FROM THE BLEACHERS The trick is always to get to first. Steal second, sacrifice to third & force home. A winning diamond scored with logic & guts. Though even this pales. A walk is unimpressive       where striking out excites a roar. Few can outrace the throw to second so never try. A line drive works. The idea being       go for the big one. Always. 'That's the name of the game,' said my dad. A hero or a bum. 'My grandmother can hit chicken-shit Texas Leaguers       from her rocker all day long.' Those lazy pineapples floating precise arcs &       dropping safely between fielders. Like those Chinese acrobats become a bore       balanced on the head of a pin             without the possibility of death. Just as Vancouver was thrashed by Hawaii. Numbers proving the effect of such systematic slaughter. Not the bloodshed but the manner was unsportly. 'Pirhana,' said my dad, 'are kinder to their victims.' & more entertaining. We left in the 7th inning stretch.