SOME LIKE IT HOT

The current heat wave reminds me of the days when I used to play a lot of baseball and later, as an adult, softball. Intense heat never seemed to bother me when I was playing. In fact, it somehow seemed to energize me. I loved to pitch, and I always thought that if I was in excellent physical condition the extreme heat could become a disadvantage to my opponents, but not to me.

I still don't mind the heat. I will take it over cold and snow any day. When I step outside and feel a searing blast of scalding air, it makes me long to be back on the mound with a baseball in my hand. In my mind's eye, I can see the tableau of the batter, catcher and umpire awaiting my delivery. I can perceive the sweat rolling down my back as I realize that all eyes are on me, waiting to see what will happen. I can feel the stitches of the ball snapping off of my fingers as I drive my body toward the plate to complete my delivery. And I love it.

The heat causes me to recall some great times--times when I felt very alive and very powerful. As I am finishing this posting, it is currently 90 degrees outside. The forecasters are saying that it will reach 95 degrees later today. Unlike some, I will not be complaining about the weather. Instead, I will enjoy the warmth and revel in the memories.

THE REDS 

     Call me an optimist, but I am still excited about the Cincinnati Reds this year.  True, they are still in last place in the National League Central, but I am maintaining hope by virtue of the young talent that they have amassed.  The Reds have some talented young players to go along with some reliable veterans. I have faith in Dusty Baker as a manager.  Last night's 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox was, I hope, an omen of things to come.  

     Pitching is always the name of the game in baseball, and the Reds have a staff that appears to be capable of pulling things together down the stretch.  Aaron Harang put on a masterful performance last night against perhaps the toughest hitting lineup in the majors.   Edinson Volquez is a remarkable addition to the staff, and he appears poised to take off.  And of course, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto are now showing why Reds fans have been excited about them for some while.

     Yes, Reds fans, it is time for optimism.  Our team record may stand at 33-36 at the moment, but I expect that to change.