- November 25, 2024
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For years, my brother, Sean, and I have been playing Wiffle Ball. We occassionally play with our father, Donald, but we try to avoid him. He has years of experience and always dominates us ... or at least, he dominates me.
But a few weeks ago, I was in Daytona with my mom, dad and brother.
While shopping at a sporting goods store, we noticed the original yellow Wiffle Ball bats were for sale. We almost bought one but decided that one ball would be annoying to have to chase all the time. Besides, we had a bat at home.
But this Sunday, on Father’s Day, it was late in the afternoon, and my dad suggested we play some Wiffle.
I went back to my house and grabbed the bat and three balls. Because three of us were playing, we decided to play top, middle and bottom of the inning. As in, my brother pitched to Dad; then my dad pitched to me; then I pitched to Sean.
To sum up the day, Sean and Dad ended up tying, 1-1, but I never scored a run.
I guess it made me realize that it’s always possible for me to learn a lesson from my elders. I always like to talk smack. But this time, I had no leg to stand on.
Dad completely overmatched me with his pitching. I mean, he’s been playing Wiffle for years and years ... and years. He was throwing palmballs, sliders, curveballs. I couldn’t hit anything, and when I did make contact, it went foul. Some of his pitches were so nasty, they dropped from five feet above the strike zone and landed in the recycling bin on the folding chair that served as the strike zone.
Sean dominated me when he was hitting. I would get ahead of him in the count, he would foul some pitches off, and then he’d get a double.
But I’ll take the loss. It was only Wiffle Ball, and I would be willing to lose every single time (well, maybe not every single time), as long as I can have a good time with my older brother and my dad.
And I guess this was redempetion for Sean, whom I wrote a column about no-hitting in Wii baseball last year.
Oh, and by the way, Sean and I are thinking about organizing some Wiffle Ball.
It’s a lot of fun, doesn’t require a much equipment and can make for a great day outside.
I hope all of you had the chance to have as much fun as I did on Father’s Day!
Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].
