When “Team Fear” walked off the diamond following a one-sided 12-3 loss, there was a mixture of emotions. Sure, there was the pride of having made it to the Intramural B-League Semifinals. Sure, there was the joy at being able to play slow-pitch softball the way it was meant to be played.But mostly there was the embarrassment of having to watch a certain sports reporter go 0-for-2 at the plate and commit five errors in the field. This story is not about the worst individual performance of all-time, however. It is about the nature of Intramural B-League sports.
The B-Leagues are what makes intramurals fun. They are comprised of individuals who claim they prefer the bonding aspect of sports over the competitive side, and who would rather have a good time than blow out their opposition. I’m going to let you all in on a little secret: everybody wants to win. Washington University intramural sports are not stockpiled with the most highly-skilled players, nor are University IMs the best-planned intramural sports on college campuses across the country. But the competitive spirit, the commitment to excellence and the desire to come out on top are just as prevalent, regardless of what level of play exists.
Does it bother me that I couldn’t hit a 20-mile per hour arcing pitch thrown by a sophomore girl? You’re damn right it does. I don’t care if my opponent is the “Executives for Congress of the South 40” or if it’s the Boston Red Sox. Every pitch matters and every victory is, well, a victory.
On this day, when Student Life is devoting an entire section to Intramurals, I stress that you, the reader make sure to participate in a non-competitive league once in your four years here. It can be flag football, softball, soccer, bowling or euchre. The sport really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you give it a shot. Give the B-League a chance to grow on you.
And maybe, after watching that fifth ground ball bounce through your legs, you’ll begin to recapture the spirit of competition you haven’t found since high school, middle school, or even Little League.
Yes it’s competitive, as any sport is, but it’s also fun. Intramurals gives you the chance to hang out and bond with some of your best friends, laugh at that botched ground ball through the legs or just root on your friends.
That’s the big difference between B-League and A-League. The competitiveness is still there, but no one’s going to yell your ear off if you pop out to second base or miss a basket. The spirit is lively, fun, laid back, and one that can be enjoyable by all.