Softball Glory

17 years.

17 years ago was the last time that the Peach strapped on a ball glove and took to the diamond. Last night at Centennial Park in Rossland, BC; the Peach donned a 22 dollar Walmart mitt, a pair of old ultimate cleats and his worked-in Blues Jays cap and regained his place at shortstop, for "The Rush" men's softball team. Memories of crisply hit grounders, towering fly balls and cheers from the dugout flooded back. The butterflies crept in as he walked to the plate. The nerves showed as he booted his first 2 plays in the field. Emotions settled. Nerves dissipated. A double play was turned. A homerun was hit. Softball was being played. Things have changed since Little League. Sliding was outlawed, pickles were gone and chilled beer replaced water between innings. But thou rules have been altered, the crack of the bat, the snap of a ball into a glove and the smell of the fresh grass were the same.

17 years later, Peach was back at his place at shortstop.