Frustration

frus·tra·tion noun \(ˌ)frəs-ˈtrā-shən\

 - a deep chronic sense or state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs

Okay, so now that you have the best definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, let me explain something to you. In the horrible sequel to the movie Major League (obviously named Major League II), the manager claims that all the players can do is make excuses:

"... excuses. That's all u guys do good. It's either a leg thing or a spiritual thing or a psychological thing or a heart attack."

He obviously ends his statement with a fairly legitimate excuse, but the fact remains that there are a number of "reasons" for the lack of focus on baseball and the losing that the Cleveland Indians are going through in the movie.

I can relate.

This year has basically been one thing after another. It started with an apendectomy and a broken collar bone - no, wait, it really started with the Metrodome collapsing and our conference 'Day at the Dome' being cancelled. We also had a late winter snowfall and had to push back our first week of games. Several of the boys in our program went on spring break trips with their families - thereby missing four days of practice in a short season of practices. Work has gotten in the way of several practices and at least a game or two for a couple of players. Sore arms (most likely from not throwing in pre-season) have felled some players for days at a time. We have had three incidents of players getting 'spiked' in the hand (and receiving stitches or other medical attention and missing a game or two). Sadly, one of our players lost his grandmother. IB testing at school has held some players from being on time for a bus, a practice, or both. The flu, stomach viruses, and sinus infections have taken practice and game time. Detention has kept some younger players from participating fully. College visits also have interfered with our ability to practice. As have making up tests, umpiring youth tournaments, allergies, and finally, a field trip to the local amusement park (for physics).

Needless to say, the word of the year is 'frustration.' Yesterday at practice, out of sixteen (16) players that we have on the varsity roster, I had seven (7) show up for practice. A number of them were at the physics field trip (a few 'forgot' to mention that they would be gone for it). At least one was sick. And one player who did show up told me that he would have to have surgery on the date of our first playoff game.

Really? ... really?

Did I mention that we have two players hitting over .300 on the team? ... total. And that the one having surgery is one of those players hitting over .300?

Now, I'm not going to judge, because that's not my job. But I'm frustrated that we can't get the commitment level to work at baseball. And the consequences of not being at that level have shown this year ...

... one win.

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