Off To The Ball

Fall and ball rhyme, and it's not surprising that the two go together beautifully. As the yearly season closes, so do certain team games. Football, soccer, rugby, baseball and all the other kinds of summer ball games are wrapping up before the icy sports descend upon us. I suppose it's sexist to say that ball games are the domain of men, but in truth, it's mostly men who put the emphasis on their importance especially at this time of year. Males congregate in back yards, dens and basements. They carouse in pubs and sports bars. For guys, it is the season to be jolly. There are women included, but from what I have witnessed, females', except for the few and true, enthusiasm isn't quite as intense. This is the time when jerseys and caps with team names on them, become The Thing to sport. This attire is not mere clothing, it denotes belonging. I know males who keep the same old tees and club uniforms for decades and trot them out each fall to show loyalty for "their team". These relics are conversation pieces and valid excuses to talk to virtual strangers about "the team" wherever the wearer goes. In the fall, it's: "Aha, so your a fan of ... har hoho har".  "Hey, didja see it when ..." is heard all over the world in different languages.  Sport finals on the box are more than mere vicarious viewings, they are reasons for males to bond and group and celebrate. They don't put their money in going to the game that's usually for the rich only. They put their money on their best guesses: scores, numbers of tries, goals, home-runs, hits. Home life changes. Forget or record your usual favorite series when a sport final is playing. Don't walk in front of the set when a game is on. Keep the fridge filled with the drinks of choice and plenty of snacks. Mealtimes are adjusted to happen between games. No one can interrupt  until the play is complete, the innings decided or the whistle blows. Fall ball finals madness is on. It's party time, too. The Cup is on, let's all get together so the guys can take over the living room and the "gals" can congregate around the kitchen island. I see it every year, androgyny notwithstanding. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I am happy when the guys are happy. It's nice to see genuine laughter and smiles, guys having fun with other guys. But hey, I love ball games, too. Take me out to the ...