I got sucked into this last year around this time. I chalked it up to being in a new city and not knowing anyone, therefore, I had nothing better to do. Well, here we are again in late May and early June and it has happened again. I can't turn the TV off. I am sure you all know that I am talking about the Women's College World Series.
All weekend we watched the girls from Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Arizona, Arizona State and a few others battle it out on the softball diamond. Rachel thought it was just a tad bizarre that I was getting into women's softball. This year, though, she is right there with me. Last night, as we watched the Texas A&M Aggies (Go Big 12!) eke out a 1-0, extra inning win over the Florida Gators, I finally figured out what the draw is for me.
This is a pure game. These girls are not going to turn professional, though some may get a look from the Olympic or the National teams. They are not hoping to get noticed so they can make obscene amounts of money. They probably won't ever have a shoe deal. But they play the game so hard. They are playing because they love to compete and it is FUN.
There are cheesy signs and chants in the stands. The infielders come in to give the pitcher a high-five after a strike out. The players are genuinely excited when they do something well. It is eighteen semi-adult women playing a kids game and loving every minute of it. And their moms and dads are wearing hoky shirts in the stands, screaming their heads off and loving every minute of it. It just seems to me to be pure sport with no other agenda than to do your best and enjoy yourself.
If only we could live our life like that. Maybe we can. Maybe I'll try. Except for the semi-adult woman part.
Peace.
P.S. If you get a chance to check out any of the championship series, Texas A&M vs. Arizona State, it will be worth your time. Check your local ESPN listings, as they say.
