In fact, we were winning the fight for most of the bout. Zach started off most innings with a strike, our bats were swinging and making contact, our baserunning was smart but not without risk...we were up 5-0 for a while there! Against the best team in the league, too, and without such key luminaries such as Bill, Jesse, Danny, Scott, Keith, and Kevin, who had, among other commitments, previously scheduled dates with the seductive Red Sox and rugged Idaho wilderness. Though not at the same time, as sexy as that might sound.
We spent a lot of time in the dirt in this one, I'm proud to say, and mostly it did us good. Jared, Crystal, and Coach all threw themselves down for the cause, and Mike impressed everyone with a sternum-first dive into third (which, even though he made it, sadly turned out to be a part of the larger death-rattle that was the 7th inning). Knees were skinned, good-natured insults were thrown out, and the word "hustle" was tossed around even more than usual--minus the beers, it was the spittin' image of my days in Little League (right down to losing in the playoffs).
Post-loss, we had a nice pow-wow at Targy's followed by some pool and jukebox action. Apparently, the Universe didn't think that we had lost quite enough yet, though, and my pool team suffered four losses in a row (though if Oscar Wildes lose to other Oscar Wildes, does that count?). Weirdly, I was the only constant in that equation, as I recruited a new partner each time...but that can't possibly have anything to do with it. Cecilia did pocket an amazing corner shot with the eight ball when we had just come from behind, and we thought we had triumphed--only to watch in horror as the cue ball decided to scratch and ruin everything. It just wasn't our night.
Our knight, of course, would be this guy, to whom many Oscar Wildes paid their respects at the midnight showing last Thursday night (yes, after that horrendous loss) at the Cinerama:
Despite our only "W" being a forfeit and the closest thing to an earned victory being a tie, it's been a really great season. 826 volunteers have gotten to know one another better, we've spread the 826 gospel all over Queen Anne in a thick, creamy layer, and best of all, we got to get outside, get dirty, drink some beer and play some ball in the Seattle sunshine (and that one thunderstorm). Thanks to all you Oscar Wildes for your excellent, greensleeved antics...I'll see you in the weight room. Or, barring that kind of off-season dedication, in Greenwood.
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