I struck out finding a catch-playing friend this morning. I know rejection will be an ongoing part of this project as will the fear that accompanies asking a complete stranger, “Wanna have a catch?”
With only 4 dates officially reserved for the rest of 2018 — none of which are games with the Royals (yet!) — I still need to connect with more than 330 people. I’m going to get a lot of Nos before I find 330 more people willing to toss a ball.
“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way,” Babe Ruth said.
The winter weather continues to bounce around causing all kinds of sinus pressure headaches. Today is a full thirty degrees colder than yesterday and I was hoping for a warm-ish game of catch when I remembered connecting with Jesse at Johnny Mac’s (Day #15).
After getting approval from a different manager and again using my gloves so as not to damage the beautiful new ones in the store, Parker from Mountain Grove agreed to toss the ball. A senior at MSU, Parker will graduate in May with a degree in Criminology, then have to wait until January 2019 to apply for the next academy in Springfield.
“I like baseball okay,” Parker said, “but basketball’s really my sport.”
I asked the ultimate basketball question, “LeBron or MJ?”
“Good question.”
“Thanks. My answer’s MJ, though I’m also a fan of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his sky hooks.”
Parker talked knowledgeably and statistically about both sides of the question and defended both answers.
After a few minutes Parker reached his answer. “I’m probably gonna have to say LeBron, but it’s really fun to talk about.”
A perfect question for an indoor game of catch.
Only two more days until the first month is in the books.
Welcome back to the Royals, Alcides Escobar!
Happy birthday, Nate!
