Hi Guys:
I’m thinking softball is a lot like sex. On a game day, when you
know you’re going to get to play, you’re pretty psyched. Warming up before the
real action takes place is like foreplay. When the game begins, although it’s
the same game between the same lines, the universal axiom applicable to our
daily lives takes effect: each game is the same, but different. Drinking beer
after is like the poist-coital cuddling we are supposed to do, although to be
truthful, some of us need to drink beer during or even before the game to make
it all happen.
Lest the non-softballers misinterpret this metaphor as an
implication softball has latent if not blatant homosexual undertones (not that
there is anything wrong with that), if you got to do what the lucky among us got
to do this past Wednesday, May 23, 2012, there is no question you’d all be
jealous. It only restates the obvious, acknowledging softball facilitates the
male bonding experience, and it is especially rewarding when the bonding males
are really good guys (and, yes, I’m aware John Keelan was there).
Inasmuch as any organization is basically only as strong and viable
as its leadership and its mission or vision, we of the 65th Infantry
Division Senior Travel Team are fortunate to be led by the talented,
compassionate and spiritual Chaplain Cesar Jimenez. We exist because Cesar sees
softball as a vehicle, as much if not more than as a game, to promote
humanitarian efforts.
A bunch of old guys young in spirit, plus a few truly young guys,
gathered on a real field of dreams – Roger Dean Stadium – to join in a Fight
Against Alzheimer’s Exhibition Senior Softball Game and Presentation Honoring
Mr. John Rodriguez, Palm Beach Cardinals Manager. But what made supporting this
most worthy cause and honor so rewarding to all of us was the opportunity to
recognize, surprise and support one of our own, Richard Kipp, who is valiantly,
steadfastly and without ever complaining or asking why me, dealing with the
onerous responsibility of providing constant care to his wife, Elaine, who
suffers from this dreaded disease.
Personally, I have played softball with Richard and known “Kipp”
and Elaine for over 10 years. I am sure everyone would agree there is no sweeter
man among us and he plays our game with smarts and skills exhibited by only the
best players. I am also sure I speak for everyone in thanking Cesar for
organizing this event (as well as the sponsors: Schaefer Drugs of Wellington,
Century 21 Tenace Realty, Inc., Prosource Consulting, IT, Paella Grill, and
Dispierta Therapeutic Foundation, Inc.)
Cesar and Max Broitman picked two equally accomplished teams which,
above all else, demonstrated 90 feet between bases might as well be 90 miles, as
senior softballers just can’t get there from here. With the fence distances at
400’ in dead center, 355’ in the power alleys and 330’ down the lines, and the
wind blowing in, only Angel DeJesus’s bomb fell in for a base hit, while Keelan,
Gerard Stigliano and youthful, major league prospect (6’7” 245 lb) Julio Camacho
all crushed balls corralled as just long outs. The combination of the long
distance bases and long distances fences yielded a 4 – 3 (if memory serves me
correctly?) 6-inning contest.
Hail Cesar for making this wonderful day happen, enabling us to
support a most worthy cause, assist in some small way one of our own, whose life
has been deeply impacted by this dreaded disease and demonstrate that beyond
just playing ball, we can and should contribute to the greater good and be
thankful for our good fortune.
On this Memorial Day, may God bless those many for their service to
our country and hi to my main man, Matt!
OO
(aka NEAL KAYE)
