Kickball Update

My new team in DC Kickball is Big Kids.  We are currently 3-1.  Interestingly, that one loss came when I was in California (coincidence?  I think not!); we are 3-0 with me in the lineup.   We beat Kiss of the Badger 2-1 and defeated Sloppy Seconds 2-0.  Last night, we crossed back over to Wednesday night and beat Here For The Beer 5-3. 

I don't think my new team has figured out how to use me yet.  In spite of the fact that I excel at kicking grounders towards third for base hits, they have had me kick third twice; I don't excel when runners are on first and second, because then I have to kick away from third.  Also, I used to play outfield every game, yet I've played third base 2 out of 3 games.  I don't play the bases very well -- there's too much strategy and decision-making involved.  Placing me in the outfield takes advantage of my running, catching and throwing ability.  Most of that is negated if I'm playing in the infield. 

There are many cool things about being a Big Kid.  First of all, it's JP's former team -- he is a patriarch of adult kickball, and lobbied for me to join Big Kids once I decided to leave Cobra Kai.  Also, Big Kids are social, friendly and competitive without being hated.  That's pretty hard to pull off -- and it's refreshing after being on a team last fall that was about as well-liked as the New England Patriots.  The sad thing is that if others took the time to get to know Cobra Kai, they would probably like them.  It's just that some people on the team are just a bit too aggressive and argumentative on the field for most people's tastes.

I saw several of my old teammates last night.  As I kicked my typical grounder for a single, a familiar voice called out "What's up, traitor?" as I crossed first base.  It was Katie, first baseman and co-captain of Cobra Kai.  It was actually really good to see those guys.  In spite of only having about 7 returning players, they got blessed with a lot of good new male players (including Katie's husband, a longtime kickball vet who is an amazing pitcher).  As a result, they have gone right back to dominating the opposition.  If they end up winning it all this season, Bill Simmons might have to change "The Ewing Theory" to "The jcabana Theory."  Okay...maybe not. 

The Big Kids also pulled off the rare feat of beating Here For The Beer at flip-cup as well as on the field.  For the first time since Week 1, we had a great showing at the bar.  Hopefully this will continue, because I get to know my teammates a lot better at the bar than I do during the games.

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