This year i got my finger out and got myself hooked up playing with a team.Actually scratch that.This year i got my finger out and got myself hooked up actually playing baseball.Why baseball?When i was a kid NBC used to be on the standard cable package and they showed a lot of MLB games.Being a kid and watching Toronto playing the Pirates was such a big deal.I had obviously been exposed baseball through tv and film but to be watching actual games was unreal.I was a Blue Jays fan when i was younger as i had a Jays hat that my dad had gotten for me when he was visiting my uncle that summer.I have a lot of love for that team but i'm a through and through Phillies fan.That was kind of through my love for bands from Philadelphia(Atari,Rain On The Parade) but also cause...well they rule.I mean look at Chase Utley's hair!
This was easy enough to arrange as i knew Baseball Ireland were doing Winter training in preparation for their season starting.Sweet.
I had a glove as i picked one up last time i was in the states so with a somewhat basic knowledge of the rules and a hopeful attitude i headed to the first training.It was taking place up in St.Benildus gym in Stilorgan.Being indoors was kinda good as we all know Ireland isn't terribly conducive to outdoor activities in Februry.I was was kind of nervous being the only person who hadn't played before.Especially when the first dude i talked to had being playing 14 years....WHAAAAT?
Turns out everyone was awesome and was patient with me and helped me out.I also learned why everyone hates the ladders.Fucking left foot,right foot bullshit.
Each training was better than the last and was quickly becoming the highlight of my week.I also got more confident in throwing and was actually getting better.i was getting used to the movements and getting ripped in the thigh area from taking ground balls.it still kills when you're in that position for an extended period but damn thats a good burn.We also got to make use of the pitching machine.
Now this ruled.I wanted to use a batting cag e when i was in Japan but for whatever bullshit reason that never happened.This was my first experience at batting and needless to say i didn't fair too well.20 balls and i think i connected with two.That shit was fairly slow as well.I got better eventually but batting still fucks me.I get frustrated and my form gets worse.Bren has been getting in my head to ditch this habit and it's working but still.Im looking for more Ty Cobb and a little less Bill Bergen(1).This will come with time right?RIGHT?
Through talking to the very righteous Mr.Peter Kavanagh of the Dublin Hurricanes i got introduced to Brendan Scott of the Dublin Black Sox.They played out Shanganagh Park,now named Black Sox park.Now the beauty of playing this sport in Ireland means if you want to play you can play.Plus he obviously observed my raw natural talent.and that has was how i came to be playing for the Black Sox.
As training was coming to an end i was looking forward to starting the season.I also knew the next time i would see the dudes i was friendly with i would facing them on the field.And so with that the season began.
LETS GO SOX!
For deets on Baseball in Ireland hit up Baseball Ireland . Theres fixtures and standings up there.
1.Ty Cobb has the highest recording batting average of.366 while Bill Bergen has the lowest BA at .170 after 3028 career at bats.
Batting average is the number of hits you have divided by your number of at bats.See maths is fun.
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