OTTAWA – Although the game was still three hours a way, steve “field marshal” saunders’ cell phone chirped, chimed and hummed like a slot machine. The fun bunch were due to play IWD “Loonies” that evening in the late, late game at 9:30 pm at Bell High school.

“field marshal” a veteran of 34 seasons always took the optimistic approach to weather and assumed that the game could be played. His philosophy was since the season is short, you do your best to try and get a few innings in and enjoy a cold pint at whispers afterwards. IWD, however, thought otherwise.

“Not looking good”, “calling for tornado”, “diamond is muddy”. The real-time updates came fast and furious from the IWD scout who had apparently bivouacked at the diamond in advance of the game.

To be fair, IWD probably enjoyed playing the fun bunch as much as they enjoyed a good tasering – with similar results. So, if there was any way they could squirm out of yet another humiliating annihilation, you couldn’t blame them for trying.

“they have called off the soccer game at adjacent diamond”, “infield is a pond”, “home plate is a mess” – more updates. “field marshal” rolled his eyes. Was it just him or was everyone but him getting “soft”. “Our team wants to play – if you don’t show up it’s a default”, came his curt reply. He looked outside – it was a torrential downpour. He chuckled. Let them call his bluff. He knew his team didn’t want to play in the rain (well with the exception of himself and Leah “the roadrunner” Morrell – my god she was a trooper). Plus the Raptors were playing the championship game tonight.

“I am calling this game due to dangerous playing conditions”, came the final update. “field marshal” let his team know. That would count as a default win