On very long hike the scout master put me at the head of the troop. I felt so important. A leader! I’m recognized! Half way through I asked him what prompted his decision to have me lead. “You are the slowest hiker. Putting you up front keeps the troop together”
At that point I somehow knew I would be a manager someday.
When I played in little league baseball, because of my size, I was expected to hit the balls out of the park. I didn’t. I became the strikeout king. Maybe I, too, was in the ninth spot. I suspect, like Wilbur’s coach, he’s not been taught how to bat either.
Brings to mind Woody Hayes. After the Buckeyes beat Michigan 50-14 in 1968 a reporter asked Woody why he went for 2 after the Bucks’ last touchdown. Woody’s response? “Because I couldn’t go for 3.”
For me, the gag about not being able to bat lower than ninth brought to mind the 1969 NY Mets. The National and American Leagues had expanded from 10 teams each to 12, and for the first time each league was split into two divisions. Since their first season in 1962, the Mets had never finished higher than ninth place, so in 1969 the running gag in NY was that it was great that now they couldn’t finish any lower than sixth.
Of course, if you know your New York baseball history, they finished first, and went on to take their league playoffs in 3 straight games and the World Series in 5.
GROG Premium Member about 1 month ago
It could be worse. You could be worming the bench, thus not having a spot in the batting order.
Wilde Bill about 1 month ago
Is your nickname on the team “3 away” or “easy out”?
The dude from FL (not bragging) Premium Member about 1 month ago
Good reason!
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member about 1 month ago
I appreciate Brutus calmness. I have seen Italian soccer dads behave like hooligans if their children are not allowed to play.
Zykoic about 1 month ago
On very long hike the scout master put me at the head of the troop. I felt so important. A leader! I’m recognized! Half way through I asked him what prompted his decision to have me lead. “You are the slowest hiker. Putting you up front keeps the troop together”
At that point I somehow knew I would be a manager someday.
s_krumpe about 1 month ago
Could be AL rules and you’re the DH where you’re batting for the pitcher and get no other field time.
Little Caesar about 1 month ago
Ah, a “chip” off the old block! (see what I did there?)
A good Memorial Day weekend to you, Mr. Brutus T, and to all of your readers.
nosirrom about 1 month ago
I’m sure that Wilberforce can prove to the coach that he deserves to bat tenth.
Just-me about 1 month ago
That’s okay Wilberforce, your talents lie in other areas, not athletics. Though I’m not real sure where your talents lie…
Gina Carson about 1 month ago
He could be put in charge of the p_iss bucket.
kucpa Premium Member about 1 month ago
Like father like son.
General Trelane (Ret.) Premium Member about 1 month ago
You asked Brutus .
[Traveler] Premium Member about 1 month ago
Once it’s your turn, you could be bringing everyone home
preacherman Premium Member about 1 month ago
When I played in little league baseball, because of my size, I was expected to hit the balls out of the park. I didn’t. I became the strikeout king. Maybe I, too, was in the ninth spot. I suspect, like Wilbur’s coach, he’s not been taught how to bat either.
Chris about 1 month ago
well… at least he’s not the bench warmer anymore. :J
mckeonfuneralhomebx about 1 month ago
Wouldnt the first hitter, 5th hitter and 9th hitter all be the same aspect?
CorkLock about 1 month ago
Girls team does and boys softball team does. Don’t feel bad. Hitting The Bench feels worse. Or being the Waterboy is even worse.
pat sandy creator about 1 month ago
he’s usually the designated sitter…
ladykat about 1 month ago
As good a reason as any, I guess, Wilberforce.
goboboyd about 1 month ago
Clean up? The Chips would really have to be down.
raybarb44 about 1 month ago
No where to go but up. It’s actually an incentive to get better and get more practice in the batting cage…..
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member about 1 month ago
Ouch. But at least you’re in the lineup Wilberforce. I assume you’re playing outfield – as in way way out in the field!
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member about 1 month ago
Brings to mind Woody Hayes. After the Buckeyes beat Michigan 50-14 in 1968 a reporter asked Woody why he went for 2 after the Bucks’ last touchdown. Woody’s response? “Because I couldn’t go for 3.”
jconnors3954 about 1 month ago
Only nine players.
oakie817 about 1 month ago
ba dum tss
jossy138 about 1 month ago
How about the bench?
paullp Premium Member about 1 month ago
For me, the gag about not being able to bat lower than ninth brought to mind the 1969 NY Mets. The National and American Leagues had expanded from 10 teams each to 12, and for the first time each league was split into two divisions. Since their first season in 1962, the Mets had never finished higher than ninth place, so in 1969 the running gag in NY was that it was great that now they couldn’t finish any lower than sixth.
Of course, if you know your New York baseball history, they finished first, and went on to take their league playoffs in 3 straight games and the World Series in 5.
gopher gofer about 1 month ago
if it were team spinal tap they’d have an 11th spot in the order…
Chris Sherlock about 1 month ago
I’m guessing Wilberforce doesn’t take batting practice.
razzledazzle295 about 1 month ago
Better than not playing.