Wednesday, December 31, 2008

My Dad Could Beat Up Your Dad

Going to give this blog thing another try. Previously I had started one to document my weight loss and that didn't go so well. I figured with the New Year coming up I would start a new blog and not have it focus on weight loss even though I am still working on that. I love to write and have been told I'm pretty decent, I just seem to get burnt out on it sometime. Hopefully hear when the mood hits me I can come up with something creative, controversial or humorous. To start off here is a little something I wrote a month or so ago about my Dad. Look forward to keeping this blog updated and I hope you enjoy...


In a moment you couldn't have written a better movie script for, 55 year old William J. Owen stepped on the field Monday night and showed that he still had it. Due to a scheduling conflict with some of the players on the Outlaws, negotiations began last week to secure Mr. Owen's service's for a one-time, one-appearance back on the softball field after retiring in 357 A.D. After much haggling, begging, threatening etc. Willie decided to show up and DH for the team. Bottom of the first, one man on and Willie came to bat. After being shown where to stand and finally believing that we actually don't use wooden bats anymore (they make them out of aluminum now), he took eye at the pitcher, gave a big swing and knocked a screamer down the third base line. The 3rd baseman never knew what hit him, and his inability to handle the crushing hit along with Willie's blazing speed (compared to his 300+ pound son anyway) he was SAFE!!!! at first. Due to the ramifications of the "Don't abuse senior citizen's act" we subbed a pinch runner for him, as he trotted (well practically crawled) back to the dugout to the cheers of Melanie and Sharon.

The game was not going good for the Outlaws as they continued their "Win by a few or lose by getting the living sh%t beat out of us" season. We were down pretty bad in the 4th, but once again our DH Willie came to bat. As the dugout got quiet, a hush fell over the crowd, dogs stopped barking and time stood still. The pitcher pitched and Willie's keen eye saw that it was not going to be a strike and let it pass (either that or he didn't see it at all). On the next pitch he ripped a single right up the middle that Willie Mays himself would have never stood a chance to catch. Standing on first we showed no mercy this time as we refused to sub a runner and threw him to the wolves. Chad our 4 hitter stood at the plate and nailed a base hit; Willie headed to second (after stopping to ask for directions) and was safe. Alas all fairy tales don't come to a pleasant ending as the next batter grounded out and Willie was forced out at third.

Unfortunately for the Outlaws the game was called in the fifth due to the mercy rule as it was 27-7. After the prayer at the mound, Willie was presented the game ball for his 2-2 performance and his inspiration to a Nation. Everyone signed it and we dated it as he announced his retirement again. He did leave the door open for a return role as DH sometime in the future. (see Bret Favre) As he left the field to chants of "Willie, Willie, Willie... Willie you forgot your glasses!" , he turned and gave one final wave to his adoring fans (2) and his awestruck teammates.

In all seriousness, this was one of the coolest nights of my life to be able to play in a game with my Dad. I never thought he would actually do it, but he finally did and performed like I knew he would, PERFECTLY . He is probably in better shape than half of us and had 2 hits to lead us for the night. He earned the other guys respect and we all had a blast. My respect for him was earned a long time ago. Thanks again Dad, once again like so many times in the past you made my day..