Baseball in Covid

"Big Red Baseball in Covid: A Season Like No Other"

Written by Ken Zacharias
The new season started as normal, to Duke the team did go.
To learn how the pieces would fit, the gentlemen boarded the bus.
Some nice positives to build on; to be expected the wins were slow.
Many Big Red faithful did go there; to others there was ESPN Plus.

Carolyn said let’s go watch baseball, it lines up with our daughter’s spring break.
That decision would prove prophetic
I said,”Let the work(CPA) pile up, S.C. in March not hard to take.”
On the flight home was the start of the pandemic.

We flew to South Carolina, 3 days with the team we would spend.
It was heartwarming to see the players interact,
With their coaches, their families, and their friends
Such a fine group of gentlemen; a real class act

In the left field bleachers I confronted a couple of unruly and heckling fans, who soon after were escorted out,
This drew applause from the classy South Carolina boosters.
The team fought hard, many positives recorded, but alas eventually big flies won out.
Etched in my mind forever were Aw, A, Aw, A(Gamecock sounds) and Hey, here comes the rooster
The news out of Ithaca was not good; the season abruptly shut down.
Next the rest of the country, how long would it last?
Quickly to virtual learning the students sent out of town,
Stunned, dismayed, and incredulous, it happened so fast.

Not fair for the wide-eyed freshman, that first season quickly denied,
The sophomores looking to step into new roles for which last year they diligently trained.
The juniors just became seniors, to lead now they must with pride,
Our thoughts go out to the seniors, whose lives so quickly changed.

A town hall for baseball starved Big Red Nation
A chance to relive some of the memories created
Questions asked of the veteran players were answered with elation.
With class and poise the life lessons learned they related.

Coach Hager explained use of technology; Rap Sodo and Synergy,
Far more impressive than chalkboard and chalk.
The statement “guess who is more old school;” Coach Ford we will let that one be
Were we just part of a “Pep” rally, or just a glorified “Pep” talk?
In the midst of this global pandemic there is a silver lining
I (we) got to spend more time with the son that I love.
I became JZ’s Covid catcher; I’m not whining
But when the heater is coming, it’s like I’m not wearing a glove!
(These pencil pusher’s hands were made for different work, I hope some of you Dads can relate)

Seniors it’s on to the CBA; a brotherhood and exclusive fraternity
Please stay connected even if gradual at the start.
You are a Big Red player for eternity,
And forever have a special place in our heart.

May 2020