Dirge for the Old and Decrepit

For the first time in 13 years, I played in a competitive softball game last Friday.

Correction: I played in two softball games last Friday. Between that, and a couple practices, I've come to a startling realization:

I'm getting old.

The Back Story:

Back in the day of school-age athletics, the word "hustle" was something my father pounded into me whenever we'd practice softball or basketball together. And "hustle" isn't a methodology easily abandoned: if I'm out in the field (or on the court), I run. And I run as fast as I can. Basically, if I'm chasing after a ground ball — even if it's practice — my father taught me to sprint to it. And when you get to a pop up just before it hits the ground: you dive for it.

In short: you paint your clothes in dirt, sweat, blood and grass. And if you go home clean: you weren't playing hard enough.

This philosophy was all perfectly fine back in the glory days of junior high school. And though I've taken up running and lifting in the past couple years — which has made me stronger and faster in those muscles so-impacted by the activities — I had no idea what a real & actual competitive game would do to me. Suffice it to say, the passage of time is eerily apparent in my stiff joints and achy muscles.

Now, before those of you who know me comment on how I'm always getting injured (regardless of age), know this: I'm not talking about bizarre mishaps that result in third degree burns, broken bones, allergic reactions and hospital visits. I'm talking about general wear and tear that we used to hear our parents complain about.

But now: it's happening to me.

My left groin muscle aches (can you say "groin" on a blog?). My right knee has a bump on the side. And — after going to some batting cages with Washington on Tuesday — the padding around my left thumb is quite tender.

Nothing terribly serious, and the — um — "groin" muscle feels much better than it did a couple days ago. So while I'm not actually injured... I'm certainly displeased to realize I've reached an age where my body is susceptible to aches & pains hitherto unknown.

Someone pass me the Ben Gay.