I had a few rather awkward and painful, but short-lived experiences with student athletics when I was growing up.
I remember being on a Babe Ruth baseball team out in Livermore CA sponsored by Patterson Glass. It was my first team where the uniform wasn't a cheap silk-screen t-shirt. Even though I couldn't hit or field a baseball, at least I looked as though I had reached the Major Leagues.
My Dad had always been the motivating force behind my illustrious baseball career, so when my folks divorced, and he moved to Southern CA, he wasn't around to remind me of practices or games.
One hot summer afternoon, my sisters and I walked over to May Nissen Park to show off our skills at cannonballs and jackknifes in the massive public pool. As we made our way through the park, we noticed a baseball game in progress. As we drew closer, I realized the uniforms looked familiar. It was 'my' team - Patterson Glass!
In junior high, I attended Mendenhall Middle School. You'd think we would've had a cool mascot name, like the Mustangs, or the Mavericks. But no, we were the Mendenhall Moles! How can anyone in their right mind take the field and meaningfully compete in any kind of athletic competition with a name like that?
I was tall for my age, just under 6 foot, and along with that came the misguided assumption that I could play basketball, a notion that I quickly and rather embarrassingly dispeled on numerous occasions.
Mike Kraft told me that chicks liked jocks, so I attempted to play flag football. Thank God full contact wasn't allowed back then, or I never would've made it to high school!
Now understand, I wasn't just athletically challenged. I was beyond clueless. And to make matters worse, I was the only kid on the team who wore a long sleeved jersey. Like I really needed to draw further attention to myself! However, there was an upside - I could wrap tape around my forearms and write down where I was supposed to go on each play, and cover it up with the sleeves!
The game against East Avenue will be forever emblazoned on my mind. Some expert coaching mind came to the brilliant conclusion that I would make a good offensive lineman. As luck would have it, I was paired across from Gary Dimon, living proof that Darwin was right. The guy had facial hair, for Goodness sake! Needless to say, the opposing team quickly discovered a weakness in our front line, and proceeded to pulverize our quarterback for the rest of the game.
And so it is that I have this tendency to bring a small amount of 'baggage' with me as I vicarious live out my 'inner athlete' through the sports escapades of my 3 sons - Ben, Elliot, and Luke.
Stay tuned for Part Two, coming soon to a blog near you!....
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional in Kitsap County WA. He's been married to a drop-dead gorgeous blonde for over 25 years, has four totally awesome kids, and a purebred Golden Lab named Sadie. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, and Crabbing in the Hood.
