Game Two

Lets start by saying that the heat index was about 100 degrees when we started playing. It was bright, and hot, and dry. The department of fire and emergency management's guidlines for safety in these conditions are as follows:

-Slow down and avoid strenuous activities. If you must do strenuous activities, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4AM and 7 AM.

-Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate which cools the body.

-Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy.

-Drink plenty of fluids, regularly and often. Your body needs fluid to keep cool. Drink, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.

Oh yeah - it was softball time!

Our game, this time, was at 5:50pm (hottest part of the day)instead of 9:30pm like last time. I went right from work - it actually worked out well because there was a lot of bottled water available for me to bring along so people wouldn't get dehydrated. Other people brought water, gatorade, beer, and cookies - so we were well-stocked. :)

Warm up went really well - I felt really good catching and throwing the ball. I even had to jump for a few, but still made the catch. I like the fact that your hand doesn't have to work too hard to grab the ball out of the air - the glove just closes around it.

We were in the field first, but unlike last week, we were able to stop them. The other team didn't score at all. I was at third base, which I liked. I hope I get a lot more outfield time - I think I could be really good out there. The rest of the game I was catcher, which I also liked. I just need to refrain myself from whispering funny remarks to the batters :)

Here's a question: Why do umpires always seem so crabby? Last week we had an old guy, and this week a young guy. Connection? They were both crabs. I tried to joke around a little with the younger one, but he wasn't having it. He wouldn't make eye-contact with me either. I know they have this "big important job to do", but do try to lighten up a bit.

Anway, our at-bat time of each inning also went well. We were slamming them to the gaps left and right. I actually did get on base this week! I was walked. New goal: To actually get on base by my own merrits. We'll see how it goes. :)