DSL TEAM AND CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR AWARDS!

After a two week hiatus, Sofa Kings were ready for some kickball. They had the cutest cheering section as Debbi’s nephews Benjamin and Gannon came to root on their favorite aunt. Fresh of ankle surgery, Beth Hayes hobbled to the Riverfront to manage the rowdy squad. Captain Chris Connelly, Bob Spring and Jessica Kraszewski didn’t disappoint as they each connected for homeruns. Bob’s first shot almost landed on MLK Blvd. He was pretty impressive defensively as well. He displayed a move where he just about impregnated Kelly Toton at second base. Then there was Pat Burris who made an amazing attempt to haul in a shot at short stop. He jumped an astounding 2 inches off the ground.

Down big early, 16 Ton Gunz mounted a late game come back. They were led by Ryan Troutman who is picking up the reigns from former captain Gary Castelow. Troy Thomas proved his kicking leg is just as strong as his dodgeball arm. Man can that kid fly around the bases too! Tim Frick looked like Chris Brown with a nice slide into second base. Michelle ‘The Future Mrs. Captain’ Peto was stellar defensively but their come back came up just short.

A year ago we weren’t a team, in fact many of us played for Washington Street Ale House. Some played for other teams, others didn’t play at all.
But, over the past year we’ve grown in to a solidified family…an actual crew. A medley of individuals that make up something wonderful.

Here’s to the start of another great season, another fun spring with the family.

Last night was great, I got to see my old buddy Krumm, Rob, Erica & Lauren…sans Michelle it was the old Ale House crew from last spring. Later we saw Jen & Andrew, Beth and a few others.  Its just good to hang out and drink with true friends.

I’ve never been very good at keeping up with friends. I have this terrible habit of loosing contact. Its not personal but I’m such an socially independent person that I don’t need a high level of interaction. I’m don’t call friends out of the blue to say hello; I rarely keep consistent contact with friends unless I see them often.

It had been a few months since I had hung out with them so seeing them all out last night was just something special and I truly value it all.

Here’s what I want, optimally, around me for the coming new year…I want a crew.

I want a crew of good, Godly men, around my age. Granted, I’m a part of a men’s group now and that’s nice, but what about guys that aren’t in that? The 6-8 I see every week are perfect, but why not open the scope a little bigger. People from other churches, denominations, viewpoints. I just want a varied group of incredible men within a phone call’s reach of anything.

I’ll admit, guys are terrible at this sort of thing. We’re terrible at connecting, talking, sharing the joys and pitfalls of life. We’re the least likely to rely on each other and heaven forbid we reveal any sort of vulnerability. This post, in and of itself against the grain.

Why? What’s the big deal? I want to spur and be spurred to bigger and greater things, things in life, things in Christ, things that will better me and those I affect. Its all about forward progress that’s beautiful in essence and only suggests that we as men can be so much more than we are. At the same time, given our human nature…I’m going to fall, screw up and ruin things in life. I’m going to make mistakes, bad decisions and willingly go against what I know is right…and ya know what? I want to be held accountable for it. If I fall, I want someone to know. Its a daily battle against the flesh and I’d rather not battle it alone.

How? I’m figuring that one out…no rush, just God’s time.

New friend request!

Seriously? Yes, please be my friend so I can and maybe, just maybe we can share kidnapping stories over a virtual coffee or tea you can “give” your friends online.  Ya know…I think this is the start of something beautiful between us.

In the blistering cold 16 of us played flag football Thanksgiving day morning…and it was a BLAST.