The Softball Rookie

For the first time in more than a decade I am on the company softball team and I am very excited.

I am not sure what position I am going to play but the ball club at my radio station 97.1 The Ticket is looking for me to either pitch or play in the outfield. We will know more after Monday's first practice.

I am excited to play because it is great to be with a team again. I am excited because I love to compete and laugh and have a good time.

But I am also curious. I am curious to see how this new body holds up. I feel like I am test driving a new car. I feel leaner and more muscular. I see differences in my body and I feel more confident. But will all of that translate positively into a softball game?

Will I be faster getting to the ball? Will I hit the ball further? Will I be a better softball player at 51 than I was at 31? I do not know the answers to any of these questions.

I do not know but my trainer Melissa predicts I am going to be surprised at the results.

"I am training you like I would an athlete" she said the other day. "This is the same thing you would go through if you were playing for one of the teams. When you go to the Lions you will see them doing some of the same things."

Many of her exercises are similar to the ones that master trainer Arnie Kander puts the Pistons through. He is one of the best in the business and challenges the body every day of the season.

The goal is not only to make me fit but Melissa wants to improve my balance stamina and cut down on injuries.

So far so good.

I used to be a decent player and was the Most Valuable Player during an in house tournament when I played for the Free Press. I hit a grand slam home run to erase a three-run deficit in the seventh inning. It was the highlight of my softball career.

Now I am looking to make more highlights. I will let you know how the team does and let you know if this old yet new body holds up.