The mountain view that normally distracts your attention when pitching
was obscured by humidity. At 8am, setting up for the tournament, we were
already dripping with sweat. The recent heat wave hadn't eased off at all
in Stuarts Draft, but that didn't deter the pitchers.
With 24 pitchers signed up, we ran straight 6-man classes down the line.
One flight. Pitchers kept their own score unless they had brought someone
along to do that for them.
Three of the classes had reasonable percentage spreads, but A Class
went from 42% to 82%. Due to the wide spread, the class accepted handicapping,
and all agreed to the method I suggested. We used a 90% handi, 40 point
games.
The humidity continued to thicken as the morning wore on. By 1:00, a
light drizzle had started, with a front forming and barely moving to the
west of the courts. From that direction, we are guaranteed a direct-hit
of whatever weather is moving our way. It became a great concern. By the
end of the third round the rain was heavier, to the point that it was called
to cover up the pits and let things blow by. Everyone gathered under the
pavilion.
That's when the deluge hit. The only rain storm we've had in over six
weeks, and it tried to make up all at once. The rain gauge at my house,
less than 2 miles away, measured one inch. I estimate that at the courts
we got 2 inches in less than 20 minutes. As the storm moved on, we considered
the results. The drainage ditch near the courts had 3 feet of water flowing.
Courts 1-6 where literally under water, with the remainder unusable. After
a brief discussion with everyone still under the pavilion, the tournament
was called to an end. Records stood as they were pitched and awards given
out based on win/loss and then percentage.
Most of the pitchers hung around for an hour or more, just enjoying
the companionship and the opportunity to socialize for a little while.
We all felt something was just missing. Although it was obvious we couldn't
pitch anymore that day, going home at 2 just didn't feel right. I think
we all left feeling a little empty.
Oh well, until the day we have a roof over our courts, we just have
to accept what Mother Nature throws at us. Pat & I enjoyed
the day regardless, celebrating our 28th wedding anniversary surrounded
by our friends and family, doing what we love to do!
Til next ringggggereeeee
Kevin
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