I love baseball. Don't get me wrong, I'm a good Canadian, and still love my hockey, CFL and curling...but I love baseball.

Despite my grandfather's love of the Detroit Tigers and his resemblence to long time Tigers manager Sparky Anderson, I'm a die hard Jays fan. From the first pennant win in 1985, the collapse of 1987 in Detroit to the first go around with Cito Gaston in 1989 (that moustache is still a thing of beauty) I've bled Blue Jays blue. I still remember watching the 1992 World Series win in Atlanta with my brother. Then in 1993 finishing my shift as a grocery packer at Loeb Club Plus William Street Chatham (represent!) then rushing home to see Joe Carter's game winning homerun.

There were many afternoons of taking off from high school and loading up the family's Ford Aerostar (extended length, baby...that's how the McLeod's rolled) with my buddies and heading to Tiger Stadium. It's going to break my heart when they begin the tear down in the next few weeks.

My love of the game didn't really translate into any on field skills. I've played hardball and softball for years, and still have yet to really get any better. My brother had skills, he was a natural...but me, not so much. I once went to an Atlanta Braves open tryout in Chatham...I left after the stretching portion, but I can truthfully say I was a prospect in the Braves organization.

I play softball once a week for Littlewood. We're not so good. But I'm still like a 9 year old getting excited for every at bat...mind you I don't get too many hits, but I love it.

I know I'm not the only one who loves baseball. I know this because of some of the players in our Lambeth Mens league who are still taking the game a little too seriously. There are men in our league who fit this description to a tee. (thanks to Urbandictionary.com for the list...) This is softball guy:

• A person who plays softball in leagues is over the age of 30.
• This person keep stats on themself every year and will wear a uniform even if it isn't provided.
• They will dive for a play even if it isn't a close one and hope somebody watches them make the great play.
• You keep stats every year you play and will show them off to your friends.
• You have your own bag that holds your bat, glove, towels, eye wear, etc.
• You have seperated your shoulder on a ball hit by Wendy the receptionist.

Let's play ball....