July 2, 2021
“Doing great work is a struggle. It's draining, it's demoralizing, it's frightening - not always, but it can feel that way when we're deep in the middle of it.”
― Ryan Holiday, Ego Is the Enemy
The best? part of men's amateur baseball is the grind. Players have jobs, they play mainly on weekends for the love of the game. But there's more to it than that. Teams also have to fundraise, fix things at their ballparks, pay for umpires and baseballs - it can be a struggle. Every team is in the same boat and thinking the same thing....."if we only had X amount of $ in our checking account, we could (insert here wish list: get a new scoreboard, improve our dugouts, put up lights, get new uniforms, build new bleachers)."
So, why do it? Why do this thing - called town ball? Everyone's answer is probably unique. But, I think at the heart of the matter - if you're part of a team and that team is part of the Wisconsin Baseball Association - you're members in a baseball country club. It's a club of hard knocks, heart-breaking losses and can be draining. BUT and there's a big fun reason to be in the WBA and part of a team - and that reason is those special days when you beat "those guys". You know "those guys" - that team you most dislike, your rivals. There's a special high you get when you beat "those guys" and that high is addicting.
"Those guys" perhaps ended your season last year. Perhaps "those guys" stole a player from your roster. "Those guys" are so (cocky, bush league, cheaters, etc.) Of course "those guys" have the same challenges as your team, but your team is of course better. Your team has character, passion - you know - good guys.
"Those guys" are bad for baseball.
July is the month we enter the grind. The grind for every conference win in order to make the playoffs. College players - some may act - "college casual" - they just need to get some work in for their college coaches. But for a lot of managers and volunteers that run amateur baseball teams - we truly want to beat "those guys" and make the playoffs. It matters to us.
Enjoy the Fourth.
WBA POWER RANKINGS
Haugen Knights - the Knights have added some big pieces. Veteran group that knows what it takes to win it all.
Everest - per spies.
Eau Claire Cavs - may be ranked by reputation than anything else.
Spooner Cardinals - this may be a stretch but spies don't feel comfortable ranking them any lower
River Falls Fish. Fish (with A lineup) drop a few spots after nearly getting 10-runed by Hudson.
The top team in the MVL - spies south have not reported in yet.
Others receiving votes - Spring Valley, Hayward, Prescott, Marshfield, OSCEOLA BRAVES, Hudson, Eau Claire Bears, Osseo
