As I baked under the sun hoping the Iola American Legion Post 15 Indians 19U would rally from a 10-0 deficit, deep in my stomach, part of me felt it was a fitting end.
Not an end for the Indians, who I hoped would tie a state record for most consecutive state championships, but for the baseball/softball season overall.
It’s not that I dislike baseball or softball. It’s the most challenging sport to shoot. And the most fun, with the dirt and balls flying more than 100 MPH off the bat. The Iola Register coverage area has some of the best baseball and softball in the state, made evident by multiple teams making appearances in the high school and American Legion state tournaments.
However, it’s a long season, considering it debuts in February with Allen Community College Red Devils softball and baseball games and extends long into summer. Here, the sports don’t end just because the school year does.
As a transplant, I’ve happily learned that even though some teams don’t have the best overall records, the fans remain loyal.
Sports are huge in Allen County. This summer, by far, has been the busiest summer I’ve experienced covering sports. Each night I received a four-course meal in baseball and softball. I’d start off with an appetizer of shooting little league baseball, softball and T-ball games, then move on to the main dish of American Legion 15U, 17U or 19U and end the evening with a dessert of the Iola Hormigas — the Pecos League expansion team.
Iola Seahorses Swim Team coverage added a bit of variety, but baseball and softball morning, noon and night was my routine for months. It reminded me of staying at Worlds of Fun until just before closing. When the lines were shorter or non-existent and attendees could stay on rides two or even three times in a row. Sure, the first time is great but the third time on the ride wasn’t as much fun.
Don’t get me wrong. To keep my analogy going, I’m getting paid to ride a different rollercoaster every night. And at the same time I’m looking forward to trying a different ride, I also know it’s in my blood.
The Hormigas wrapped up their season Tuesday night, and no more baseball or softball until February. I’ll miss it. It’s not just the players and coaches; it’s talking to fans and parents underneath a starry night sky. It’s the dust still lingering in the air after a slide. It’s putting down my camera and giving myself a pause to take in the action.
In most sports, sports journalism is fast-paced and moving from one subject or position to the next until the game is over, but it’s not over. There is still flagging down coaches and players for post-game interviews and wrangling stats not available online. The job isn’t done until the story is saved and ready to be edited.
Covering baseball and softball, on the other hand, is much more leisurely. No one is in a rush here. There’s no time limit. It ends when it’s time to end. Not every story has a happy ending, and some stories are tragic, but the ending always fits.
