John Sheda

Yogi Berra said it, and he was not off base. He had many sayings that were grand slams, and he never was in a slump. Yessiree, it’s baseball time. The World Series is just a week away, and it looks like we’re in the bottom of the ninth inning, and it’s time for the Yankees to hit one out of the ballpark. I hope this column is not bush league and that I cover all my bases because I’m ready to play some hardball, hit a dinger, and not strike out. Often I get thrown a curve ball and end up just getting a blooper, but my intention is always to at least get to first base. That’s what I tried on my first date with Deb, but it ended up a no-hitter and a big swing and miss, although I swung hard and even tried to go into extra innings. She said I was way off base and down to my last out. Ok, enough of that because this was not my wheelhouse for sure.

Baseball has no time element. It just goes on and on. You gotta knock the cover off the ball, swing hard and play until the final out is made. It could be a strike out, a double play, a put out, a can of corn, or be thrown out trying to steal a base. But the key is to leave everything on the field, touch all the bases, use the bullpen if necessary and get that double play to end the inning. The idea is to keep your eye on the ball, not get caught off base, and just shut up and play ball. Baseball, like life, can be a hit or a miss, a no-hitter, and even go into extra innings.

Everyone wants to hit that walk-off homer, make that diving catch and not whiff with the bases loaded. Life, like baseball, can give you a screwball, nasty curve, or even a change-up at times, but you’ll get that fastball right down the middle and knock it out of the park every once in a while. I’m not sure if I got a hit here, but I’m just trying to stay out of a double play. The count is full, down to my last out but swinging for the fence, hopefully not striking out and winning one for the Gipper. (Oops, that’s football). It looks like the San Diego Padres will be playing the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Houston Oilers will be losing to the New York Yankees, with the Yankees beating the Padres in five games for an “Official” World Series. An “Official” World Series must have the Yankees in it.

Well, you decide. Did I knock the cover off the ball or swing and miss? Did I hit that majestic home run or strike out again? I know I swung hard and at least tried to get a single, hoping for a double and maybe getting a triple. You never know ‘cuz I was swinging for the fences and willing to go down swinging. Who knows, maybe my next column will be a whole new ballgame. I promise to keep my eyes on the ball. So get your fungo bat and hit me a few grounders at jsheda@indytel or call me at 319.327.4640. It could be deja vu all over again.