Growing up I played every sport I could: baseball in the summer, football in the fall, basketball in the winter and later, track in the spring. Over the years I’ve accumulated a lot of t-shirts and they have become my one and only keepsake. The things is, just like they told me when I was playing, the t-shirts don’t remind me so much of wins and losses. While it’s true some still hold the stain of tough seasons, what I remember most when I look at them are the things I learned, the people on the team and the experience of being in singular pursuit of a goal. Sports held a purity for me back then. It’s only now that I look back on their formative influence and realize just how valuable they were. These are the things that my old t-shirts remind me of when I look at them. I hope you enjoy these stories.
Superstition and Substitution
Superstitions in sports are no more a new thing than are fans living vicariously through the athletes playing them. I developed a whole new way of looking at both during my son’s senior year of high school football.
Oxfords and Polo’s, Oh My!
Every point has a counter-point, every thesis an antithesis and every lesson has an equal and opposite scenario where I learned nothing. My work shirts, those golf or polo or dress shirts, have no story to tell.
District Champs
In the midst of what should have been a time of celebration I experienced some confusing reactions that surprised me.
Fight Night
A one-of-a-kind experience in college still brings back memories of a cowboy trainer and a broken nose.
Joe Average
My JV Coach gave me my first shot at being published, a leap of faith for which I will always be grateful.
Let ‘er Rip
As an intimidated sophomore defensive end, I missed a lesson from an upper classman I wish I hadn’t.
Three Pitches
Some look like they’ve got ants in their pants and are ready to bail out at any moment and some step into the box like they’re Willie Mays.