Tennis, anyone?

I got some tennis in this morning, and, much to my joy, I didn't hurt myself or make a fool out of myself. In fact, I played well for being a little rusty. My first serve occasionally landed in, and actually improved as the game went on. I had some pretty well-placed shots, but then had some that I totally miss-hit and sent all over the place. We played a five set match, which I won in 3 straight sets (6-2, 6-2, 6-4). In fact, I haven't lost in quite some time. The last time I lost was a few years ago, although I'm not officially counting it. (I was playing Marin a day or two after I scratched my cornea. Not good times. I'm pretty sure I lost 0-6, and probably shouldn't have been playing.) That may be a little misleading, however. Most of the times I've played have just been for fun. I should take on my brother sometime soon, though. He's good. Better than me. But when we play, I can usually beat him, only because I can frustrate him by just returning his shots, and not making too many mistakes, forcing him into mistakes. And occasionally hitting my spots.

I should play more often now. There are plenty of courts around Iowa City, it's just a matter of finding someone else to play. Of course, I could always just go and practice my serves by myself. That would give me more opportunities to sport the headband, which I am always ready to do.

I'll leave you now, not with something tennis-related, but a decent compilation of some baseball brawls. Nothing's better than the benches clearing on both sides, and the bullpen trotting in about 3 minutes later. Somehow, no one ever gets hurt. Amazing! I laugh at the Izzy Alcantara fight every time, not only because of the kick, but because there are like 3 or 4 guys on the field who seem a little scared to take him on, not sure what he's going to do. And Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura is a classic. My favorite, though, is my man Mike Sweeney of the Royals, usually a calm, mild-mannered guy, coming out and tossing the helmet before tackling and punching Jeff Weaver. Good times! (I just wish that Pedro Martinez vs Don Zimmer had happened when this was made, that was high comedy.) Enjoy!