the shrewdness of apes

for love of the game

it's been a while since anyone organized a kickball game in the Park, but t.s.o.a. has some friends that play in leagues so it was a little shocking to read this article in Flak about adults playing kickball and dodgeball to exorcise childhood demons:

On the surface, it seems like fun to have schoolyard standards like dodgeball and kickball becoming popular adult activities. Sadly, these new leagues seem more about overcoming your p.e.-class memories than reliving them....[I]f you're trying to overcome your childhood pain through kickball, you must have been more sensitive than Kenny Loggins

how about just sticking to the surface? even in an organized league, i would say most people are playing because it's a simple, fun and cheap activity that can be enjoyed by members of both sexes. the point is more that we're now all mature enough to know that our self-worth isn't based upon how well we play or whether we win. and that it's a good way to socialize and/or drink heavily.