It’s August 30th.
I have to tell the coaches by September 1st– tomorrow really, if I can or cannot catch at camp. Around the same time I found out officially my knee was banged up, they coincidentally asked if I could catch instead of play infield. I told them I needed some time to figure out the knee-thing. That time has now passed – I have been on a diet of ice and Advil, and they need an answer.
This request has not been made under the assumption, though wholely correct, that I, King of All Jewish Baseball, can play any postions on the field by simply summoning the power of all life on earth through the careful manipulation of ancient eastern magic. I have caught before. For 3 years in college. 10 years ago.
So we are left with the question of questions, the question every man must answer before he becomes the King of All Jewish Baseball, the timeless query– To catch, or not to catch?
On one hand, if I can catch, my chances of making the team are much better.
On the other hand, I am a 32 year-old semi-professional blogger who hasn’t caught in 10 years with a bad knee.
Tough call.
What will save me will also destroy me. So what do I do? Do I knowingly seek self-destruction, kill myself a little to live, walk– nay, limp, one step closer to the edge? Or do I seek comfort, safety, self-preservation, and longevity?
what to do?
We got our daily schedules for the trip. We arrive, Sunday Sept. 9th, as you know. We’re on the field practicing and playing every day, usually for the whole day. Camp is from the 9th-19th. Games are from the 19th – 23rd.
We’re training and playing at Roger Dean Stadium.
roger dean stadium at night
the fields at roger dean
Roger Dean Stadium is the Spring Training facility of the Miami Marlins and The St. Louis Cardinals. It will be nice to have all the amenities Big Leaguers enjoy even if it’s only for 2 weeks. 2 weeks! – That’s all. 8 Months training. All for 2 weeks. Even more accurately, for 4 days. And even more accurately, for 4 days I am not guaranteed. Not even close. Can I catch?
Of course I can catch. I think. I will try. No problem.
So now, just before leaving, I need to change my training and thinking. I am a catcher, now, again. I ran and did tee work this morning. Going to Richies Gym in a bit. Gotta work on poppin’ those feet. 10 days ’til camp.
To purchase tickets to WBCQ Games, visit…
http://web.worldbaseballclassic.com/wbc/2013/schedule_and_tickets/
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