Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Sexism and Softball

Well I finally have something interesting to post...YIPEE!
Sean's office has joined a rec softball (slow pitch) league and last night was the first night we could go (rainouts or other plans). We went a bit early to warm up and stretch. As we are playing catch, Sean mentions that a few rules of the league--
1. Each team must have 3 girls on the team, if not the team can't play (sexist point #1). In my opinion the best people should play.
2. The opposing pitcher cannot walk a boy to get to pitch to a girl (sexist point #2). Some girls hit better than boys, right? Right.

I was a little disappointed in these rules but still wanted to play. The game begins.

Our pitcher had aggrevated a leg injury so in the first inning he was hurting. I was playing 2nd base and Sean was in the outfield. Our team sucks. Plain and simple. We finally get 3 outs and head to the dugout. I grab Sean and ask him to catch for me. For those who don't know, I pitched both fast and slow pitch in middle school and high school. I also played in some traveling tournaments all over PA and WV. I start warming up and am pitching pretty good.

I ask our pitcher, Mike, if he wants me to pitch. He says he wants to see how the leg feels and if he is still in pain, he will stop and give me the ball. After about 3 batters, he walks over to me and says he can't do it anymore and can I pitch. Sure! He gives me the ball--then the ump yells, "You can't pitch!" I ask "Why?" Ready for this--"Because girls aren't allowed to pitch!" (Sexist point #3). They try to convince me that this rule is for my safety--I don't get hit by a ball, blah blah blah. I wanted to mention that I probably have years more experience with protecting myself on the pitchers mound than Mike does. Did I mention Mike is about 300lbs? Believe it or not, I did not make a big deal. I gave the ball back to Mike and went to my position and we finished the inning. You should of seen how pissed Sean was--oh my!

We lost the game big time and despite the sexism, I had fun. I am not as sore as I expected my fat ass to be so that is good! I don't know if I will play again. I was really hot about this last night. Both Bob and Marilyn could not believe it--speechless--my parents! That doesn't happen very often!

Hope you all are well.

1 comment:

Krame said...

Yes, I can see how that would bother you. That was not cool at all. Well, at least you didn't let it get to you much. Forget about it! love ya.