Leadership Void Filled, but Scrappy Play Not Enough
by Stephanie Yaeger
When the official called for captains, the B-Squaders glanced around furtively, each pointing hopefully to the man next to him. Keekley gamely stepped in for the absent Bricker, hastily scribbling a starting lineup on a scrap of cardboard.
The official’s name was Win Skada. “Hey, the referee’s name is Win,†Yaeger said to Dave-O. “That’s some kind of . . . of . . . you know, an omen. But positive. A harbinger.â€
“What if it’s a harbinger for the other team?†Dave-O said.
Yaeger turned to Keekley. “The referee’s name is Win.â€
“He’s an umpire, you moron.â€
When Keekley announced the lineups, Yaeger was placed harmlessly in right field. Someone scrounged a piece of notebook paper for keeping score.
The game picked up where last season’s regular-season closer left off. Vigorous hitting. Tenacious if somewhat ineffective fielding. Questionable officiating (particularly regarding the 10-run first inning enjoyed by Target). But the end result was the same: Dagos, beer, smokes—and no word of a win.
But that’s not really the point, is it? It’s about camaraderie. Premium by the pitcher. Clear, bug-free nights. And the cape.
The choice this week was obvious. For his solid hitting and for what a member of Target exclaimed was “the best out at home I’ve ever seen!†Gary took home the cape. Actually, he took home a napkin that stood in for the cape.
Because paper seemed to be the theme this week.