Ever wonder why you do this
 

If you ever wonder why you participate in this avocation, maybe you will be lucky enough to have a game like this.

This was a playoff game:
Visitors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -- 0 2 0
Home 0 0 1 0 0 0 x -- 1 3 0

Not that many strikeouts...no walks. The three hits by the home team came in the same inning. Visitors went 14 up, 14 down before first hit, line drive to left for clean single. Other single (of course) came in seventh with two outs. Next batter almost drew first BB of game, but on 3-0 swung at ball four and hit two hopper to 1B for the ball game.

No, it wasn't a perfect game, or a no-hitter. No, I didn't have a perfect game either. But it was a lot of fun...and one of those to recall when I wonder what in the hell am I doing, doing this.

I hope you have one -- or one thousand -- games like that.

I was lucky enough to have a sectional tournament this year with the #1, #2, & #4 ranked teams in the state. Every game was close 2-0; 3-2; 1-0; 1-0; 3-0 - I'm sure that the winner will go on to win the state championship. It's so much fun when it's a great game - it's still enjoyable for me if it's not but you just live for the big ones.

My last HS game this year was like John's. Second round of the state 5A playoffs.

0-0 through 7 innings, the visitors had bases loaded with one out in the top of the first, but home pitcher struck out the next two batters, then really settled down. Scattered hits throughout the game, but no serious scoring threats, both pitchers throwing lots of strikes.

Bottom of the 9th, two outs, two bloop singles put runners on first and second. Next batter gets count to 3-2, fouls off several pitches, then hits a soft line drive toward F6. Ball clears F6s glove by about 2 inches and rolls into left field. R1 on second was off on contact and is rounding third with a possible play at the plate. Throw from F7 was a little off line and R1 slides in to score the winning run. Great ball game and a perfect way to end my HS season.

These games make all of the blowouts and ugly ones worth it!

And then, there's games like this.............
Maryland State 1A, 1st round playoffs
13-0 after 1 inning of play
Final score 24-0 after 4 1/2 inninings and the home team coach did everything to keep from running up the score.
Thank God for the 10 run rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More like thank Maryland that they accept and use a run rule

How About This One!
 

Boston last year: A very good friend of mine did a 21 innings game 2-1 final score.
Bottom of 21st - Runners on 2nd & 3rd, 2 Outs, - B hits home run, gets half way to 1st before being mobbed, R2 runs to join in the fun R3 runs and touches HP.
The umpiring crew leave the field and hit their cars as fast as is possible!! :confused: