The good and the bad.
I wanted to be a major leaguer, play like my idol Pete Rose, but lacked talent.
The good - senior year of high school, I couldn't hit anything. Going into the final game, I had a whopping 3 bunt singles, and nothing else. I hit an opposite field home run hitting out of the 9-hole. Still have the ball 21 years later. Despite a teammate hitting 3 homers that game, the local paper took notice of my achievement.
The bad - same season, I'm on the mound. My catcher gives me the sign for "hit the batter". No problem. I intended to hit him, but grooved it over the center of the plate. The ball hasn't landed yet. The hitter was a guy named Creighton Gubanich. He hit a grand slam in his first MLB at bat, and briefly played for Boston and Oakland. Oh well, control wasn't my strong suit.
Baseball was fun despite its ups and downs. You will miss playing it someday. Softball doesn't really fill the void, but it makes you think it is filling the void. I still have time to master a knuckleball and become a reliever if age doesn't get in the way. Good luck to you.
Mike (18colt)
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