Can’t play softball? . . . and you call yourself a Palauan.
Thanksgiving afternoon for me was spent playing some friendly games of softball and fellowship with the members of my church and the PIBC Guam students. Now, I can’t for the life of me remember the last time I put my hands on a softball bat, but I think I can safely say that it was sometime during my formative middle school years. Those who know me can attest that I really am a one-sport person, that sport being volleyball. Sure, I ran some track and cross-country in high school, but only because I wanted the letter and pins to go on my letterman’s jacket. But softball or baseball was never something that interested me.
The same cannot be said about Palauans in general. Baseball and softball are the most popular sports in Palau, with baseball being the only sport with an organized seasonal league. The average Palauan has at least played softball at an organized level some time or another in their life.
The same cannot be said about me. So I come upon our church’s Thanksgiving plans knowing this, but nevertheless, I tried to be a sport and join in the fun. Hey, this is all for fellowship, fun and to get some good old-fashioned exercise while we’re at it, right?
Well, even so. I can’t help feeling how emabarrased the rest of my congregation felt for me that afternoon. I mean, who strikes out playing softball? Your probably saying I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I’m not. Try striking out twice, a grounder out, and barely eeking out a base run on four at-bats. And this is in the midst of guys old enough to be my father smashing doubles and triples, making double plays in the field and throwing out runners at home from the outfield. The last pitch of the day for the guys games, Deacon Gilbert nailed a line drive over third base AND the left fielder almost getting it out of the park, bringing in three runners sealing our teams victory.
And don’t even get me started on the women. These girls can play. Mailene was pitching for her team and she was grabbing line drives and grounders that I would have run away from. Norma Uehara plays a mean second base. She executed two double plays and even tagged out one of the guys by nailing him as he was coming into second base.
Overall it was an awesome day and everyone had a great time. The PIBC students started off slow, but once they got warmed up, they did their school proud. But I do have to say, the girls of PIBC are way better at softball than the guys. Come on guys, you gotta step it up.
I wish I had brought a camera. There were definitely some Kodak moments. But with all the fun, I’m sure that this won’t be the last time we do this. So I’ll definitely make sure to bring my camera next time.
