Monday, November 30, 2009

Ft. Myers, Florida 11-15-09


Lynda and I arrived in Ft. Myers so I could play in the Roy Hobbs World Series of baseball.  My team, the Tallahassee Classics played in the 55-59 age bracket.
I played a double-header the first day at historic Terrry Park, which was built in 1925 and has been the spring training home for several major league teams.
Some of the greatest baseball players in major league history have played on this field, such as George Brett.
Also Roberto Clemente, along with greats such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams.
Playing right field in Terry Park.
On deck and getting ready to bat.
Waiting for the next pitch.
The second game was a night game and I took a strike on this pitch.
The next day, we played on the player development fields of the Boston Red Sox.
Waiting on a really good pitch to hit.
I hit this low outside pitch up the middle for a single.
For our fourth game, we got to play in the Minnesota Twins spring training stadium.
As you pull into the parking lot, the streets are named after Twins' greats like Kent Hrbek and Jim Kaat.
Looking for a new bat......
but after trying out several, I decided I'd stick my current one.
Getting ready to head into a really beautiful baseball stadium and play "America's Pastime".
Of course, being a major league stadium, the field is in perfect condition.
Being a MAJOR Twins fan, this was really living a dream to be able to play in this park.
At my age, you better stretch some prior to playing or end up on the disabled list!
Talking some strategy with the "boys" prior to warming up.
Warming up in the outfield.  Beautiful day.  It just doesn't get any better than this.
Pre-game meeting at the plate with the umpires and managers.
It's time to get the game underway.
Out in right field during the first inning.
Waiting to get a chance to bat.
Here, I'm warming up the pitcher between innings while our catcher gets his gear on.  I'm re-living my boyhood.
Life doesn't get much better than taking a low outside curve ball to right field for a single and an RBI.
On base after the hit.
And then back to the dugout after scoring a run.
Warming up in the outfield between innings.
The late afternoon sun was brutle in right field.
Up to bat again later in the game.
The orange bat is mine.
We won the game in the bottom of the ninth, Tallahassee Classics 9, Athletics 8.
Shaking hands with the other team after the game.  There is no substitute for good sportmanship in athletics.
A team photo for the winners on the infield of Twins stadium.
Our team photographer, hamming it up.
My friend, George English.  We have played softball together for over 20 years, and he convinced me to come out and play baseball for the first time in 41 years.  Am I glad he did!
Time to pick up the gear and clear out of the dugout.
Game over, time to discuss where we go to eat!

1 comment:

Wendi said...

Impressive!! Pretty darn cool. :)