Seasons in the Sun

It is almost August and there is no sign that the Dogs will field a softball team this year.  This could be the first time since 1990 that I don't play at least one game.  It was a good run if that is so.
Back in the mid-90's, I was the captain of our team at Lerner Newspapers.  In other words, I spent way too much time chasing down people to field a team every week.  During the eight year run, I played every position except 1st base, before finally settling in as the team's main pitcher.
When taking the mound, I decided to try to unsettle the opposing batters by donning face paint.  I know, it was not too original (basically, I copied the Road Warriors and Sting of wrestling fame), but it did startle a few batters (and umpires).
As the season wore on and it got hotter, the face paint seemed much less fun, but I made the commitment to wear it until we made the playoffs.  Fortunately, that promise had an expiration date of that year, since we never made the playoffs and I would still be wearing facepaint.
By the way, that lump on my left cheek is actually a softball earring (worn just in case the facepaint wasn't enough).  Hmmm maybe I am seeing why we never really won much!

A facepainted me in Skokie, IL-Mid 1990's.

Seasons in the Sun

Hmm maybe, just maybe I should have tried using this at bat.

Me in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2010.

Seasons in the Sun

Here is Frank Moy, our star centerfielder.  Frank has supplied plenty of power to the team over the years.  Possibly even more important is his defense.  I really can't even guess how many times I saw a shot head to deep center and was surprised to Frank make the catch look easy.
Frank is also one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.  Even when he has a great game, like going 5-5 for example, Frank will never brag about himself.  If you don't believe me, check out this video.

On the Air with Tony Pasko

I have written about Tony Pasko a few times.  He is the pitcher and leadoff hitter on our softball team.  He works for Empire Carpet and hs been known to appear in ads for them.
I always enjoy seeing Tony appear in the tv ads.  I especially like seeing if Tony appears in new ads when they appear.  He also appears in short Empire videos online.
Tony is a great guy and a great friend.  He has covered for me too many times to remember when my defensive abilities come up short on the softball field and he never complains.  He does give me a good ribbing on occasion, but that's part of the fun.
The photo below is an odd photo in that it appears Tony is alone on the field.  In reality, this is an actual game photo.  I am the catcher (but not the photographer).  One of our fans must have taken this shot, but framed it in such a way as to eliminate any trace of any other player.

Seasons in the Sun

Last season, I did a little documentary on the Dogs softball team.  I tried to capture the intensity exhibited throughout the season.  I captured the veteran Jim Gekas discussing the upcoming game with Jim Pellum the young right fielder.
As the rock solid short-centerfielder, Jim G. is a steadying force on the defense.  Jim P. joined the team and immediately sparked us with his youthful raw energy and speed.  It's really a great juxtaposition.  It's also really silly!