| The Southern Yankees kicked off their first South Florida Baseball League Summer Season in 8 years with some talented new smiling faces. Well like the song originally by the Temptations - SMILING FACES SOMETIMES - the new happy ballplayers were all smiles after their opening day performances. And the rest of the original Southern Yankees who elected to come back albeit in this hot Summer - were certainly diggin it . More to follow …..Please take the time to read this special opening Summer Season COLOR COMMENTARY and the message we are trying to convey your way. As we now approach the reminder of July its hard to believe August is almost here. Remember all those that have served YOU including firefighters,paramedics, police force, teachers,service workers,hairdressers etc and your friendly local bartender. As hot as this Summer has been if you aren't marinating some ice cubes and enjoying a cool drink then something is wrong with your inner temperature gauge! .So for all the previously mentioned we all thrive because they continue to serve you. And so we can enjoy the eviscerating pleasures of life that we have left to enjoy. It hasn't been an easy 3 past years for anyone unless you are a con-man or scammer . For those of you who have been longtime readers of the color commentary you know what my message will deliver. It always is going to be uplifting, thought -provoking inspiring, humble and sometimes funny. With all that is going on in this upside down world we have repeatedly suggested you get back in the batters box of life and take your cuts. That means after you have been knocked down it resonates you to get back up and bounce higher than before. Like many of you already know and with my own personal experiences of going thru life's ups & downs, you have to take only one stance in the batters box. That is like we preach to you here- you have to have a rosier view on life than the gen-pub despite what is being thrown at you on a daily basis. You always fight back. I have been telling you the world is upside down for the past 3 years and its the wild west out there. So try and enjoy your life now and today, tonight and tomorrow and throw the book out the window. No regrets so what are you waiting for? Go on that Summer trip or cruise, spend that money before it gets devalued even more. Pursue what or who interests you. Chase that dream because that dream wont chase you back. Always stay humble and kind and when you get where your going in life make sure you turn around and give back to those who helped you along the way or others less fortunate. Make sure again I am reiterating that when you get that success that make sure you give back. Remember Karma is a distinctive showstopper of a car that I'd love to drive but Karma also is a formidable force of nature that always remembers how you treat others. Don't be cheap especially if you already have been blessed with abundance as the saying goes 'to much has been given, much will be expected. Tell someone close to you how important they are in your life and that you love them for what they bring to the table. Appreciate what people do for you and acknowledge their benevolence. Rid yourself of the toxic ones and narcissists who I refer to as one ways. Remember they CAN'T be fixed so there is no hope for them EVER! And to the rest of the SFBL talented players and teams we wish you continued success on and off the field. You know the most difficult thing to do in any sport is hit a moving darting floating baseball and despite our ages we all are still doing it. Remember as we always tell you here that doing what others say you cannot do is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have what it takes because you do have what it takes. Now is the time to prove them wrong and make them eat their words. Let you game speak for you. You all have been blessed with God given talents, skills & athleticism so my motivation is to use what's inside that size 7 +3/4 coconut and to teach others about all things that really matter. Oh by the way the Southern Yankees played a baseball game Sunday morning at beautiful Pompey Park in Delray Beach. Newcomers Melvyn Martinez, Yoandi Acuna & Jorge Merijuildo debuted and excelled in their new roles. Martinez threw a nasty splitter and kept the South Florida Angels grounded all game. Eric Judd and Reidy Oliva closed it out with clean innings and the Yankees opened with lots of smiling faces in the dugout. Steve Sandman put on a hitting clinic with 3 ropes and Eric Judd smacked two hits and one off the top of the fence in left. Chicks dig the long ball and Reidy Oliva gave them what they wanted spanking a long home-run to ice the game. The Yankees take on the 8 time Champion Dade Nationals this coming Sunday morning and will try to cool off the perennial champs. Hats off to all the Yanks players who rotated and played in the 97 degree heat and field temperatures well above triple digits. We love the game so we play. You do what you do and we as ballplayers do what we do. Like I said- FOR LOVE OF GAME!. Hope the two catchers who just dropped from the heat on the Angels are rehydrated and are back this week playing. That was scary. And one more shout out to Head Field Groundskeeper POPS- who has been diggin' it & doing it right between the lines. He has kept the baseball fields meticulous at Pompey Park for over 50 years. God Bless you POPS & YOU should be recognized for what you do for all of the players priviliged to play on your field. ENOUGH SAID YOU ALL GET THE MESSAGE SENT I AM SURE . Thank you SO MUCH for your time this time until next time, and keeping with tradition- 21 STRAIGHT SEASONS THE SOUTHERN YANKEES SAY -always remember to STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS! submitted by Ray Asmar Player/Manager Southern Yankees |
