The Lion King is coming to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts which means that Josh is in town.
“Come before 10 and we can play catch. I’ll save a donut for you, too.”
Deal.
I had not seen Josh since our game of catch on Day #81, but I’ve tried to stay in touch through various social media, enjoying his pictures at minor league stadiums across the Midwest.
But baseball season was interrupted.
In August, Josh had surgery.
“It was just supposed to be a simple kidney stone surgery. Stay overnight, then back to life the next day. I’ve since learned never to call any surgery ‘simple.’”
Josh’s stay turned from one night into four. His lung collapsed, his oxygenation levels dropped, and his pain was unmanageable.
“I was on so many painkillers. They didn’t come close to touching the pain. I can’t describe how scary it was to not be able to breathe and be in excruciating pain. I couldn’t take air in and force it out.”
Thankfully, all is now good. A full recovery. No follow up necessary.
Just before he went in for surgery, Josh received an opportunity to do video scouting and player write-ups for 2080 Baseball.
“Since surgery was supposed to be a one-night deal, I took the opportunity.”
On the sixth day after surgery, Josh drove 90 minutes to Springdale, Arkansas and obtained his first media credentials with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, recording 7 different players between the Naturals and the Springfield Cardinals.
“My wife almost killed me for taking the assignment.”
Even with the setbacks caused by the surgery, his non-profit is also making great strides.
“I’ve had some good dialogue with people in the industry. I’m having continual conversations finding the players who need help. Next year, I’ll be helping at least one player, probably a housing stipend during spring training, and will be putting even more energy into it after the new year. The work is slow, but steady. A lot of good things are starting to fall in place. Next year will be a big year.”
After donuts and catching up and encouragement from Josh’s co-workers, we stood up to play catch. The baseball was gone.
I always, always, always keep a baseball in the new Wilson glove. Always. I remember pulling the glove out of the glove backpack and flipping the ball in the air as confirmation. I put the ball back in the pocket, grabbed the old Wilson, and carried them both into Juanita K to see Josh. I walked, maybe, thirty yards until I was inside. But when Josh picked up the glove, there was no baseball to be seen. My only conclusion is the Phantom took it. All year long, I have carried a spare baseball in my writing backpack just in case I needed it.
Today was the day I needed it.
We walked out the doors and stood across the street from where I played catch in the blizzard with Matt and Jeff (Day #35). No matter where I stood, the sun reflected off of the performance center and the best throwing lanes were obstructed by trees. So we threw the ball over the trees and through the trees. Every golfer knows that trees are 90% air.
In this thankful season, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play catch with a dear friend who is not only doing brilliant work, but who is healthy.
And, for the third day in a row, I was able to play catch with a Royals fan — tic, tac, toe.
