I’m 52 and I can still remember the defining moment in the 1st grade like it was yesterday: We were all excited about signing up for baseball. At the end of the day, everyone had their sign-up form in-hand as we made our way to the exit. As I rounded the corner to go down the stairs it dawned on me: If I was in baseball, I wouldn’t be able to go home and do what I wanted. I’d have to say late in the place I hated most: School.
The sign-up form was tossed into the garbage can at the bottom of the stairs and my sports career was over.
Later, our gym teachers were often coaches from the football or basketball team. I still remember playing some game or other in middle school gym. I was starting to have a little fun when I did the wrong thing (because the rules had not been explained) and the coach started yelling. He wasn’t explaining, he wasn’t guiding, he was yelling. This moron – who failed to explain the rules to us – proceeded to ask “Haven’t you ever watched on TV?!?!?!”
No. No I hadn’t watched it on TV because I wasn’t interested. I may have become interested but his idiotic behavior squashed the spark of interest.
I looked at him very calmly with a raised eyebrow and said “Is it really necessary to speak to me that way?” He didn’t know what to say so he walked away.
Every time I see Susie in a strip now I think about the story of Calvin’s last day in the hospital. Brings tears to my eyes and I am a 66 year old man.
“To Yossarian, the idea of pennants as prizes was absurd. No money went with them, no class privileges. Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
This is a very introspective side of Calvin, and for him to open up to Susie of all people is really quite poignant. (Granted, the supporting cast of this strip is tiny, and if he’s out in public and can’t talk with Hobbes, the pickings are slim indeed.)
For a moment it even lets you forget that this strip doesn’t really match up too well with yesterday’s, where he was completely unaware of the baseball signups. Today makes it look like he made a deliberate decision not to participate. I like this version much better.
Yeah, at recess I rarely joined in the kickball games (kickball works just like baseball). I usually used that time to just cut loose and run around a bit. (We didn’t have an actual playground back then; just a blacktop and a couple of baseball fields.)
In 6th grade, our class had a nice little softball game going, coed, fun, casual. The other 6th grade class wanted to challenge us, but changed all the rules. No girls allowed, forced boys who didn’t want to play, and became formal. Took all the fun out of it.
BE THIS GUY 8 months ago
Admit it, Calvin — you just want to spend time with Susie.
codycab 8 months ago
That, and Calvin can enjoy the violence that comes with being in the army.
Spacehog 8 months ago
Imagine Hobbes in the army, Hobbes would tackle an army!
SHIVA 8 months ago
He wouldn’t make it through the first week of real basic training!!!
snsurone76 8 months ago
Calvin is right, but he doesn’t seem to realize that pro ball players make FAR more $$$ than men in the military.
Besides, Dad will only say that being bossed around and adhering to strict schedules “builds character”. The last thing Calvin wants!
Hello Everyone 8 months ago
Calvin’s an Artist at Heart!
And yes, it’s nice to see Calvin and Susie getting along. :)
Prescott_Philosopher 8 months ago
Thanks to attorneys, it’s been decades since I’ve seen a teeter-totter.
Murray's Hill 8 months ago
Sandlot baseball is like Little League without the rules and the grown ups.
ArcticFox Premium Member 8 months ago
I did that in 1969—-and got 12 cents an hour.
Scorpio Premium Member 8 months ago
I get it Calvin. I also hated school sports. I was forced to join until i found a way to bunk the period when you signed up for sports.
Robin Harwood 8 months ago
Sports were really boring. A lot of running around for no useful purpose.
Ravenswing 8 months ago
This might have been the longest single civil conversation Calvin ever had with Susie, poor lass.
donlackie 8 months ago
That’s what I did. Only it was the Marines.
dhaiphip 8 months ago
Calvin is a real loner.
Indiana Guy Premium Member 8 months ago
How nice to see Calvin being pleasant with Susie.
Mediatech 8 months ago
I don’t mind playing sports, but sitting and watching someone else play a game just seems odd to me.
figuratively speaking 8 months ago
Does the army pay you while you’re in the brig?
biglar 8 months ago
This was always my feeling about sports as well.
I’m 52 and I can still remember the defining moment in the 1st grade like it was yesterday: We were all excited about signing up for baseball. At the end of the day, everyone had their sign-up form in-hand as we made our way to the exit. As I rounded the corner to go down the stairs it dawned on me: If I was in baseball, I wouldn’t be able to go home and do what I wanted. I’d have to say late in the place I hated most: School.
The sign-up form was tossed into the garbage can at the bottom of the stairs and my sports career was over.
Later, our gym teachers were often coaches from the football or basketball team. I still remember playing some game or other in middle school gym. I was starting to have a little fun when I did the wrong thing (because the rules had not been explained) and the coach started yelling. He wasn’t explaining, he wasn’t guiding, he was yelling. This moron – who failed to explain the rules to us – proceeded to ask “Haven’t you ever watched on TV?!?!?!”
No. No I hadn’t watched it on TV because I wasn’t interested. I may have become interested but his idiotic behavior squashed the spark of interest.
I looked at him very calmly with a raised eyebrow and said “Is it really necessary to speak to me that way?” He didn’t know what to say so he walked away.
win.45mag 8 months ago
’till he changes his attitude, he will never even graduate boot camp.
KC135E/R BOOMER 8 months ago
I played Football, ran track, and did 26 years in the Air Force. Was the better man for doing all of them.
Link from Twilight Princess (He/Him) 8 months ago
Yeah, Luckily I learned how to play Baseball from a Young age, so I know how to play it and stuff.
[Traveler] Premium Member 8 months ago
Be all that you can be…… join the people who’ve joined the Army………
tremaine53 8 months ago
There is absolutely a parallel between the military and sports. Both are about attacking and defending.
French Persons' Celebration of Peeved Harry Dinkle Premium Member 8 months ago
Well, Calvin, as a private soldier in the army, your pay isn’t that much.
Just-me 8 months ago
Yeah, you don’t have to join the Army to be told all of those things; you just need a job.
SquidGamerGal 8 months ago
And there’s your problem, Calvin. You have no respect for authority figures!
Skeptical Meg 8 months ago
Athletes get paid.
ladykat 8 months ago
A valid point, Calvin.
Gus the goose 8 months ago
when was the orignal arc
goboboyd 8 months ago
More bases, and malleable rules in Calvinball.
LKrueger41 8 months ago
A civil conversation with Susie? Is Calvin OK?
uniquename 8 months ago
If Calvin has the talent, he could be an extreme athlete in the making.
David_the_CAD 8 months ago
God save the Army.
kkm92065 8 months ago
Every time I see Susie in a strip now I think about the story of Calvin’s last day in the hospital. Brings tears to my eyes and I am a 66 year old man.
praesodynium 8 months ago
“To Yossarian, the idea of pennants as prizes was absurd. No money went with them, no class privileges. Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22
AlienHillbilly 8 months ago
Calvin must have developed a major cootie infestation!
Funniguy 8 months ago
Be All You Can Be, Calvin!
g04922 8 months ago
Yep… Calvin is being groomed to end up with Susie, even though he will NEVER admit it – he likes her.
GoldLions Premium Member 8 months ago
One very smart kid.
Count Olaf Premium Member 8 months ago
Calvin… join the Marines. Boot camp is a lot of fun and games. Be sure to call your Drill Instructor “You”. : )
GKBOWOOD Premium Member 8 months ago
Nice to see Calvin actin calm for a change and not yelling at Susie.
Farceur 8 months ago
Calvin’s going through a phase.
John Jorgensen 8 months ago
This is a very introspective side of Calvin, and for him to open up to Susie of all people is really quite poignant. (Granted, the supporting cast of this strip is tiny, and if he’s out in public and can’t talk with Hobbes, the pickings are slim indeed.)
For a moment it even lets you forget that this strip doesn’t really match up too well with yesterday’s, where he was completely unaware of the baseball signups. Today makes it look like he made a deliberate decision not to participate. I like this version much better.
BobCaldwell1 8 months ago
Calvin getting philosophical.
jjsl'smom7 8 months ago
When I was in school, there were plenty of girls who would have signed up for baseball at recess.
'IndyMan' 8 months ago
Smartest comment that Calvin has come up with in a looooong time and imagine that he is putting it forward to Suzie ! ! !
Old27F20 8 months ago
“Private Calvin, report to the mess hall at zero dark thirty for a 18 hours of fun and frolic…NOT!
wiley207 8 months ago
Yeah, at recess I rarely joined in the kickball games (kickball works just like baseball). I usually used that time to just cut loose and run around a bit. (We didn’t have an actual playground back then; just a blacktop and a couple of baseball fields.)
Drowssap 8 months ago
If Calvin hates organization, high school is going to be a nightmare for him.
mistercatworks 8 months ago
Been there; had that done to me. :) :(
After my brief stint in the military, I went for the non-shouting jobs and individual sports.
Robert4170 8 months ago
“Calvin, you were doing 90 mph in a 40 mph zone after taking something you didn’t pay for.”
Calvin: “I hate rules. Stop yelling at me and telling me what to do”.
Bilan 8 months ago
Is this their first date?
Will_Scarlet 8 months ago
In my case I got out of high school sports by volunteering to paint a mural.
EHT123 Premium Member 8 months ago
That’s a Great point about organized sports, Calvin!
Arghhgarrr Premium Member 8 months ago
Could just get married instead.
Gamerkillss 8 months ago
okay WTF
KEA 8 months ago
I really worry about the young generation these days whose every minute is planned and directed… there’s gonna be some blowback sooner or later
lindz.coop Premium Member 8 months ago
He has a point.
lindz.coop Premium Member 8 months ago
In 6th grade, our class had a nice little softball game going, coed, fun, casual. The other 6th grade class wanted to challenge us, but changed all the rules. No girls allowed, forced boys who didn’t want to play, and became formal. Took all the fun out of it.
Laurie Stoker Premium Member 8 months ago
This is one of those rare times when I am in total agreement with Calvin. … I know, right?!?
comicalstart 8 months ago
Episode 304