cano (Mr. Versatile) round out the right half of the back-ish row.
We don't have jerseys. We barely have bats. (Somewhere I found that hideous green hat, though.) Still, I am sure we all have smiles and good memories. I know I do!

The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2009.

Seasons in the Sun

The Dogs of War might not have won a league championship yet, but we have always had fun. Even after tough losses, the boys still can laugh (and moan and cry and poke and kvetch and sometimes even imbibe a beverage or two).
After a particularly ugly loss, I caught up with left fielder Ron Burke and first baseman Steve Stumpf. Each had his own reason for the loss. I can't argue with either one, but I can certainly laugh with both of them.

Seasons in the Sun

When I first started playing on the Dogs softball team, Steve Stumpf was the shortstop. Since then, I have seen him play everywhere, except for centerfield and pitcher. I have also seen him 'inside-out' a pitch to right field about 500 times. He is a master at that.
Some say that Steve has lost a step since those days some 17 years ago. I don't think he's lost any speed, primarily because he never had any speed! Still, he is a very good base runner (even if it takes him a while to run them).
Earlier this season, according to the soft pencil in the official scorebook, Steve hit a home run. The fans who were there tell a slightly different story. Steve hit a nice shot (to right field, naturally). For some reason, he attempted to stretch his double into a triple. The throw went wide and Steve "raced" for home.
I don't think Steve even wanted to leave third base though, but he had no choice. Our team was waving him in. Steve chugged around third and 'sprinted' towards home as the third baseman picked up the errant throw and sent it sailing to the catcher. Fortunately for Steve, the throw hit him in the leg and rolled away harmlessly. Steve scored easily (although not effortlessly).
Below is Steve's take on the whole matter. It is also what a man in his mid-40's looks like after just chugging around the bases!

Seasons in the Sun

Steve Stumpf was one of the guys on the softball team from my first day as a substitute. Aside from the fact that he is a Cubs-hater, Stumpfy is a great guy.
Stumpfy taught me some better glovework for the catcher position in 12 inch softball, without making me feel like a big goof. He has also adjusted my swing years ago (although he probably will deny having anything to do with my swing).
Stumpfy pioneered the arse-slap for excellent plays. He has also taken to playing umpire at 1st when I am at bat. He loves calling me 'out' or 'safe' on close plays. He is a solid gloveman and a smart hitter. He is also slower than me (although a better baserunner).
One of my favorite memories of Stumpfy was when he wore a earpiece to listen to the Sox 2005 playoff games, while playing. The timing of one game was perfect, as the White Sox won their game, just as Stumpf settled under a pop up for the final out of our playoff game.
Stumpfy also does a few pretty good Hawk Harrelson impressions. So, for all of these reasons, this one's for you Stumpfy, dadgumit!

Steve Stumpf in Park Ridge, IL-mid 00's.

Seasons in the Sun

Last week, I featured my first softball team photo. This week, I fast forwarded about 15 years to feature my Dogs of War softball team.
After several seasons on the field and several cutbacks in the office, it became too much of a challenge to field a team at Lerner Newspapers. Fortunately around the same time, Louie's team was suffering from attrition, too. I was occasionally asked to be a sub (when they were really desperate). Aside from being in a men's league, this team was definitely a step-up competitively from the Lerner teams.
The picture below is one of my favorite shots. It just screams 'softball'. I love the sun, mismatched shirts, 16 inch ball...all of it.
I also like the grit shown by Jim G. (standing far right). Jim hit a hard shot and had thoughts of going for 2nd base. The poorly manicured field of Park Ridge didn't fully cooperate, but Jim was not to be denied. A shirtful of dirt, sore shoulder and a great effort later, Jim was safe with another of his key hits.

The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-mid 2000's.