In left field

For the first time on "The Daily Drivel," we're featuring a guest writer. My dad sent me the following e-mail this morning:

After much off-season talk at local post office and service station, Hope W made her much-anticipated debut with the Midland t-ball team last night. Leading off the second inning, she laid down a perfect bunt and with her great speed, beat the throw from the 3rd baseman. After the next batter took a couple of pitches, Hope used her God-given quickness and speed to swipe second base barely beating a strong throw from the Mansfield catcher. Then, jocking back and forth, she managed to get into the mind of the pitcher, causing him to balk her to 3rd base. After the next two batters grounded out, the inning appeared to be over with Hope being stranded at 3rd. But wait, on the first pitch to the next batter, she broke for home. With a bang bang play at the plate, she managed to slid under the tag of the catcher. With sheer determination and talent, she had given the Midland team a lead of 1-0.

Another highlight of the game came in the home half of the 4th inning. With Hope playing left field, the Mansfield batter hit a long high drive which appeared to being going out and knotting the score at 1-1. But wait, playing a short left field, Hope raced back to the fence and using her 38 inch leaping ability, jumped and made an outstanding catch just as the ball was sailing over the fence. As Hope jogged back to the dugout, her teammates slapped her on the back with the overflow crowd giving her a standing ovation.

It is the opinion of this writer that we will only see Hope's exploits for this one year. With many pro scouts on hand last night, I'm sure she will be offered multi-million dollar contract. As I look ahead, we should enjoy this season as we watch a person with so much physical talent.

Those of you who've seen my precious niece in action know how amazing it is that she managed to run to base without tripping over her feet. She's not the most graceful of athletes. But if talking becomes a sport, she's a gold medal winner!