2013 Swan Song

It has been a great ride for five years; first in Larry Bair's deluxe motor coach and recently in the Mel mobile. Oh, the things I learned on those trips to endless places like Greenbelt, the "immaculately manicured" field in Parkville and the hinder land of Harford County. Then there were the years driving Harry to the Carroll County Sports Complex; that was a worthwhile education...."Harry told me the secret to longevity was to turn off Fox News and watch Looney Tunes". Friendships which had lain dormant for thirty years were rekindled on the athletic field (John Covalt used to tackle me in our swimming pool football games so hard when I was a teen that now after witnessing his softball power stroke I understand why I had concussions). My golfing companion on yearly trips to Pinehurst, Henry Lictfuss, continues to attend our games even after his playing days. Then there are the new friends I have had the pleasure to play with, which are too numerous to name but I love y'all! Well maybe I'll mention the diverse conversations with my sidekick to my right, both secular and to the greater power. Then there's Tommy: my left sidekick, I accept your friendship. The email communications between many a teammate are classic examples of 60 and 70 year old men still thinking like adolescents! The antics and razzing seemed endless and at times merciless such as when a player showed up wearing his jersey backwards or some (not to be named) player had his mug shot posted on the CC Times Sports page and subsequently posted on the dugout wall with comments! What memories! From the friendships that I established, not only among our team but also our County "kissing cousins" to the likes of our competitors, I have been blessed. I wish we had ended on a better note than our losing the lead and subsequently the game to Harford in game one and later coming up two runs short against Carroll Gray. Tinker thinks it is time to take care of the cataracts (it's scary at 3b when you see three men in the batters box at the same time), find his bowling shoes (blind people do bowl-right?) and dust off his golf clubs (did you hear the one about "hit the ball and drag Greg?). I also want to be able to teach my grandchildren to shoot baskets (Al, I'll recruit you) and shotguns (Oscar and Dave, I'll recruit you). It has been the BEST OF TIMES! To my loyal "Blog" followers, Farmers and Merchants Bank (our sponsors), my "penultimate friend" (Ray, also in attendance today) to family and friends (you too Hank {Chance}!) a hearty thank you and if you found anything offensive I apologize but remember the First Amendment! A special thank you to Neal, for talking sense (not to mention ambulatory service) into me when I show up on your doorstep and to Mel (Evers) for your unselfish dedication to CC Blue. In the immortal words of our most loyal supporter and scorekeeper, "Hit de ball"!