Out of My League

I didn’t think I was so insecure that I absolutely needed my teammates to pat me on the back for every good play I made. But we all need and expect some kind of acknowledgement from time to time, and especially after an exceptional play. So yes, I wanted it verbalized in clear, concrete terms. I needed that handshake, slap on the backside. Instead, my teammates just sat there gazing into space; one or two brushed by me to sit at the other end of the dugout. I received zero recognition. I found myself sitting on top of the back of the bench, incredulous at the lack of team spirit. Even as I sit recollecting this event, I cannot understand how practically an entire team can just ignore the fact that a super catch was made before their eyes and not appreciate it. Could it be that it was the 11-5 score that kept their enthusiasm down? Was it me, the elder-statesman that could possibly have caused jealousy? Did the catch legitimize me as a solid ballplayer, thus placing a threat to others by moving in on their position in the next game? I had no answer. Hearing Tom’s words about the catch not being such a big deal, I turned and said in full earshot of the entire team, including Amy: “Who the hell asked you for your usual stupidity?” “What did you say?” as he brought his grimy face closer to me. “You heard me” I said. “Well, I’m gonna kick your butt in after the game.” “Is that the only way you know how to express yourself? Wanna prove to everyone how badly you can lose in a fight? At this point Andy was poised to jump in and defend me since all the rest were silently siding with Tom. But I was confident that even if I got hurt, I would get my licks in no matter what. More importantly, Amy began to see Tom’s true colors for the first time. His masterful cover-up was now to be short-lived. Before Tom could raise a finger, Lenny stepped in and cooled us both down. If only for the moment.