Dodgeball Glory in Portland, OR

I played Dodgeball last nite in this Portland League at Ockley Green School in north portland last night.  This team, Double Vision needed a sub for the last few weeks of the competition and since I played with them like 6 months ago, David gave me a ring.

So we were having a very competitive match, in fact, our team was slightly outclassed for the majority of the game.  We were down 7 games to 5 and time was running out.  A guy on my team, Clint helped save us and to win game 6 when he nailed an opposing player and then caught a rocket from point blank range to seal game 6.

Time was getting very low but the refs let us continue cuz we started late…Our team was tired and struggling - within a minute into thes next game - I was the last man standing on our side. The other team had around 3 people left and some of their gunning males.  Things looked hopeless being down 7 to 6…

Rules:  At Ockley Green, there are basketball nets on the walls opposite each team.  If a player shots a basket, all remaining players come back into the game.  This is usually a 20+ foot shot with little rubber dodgeballs…

I was tired off my skull, and grabbed 2 balls - I was around 1/2 back in our 1/2.  As I grabbed the 2nd ball, I launched a shot at that basket.  I don’t remembering looking and lining it up much.  As I launched it and grabbed another ball I got nailed.  As I got nailed, I heard a huge roar from the crowd (bleachers and next set of players were watching) - I guess I hit that shot and my whole team came back in rested and won the game - and proceeded to win game 8 and the match.

For about 2 seconds, I think I felt what it must be like to have a stadium cheering for u/your team.  I hadn’t felt that rush since High School sports.  I am sure Michael Jordan felt that way many a times in his career.  Anyway, beside Dodgeball being fun, this drama made it even more exciting.

After the match a 1/2 dozen people I did not know came up to me with comments like "sensational" - "amazing" - the ref said, "that was the most amazing dodgeball moment I have ever scene".

Being 32 years old, I may never have an athletic/sport moment like that ever again in my life.  More of athletic stuff as I get older focuses on fitness and strength and less impact sport (excpet for running), and less on sports like dodgeball/softball where injuries are more common.  Dodgeballis so fun and intense, I don’t think I want to give that one up just yet.