Powderpuff Week

During Powderpuff week, I discovered my intense love for football. Before this adventure, I was fairly familiar with the game. I watched football on Sundays and knew NFL teams. I was always missing something, an inner fire and passion for the sport. I am now pumped for football, and each day I journaled a few reasons why.

Nov. 18: I checked out the juniors’ competition. It looks as though we will have the victory. Our coaches are focused and organized. Well, most of them. They divided us into groups: who could catch, throw, or block. I chose to play the line. I quickly realized that I have a lot to learn. (What is a noseguard?) As soon as I arrived home, I searched out my brother to request a private lesson on everything I need to know about offensive and defensive lines.

Nov. 19: I have been wondering if there is a professional Powderpuff team somewhere. That would be the most fun career in the world.

Nov. 20: Today was a break through day. Firstly, I learned the linemen’s positions. Also, I discovered that defensive tackle is my favorite position. However, I can’t run, and it’s super weird to block, so I’ll have to work on those. One of my favorite aspects of this week is that I can apologize for looking so rough because “I just got out of football practice.” I love using that excuse.

Nov. 21: On this rainy day, I learned that I love defensive end as well as tackle. Also, we got our shirts today! They literally glow; this we discovered when darkness set in at the end of practice. Once I arrived home, my brother taught me all kinds of fancy moves and the correct lineman stance, so we’ll see if those work. Tonight I was thinking about how many friends I have made since beginning Powderpuff. I really, really love my teammates.

Nov. 22: This morning I woke up and discovered I have several bruises on my arm. I felt so proud. My mom even took a picture and texted my dad with the caption, “battle scars.” I know we’re ridiculous, but my brother always comes home from football practice with almost completely purple arms, so I have to gain some respect while I can.

There weren’t many girls at practice today, so I played center. I had never snapped the ball in my life. The first snap was okay. One of the coaches told another that, “All the girls snap better than you.” The guys wanted to play quarterback or another position that they didn’t play in regular season. Another thing, practice was arctic cold, preparing us for game time.

Nov. 23 and 24: The juniors had practice both Saturday and Sunday, but I was out of town, so I missed both. I did, however, come back in time for part of our team dinner at the Dees’ house. I missed the meal, but it was still entertaining to watch football with my team. We also watched the Longest Yard to get hype for Monday night.

Nov. 25, Game day: The juniors were prepared to play in the freezing snow. We painted up for war. Then Coach Brannon informed us that the game would be rescheduled because of weather. I was so upset. Who do they think we are, a bunch of girls?

Dec. 4, Game day round two: Juniors won 12-6, but seniors should be proud of their outstanding performance. Both teams showed the coaches and spectators that girls are strong. They are athletic and competitive. Girls can play football, and they can get fired up about it.

I have to add in this side note: Bailey was a perfect leader. She showed true sportsmanship and was the toughest woman on the field. Also, our victory would have been impossible without the dedication of head coach Jack Dees and all assistant coaches. Thank you!

This week I’ve learned that football is more than what is on the television screen. It’s hard, brutal and takes serious skills. It’s not a bunch of guys running into each other. This sport requires brainpower, as well. While most fans focus on the quarterback or wide receiver, the linemen deserve respect. Without those stone walls, the quarterback would be squashed like a bug.

Incoming juniors, be prepared. The 2014-2015 seniors will be ready for a repeat win.

Free Agency Changes Everything

Free agency completely changed the face of baseball. Do athletes simply play for money, or is it for the love of the game? Is it because they’re passionate about competing, or for the check they receive afterward? Even underrated Major Leaguers of today make millions more than top–notch players of the last century.

Mickey Mantle was a sensational athlete during the 1950’s and 60’s. As a first basemen and center fielder for the New York Yankees, he was awarded the Golden Glove award and Triple Crown. He has more records than many players could dream and 536 career home runs. At the height of his career, Mantle was paid only $100,000.

At the beginning of the 1900’s, the average salary of a baseball player was around $5,000, equivalent to almost $200,000 in modern times. Today the average salary is $3 million.

What led to this dramatic change in Major League Baseball (MLB) salaries? Do modern baseball players deserve to make millions and millions more than players of previous decades?

Because of the Seitz decision in 1975, pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally were the first free agents of MLB. Simply put, after playing for a team one year without a contract, players could sign with any team they chose.  McNally retired after the 1975 season, therefore never enforcing his free agency. Messersmith signed a  $1 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, and as a result, began a new era of baseball. The policy has changed slightly, and these days a player is eligible for free agency after competing in the Major Leagues for six years as long as he is not under contract for the next season.

MLB players constantly demand more money. Organizations would pay talented players as much as they desire. Is this the right way to go? Owners are taking serious gambles by signing contracts worth so many millions of dollars. Who knows if the player is a stud or a dud? What if the player simply had a fantastic season, but this proves to not be the norm once they transfer teams? If you spend $28 million on one player, you better be sure he can be the game changer you need, or you could have the highest paid benchwarmer in the league on your hands.