SPORTS & RECREATIONFitville: Accepting the Challenge

Ah, the joys of being outdoors on a baseball diamond on a warm spring evening. Nothing gets better than that. Well, sure, I can list some things I like better than baseball, but the social aspect really appeals to me—and the fact that you can joke around with the opposing team.

I played baseball for one year, when I was eight years old, and then I started playing it again 15 years later. There’s a reason I didn’t play throughout my childhood, though: I couldn’t catch, nor could I hit the ball with the bat.

I’m a soccer player at heart, but last year a coworker asked if I wanted to play on his Adult Slo-pitch team here in Niverville. “Sure, why not?” I said, thinking to myself, I can run. I can wear a hat. I’ll worry about catching and hitting the ball when I get on the diamond.

Adult Slo-pitch is a local league in Niverville, for players who are just there for the love of baseball. Last year, I had a blast. I was far from a good player, but I tried my hardest. My team was very encouraging, giving me pointers and telling me where to stand. This year: the same thing! Which I’m fine with, although I’m a very competitive person. When I miss a catch or can’t manage to swing the bat at the precise second to hit the ball, I do get frustrated. I have to remember that it’s just a fun game. Everyone is here to get outside and have fun.

Since I was mostly a newbie, I had no idea what position to play. In soccer I’m a left wing defenceman. In baseball, the only terms I knew coming in was “pitcher” and “catcher.” Everyone else just stood out there. Well, lo and behold, it turns out there are 10 positions! Pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, rover, short stop, left field, right field, and centre field.

Since I had no clue about the rules and who does what, I was placed as catcher and second base for most of last year. I also had the chance to play short stop and rover once. We’ll see about this year!

I encourage you to try out a sport or activity you’re not an expert in. Accept the challenge, and always remember to have fun with it.