Softball season is around the corner. We have our first official game this Sunday. We have a double header (meaning two games), for those who would like to come, it's at Warden Park starting at 2PM.

I find it funny over the years how I have evolved as a player. I think I started about 9 years ago, yes, I have played 9 consecutive years, except one year I missed the whole season but one at-bat. I'll get to that later.

The first year I played I was very apprehensive of playing, because I think I was the youngest person playing, and playing with so many older guys, it was intimidating. In addition, I was very scared in playing, cause a few years prior, I played Little League baseball, and I sucked. Literally, I sucked. I think I played three years, and I compiled about 5 hits over those three years. And 2 of those hits were in one game. =) But I did come through when it counted, against my friends. That was the first year I played Little League. I signed up a little late, so I was on a team with none of my friends. So when we played them, a good friend of mine was a pitcher, so I got to bat against him. I got a hit off him, hahahaa. I never let him forget it. Anyways, that's besides the point, I was so traumatized about not being able to hit the ball, that I was very scared to pick up softball, in fear I'd relive those memories.

I went through a lot of years in playing, and a lot of different players. I remember along side Tim Ng at third base, and he was at shortstop. Man, the plays we came up with and stuff, we were so competitive. But to say this league is not competitive is total lying, because it is no matter what. Been through so much. People keep on telling me we made it to the finals one year, but had to forfeit because many of the players had to go to Rhode Island that weekend of the finals for orchestra. I don't remember this at all, but I think it's because I was working that summer, so I did not even play much.

So that one year I mentioned earlier, I got on at-bat. That one at-bat, took a swing, and BOOM, platella (knee cap) popped out. That was the end of the year for me. I had just bought new cleats that year. Anyways, whatever, all in the past.

So the year after that happened, I graduated to the Senior League. Ken Foo was the coach that year, and one day he called me up and asked me to be an Assistant Coach. I did end up doing it, and I got to see a lot more that year, and some of the politics of softball and how to organize it I guess. But I must say, last year was my favourite year. I played with sanctuary last year, because we only had one team. This team was full of seasoned veterans who have played many more years than I, and also predominantly Chinese-speaking. Although I can hold my own ni the language, I was a bit weary of playing, because these people were much older than I, on average probably 5 years older.

But it turned out to be the best season I had. I got to get to know a lot of the players from the Daniel (Chinese speaking university/Young Career fellowship) and it was really nice to get to know them. I learned so much from them, and the reason I liked it so much, because a lot of that competitive atmosphere was gone, and it was just plain fun. We expected to lose (which is not a good mindset), but given the team hadn't won in three years or something, makes it slightly easy.

I got to know a lot of them much better than before, among them being Monique, Ivy, Wilson, and Queenie. I thank you four, and the rest of the team for making my season such a great one.

so this year, we decided to make the second Senior team again. I was asked to coach with Sun-Ching at the end of last year, and I kind of wanted to. However there was one barrier stopping me, I was not baptised (a requirement of being a coach), so after two baptisms came and went, I still was not baptised. I don't know what stopping me, but I think I've blogged about this before as well. But if I feel like it, I may do it again in the future, or you can ask me. So I told Bill (coordinator of softball at our church) I would not coach, because I was not ready to get baptised. And I was all ready to play for Sanctuary again, when I heard news Bernie volunteered to coach and we have a second team.

So coming into this year, I looked at our team, and it is full of a bunch of UTCCFers, people who have not been to TCBC long, and then there are the token few who have been through TCBC and softball for many many years. I must say I wouldn't call this a united team, because we don't really know each other. So I guess this year will be something interesting to see. Seeing how different people interact, when they were strangers not so long ago.

Not being a "leader" meaning not having a label and then also the experience of all these years and the relationship I have with those who are "leaders" gives me a high-level view of what's going on. I am able to see what's going on at a grander scale. So far, I have seen many good things, and a lot of worrisome things. I'll have to talk to someone about these things. Even though I don't have this title, I wonder how it'll feel because I guess I am one of the older people there, experiences with CCSA, and I know most of the people on our team. I think this year will be challenging to me, because sometimes when i see stuff (at the high level) and others very close to the situation don't see it, it bothers me. I think it may test my patience, and how I deal with situations as they are dealt.

I think i've grown a lot over the years, maybe getting too mature? But then it's a sign I'm old. Coming from a kid who was scared to play, to someone who is looking forward to playing. And my offensive side I guess, has improved a lot over the years. But what i gain in offense, I've lost in defence. I think my vision is not as good anymore, and my reflexes are slightly slower than usual. Again, a sign I'm getting old. But those things are no matter, because there are other things more important.

So wish us a good season, and come out to watch us some. Again, first game (and second game) this Sunday June 8 at 2PM at Warden Park.