I've played sports all my life, basically growing up on the softball diamond, then playing everything under the sun as a kid. Over time some fell by the wayside for various reasons.
no, I'm not that fat...the shirt is big and billowing
I had given up football and floor hockey long ago, played a ton of softball and basketball through grad school (into my 30's) but gave up basketball as my back wasn't happy. Most everything ground to a halt when my son was born when I was 35, although I still managed to get into the water to bodyboard (despite tearing up a rotator cuff doing that a few years back).
I picked basketball up again a few years ago when I'd take my son to the playground...he'd play in the sand and monkey bars, etc while I joined pickup games on the outdoor courts a few feet away. That was about 5 years ago and I did it for a few years, but by that time, in my early 40's, knees and back complained as you might expect.
I didn't get back into softball due to not being able to find a city league team and also the time requirements. But about a year ago a team formed where I work and it fit into my schedule so I oiled up my 25 year old Rawlings and hit the diamond again. It was rough the first few games. Having played my last city league game/tournament when I was 35, now at 45 I was a little rusty to say the least. Wasn't seeing the ball or moving. But old habits die hard and by the middle of the season I was back in form at shortstop (although I'd lost a couple steps and couldn't play as deep as I used to) and was hitting .750 or so (12' arc league).
We're just wrapping up the 3rd season (last night) and I have to say that every game is a struggle physically. My skills are actually fine...quick hands and anticipation, etc is all there. But something is always hurting. The knee messed up in the accident is at about 95% of what it was, but often it is the other knee that acts up. I've learned not to dive for as many balls as I used to, but sometimes it is just automatic. The kicker was this morning. I got out of the shower and bent down, flexing my left knee. And it crackled. Like rice crispies. I straightened it, flexed again, and the same thing. Doesn't hurt, but that can't be good.
So sadly I'm thinking it might be time, at 46, to hang 'em up. I think my dad pitched fast pitch softball until about that age before he couldn't do it any more. If you're used to playing at a certain level of performance, once your body won't respond, or if you are beat up the next day(s)...well, it's no fun to just go out and dick around. The good thing is that I can go back to my Tai Chi class, and will concentrate on more bicycle and surfing. Those I'll do until I pass. But softball is just too jarring on the body I think.
Still depressing though. Nothing like being under the lights, pawing the dirt at short when a double play's in order...
