No Sports
Over two months ago, on March 8th, we returned from Florida early because that state had dozens of Covid-19 cases and Michigan had none. That was until the next day when Michigan’s first case surfaced, and soon thereafter, Michigan passed up Florida in number of cases. Several of my golf and tennis friends are still down there and vow not to come back until the restrictions are lifted or there’s a vaccine. We’re glad we returned since our son is here and also we’re closer to family in Russia and Ft. Loramie. We did travel to Ohio on Mother’s Day weekend, and found social distancing with family to be challenging. They were more afraid of us than we were of them, because Shelby County only had 34 cases compared to 7952 in our Michigan county. So far, everyone in the family is still healthy, thank God, especially my wife’s 90 year old mother.
Going on for over two months without sports of any kind has been dreadful. For the first time in my life since about age 5, I have not regularly and actively engaged in sporting activity, whether participating, attending in person or watching on TV. Fish Report has done a great job staying engaged with the local sports scene during the pandemic, but let’s be realistic, it’s not nearly the same.
My first recollection of “competitive" sports was during recess in the first grade playing co-ed kickball. Yes, that’s right, Miss Quinlan, our teacher, whom I’ve written about in this previous blog, insisted both boys and girls play together amicably and competitively. Of course, that was nothing new to me since I only had sisters (at the time) so had no choice but to play games at home with them. We never had enough players so we used ghost runners on the bases. In other words, if you got a base, a virtual runner took your place, allowing you to kick again until there were three outs, then you’d go to the field and another kicker would come in. Maybe my wife and I should go out in the back yard for a game of kickball. The neighbors could join in since all the players could easily social distance being spaced around the field. But no spectators would be allowed; only ghost runners!
Speaking of spectators, I learned yesterday, ESPN is considering showing virtual fans for its upcoming telecasts once live sports are restarted. No doubt there would be piped in crowd noise. imagine a cheer track like a laugh track on a sitcom. Maybe virtual boos as well! Sounds like fake sports will soon join fake news.
With no sports, my wife and I have been taking regular walks when the weather permits, otherwise using the dreaded treadmill. But finally, Michigan’s governor has allowed golf to resume, with many restrictions. At first only walking was allowed, and for the first time in years, I carried my clubs for a full 18 holes, finishing with a 7 & 6 on the last two holes, literally dying while trudging up the big hills approaching the greens on 17 & 18. Now hand carts are allowed, and next week electric carts, with one golfer riding and one walking. Worst part; no beer is allowed. Damn restrictions!
The Korean baseball league is up and running with games being shown on ESPN, with the Hanwah Eagles scheduled for Saturday/Sunday morning at 1;00am. My DVR is all set as my cousin Jared Hoying plays for the team.
Some of the teams actually have cardboard cutouts of people mounted in the seats to give the impression of fans. Not the same; more fake sports!
Yesterday I saw a corn hole match on ESPN (yea, I’m desperate!) with all the players wearing masks. The players each had their own beanbags with logos prominently displayed. Not too exciting, but those guys were good.
Also, NASCAR restarted this week at Darlington. It was indeed strange with no fans in the stands.
Speaking of ESPN, they wisely pulled ahead the 10-part Michael Jordon documentary, The Last Dance, which has been entertaining. Episode 3 was especially compelling because it documented Jordon’s frustration (aka whining) playing the Bad Boys of the Detroit Pistons in 1989 & 90 when the Pistons won NBA championships thanks in large part to the so-called "Jordan Rules” for defensing Michael.
Soon tennis nets are going up, so once the weather cooperates, I’ll have another favorite sport to play. We bring our own beer for tennis, so no restrictions there, except the 6’ social distancing.
As senior citizens, we are among the most vulnerable to the virus, which is very disconcerting and worrisome. That's why sports is so important to help take our minds off the virus for a short while. Bring on the games, virtual or not.
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