ATTN: MVP

When Loesch handed the keys to me a couple years ago, it was extremely important that this became more than a team. I didn’t want to call guys on Sunday morning at 9:25 scrambling to field 10. I wanted guys to look forward to Sunday’s the way I do. Now, I have a great problem: the complete opposite. I’m proud and appreciative that everyone, even their mother, congregates every Sunday.

Despite my demeanor at times, Sunday’s are pretty cathartic for me and that’s due in large part to the fact that every single one of you are great guys and great softball players. Or, at the very least, used to be.

This is my favorite team I have ever played for. It’s an unlikely rag tag group that just clicks. It’s cool that I get to be on the same field with my dad’s friends from high school, estranged father and son duos, in-laws, my brother, and a lot of my favorite teammates growing up. It makes playing fun again.

All credit is due to Cirincione, 1-Leg, Keith, Jay, Frank, Joe, Dave, even Mr. Biemer showed up, Chuck, wherever he is, and, of course, Tom. I’m certain that I speak on behalf of the guys.

Thank You.

Thank you for welcoming us to a tradition that you hold sacred, whether it be to relive the good times or because you were desperate for youth. Last year, we had a bit of a scare where it was possible 1-Leg and Keith played their last game with us, instead they came back and played better. And we fucking loved it.

We love that John Merrill, with his mother there, screams “fuck” and “shit” and “goddammit you fucking piece of shit” after he records an out. We love how Loesch runs and James’ adamant attempts to dissociate from him. We love to hate Ryan James. It’s what gives the team life.

We love playing together.

There isn’t anything quite like a Sandlot team; the memories, they go beyond the field. In fact, if we didn’t have this blog, nobody would remember shit about any of these games, rather what we do after. And that got me thinking about something a short, but wise man said last year. He reminded us that these are the days we’ll remember.

Quite fondly.

This has been a great season so far, but there’s work left to be done. I have no doubt that, collectively, we can see it through. The Goblins are good, getting good pretty quickly. Kudos to them, but I wouldn’t want to play with another group of guys on Sunday.

As Joe Mullahey says, “win or lose, we booze”…at the Bettenhauser’s postgame. All are welcome.

Go MVP.

AB