The All-Star

The seasons roll by.  Vivid memories of younger, sometimes better days flash through my mind like an old super 8 home movie.   

By this time of year, spring and summer baseball leagues are wrapped up.  It's tournament time.  They used to call these teams All-Stars.  It meant something to be on one.  For a month or so, you got play with, instead of against, guys that tried to hurt you all spring.  

Rivalries were forgotten.  Attitudes, set aside.  We had a new, common opponent.  All was right in the world.    

It was a second season.  Before travel ball was a thing, this was the only chance to keep playing real ball.  With tougher opponents, we had to step up our games.  Good players tried to be great.  Some great players became legends.

When we got to high school, we played against these same guys,  Some of the names I recall:  Franklin County - Tobitt, Holman.  Shelbyville - Dial, Thompson.  Columbia - Painter, Tullahoma - Morrow, Hargrove, Williams, Key, Brown, Smith, Hollinshead, Bailey, Tuck, Bivins, Prosser.  Dekalb County - Page.

These guys, and a bunch of others, brought their best game.  Our Manchester team had to play a perfect game to beat them.   

Now, We go to the Waffle House about once a week.  Because of the menu options, my baseball memories are stirred, scatterred and smothered.  Right there, whispering every weekend warrior's name...is the All-Star breakfast. 

  


Last night we were there.  Karen and Rylee joined us.  Terri and I both got the All-Star.  I get grits, Terri likes hash browns.      

We sat in a booth by the window with the sunset and passing cars to watch.  There was plenty of good food, sweet syrup, and even sweeter conversation.  Rylee is ten, and her little sister will be here in October.  They are still picking out names.  Karen and Ryan are busy right now with catering and the Purdom's BBQ booth at the Walking Horse Show Celebration in Shelbyville.


https://rpurdom0513.wixsite.com/purdomsbbq    

This season, is a good season.  And, these are good days. I'm thankful when I'm in a moment that feels like all is right in the world.  

If you are willing to spend eleven bucks at the Waffle House, the server will bring three plates of food.  Then she will look right at you and say, "All Star?"  

And you can smile and say, "Yes mam."  

We are still making memories.