THE ILLUSIVE SECOND BASE IN WATER BASEBALL CIRCA 1987

We swam the bases that Summer ad many after that. Hitting the rubber ball with open palm. Not too hard, for if it went out of the pool and went rolling down the hill or under a pine among pines, just the opposite of Old Crosley's Field terrace and the one in Houston, then you were out.

Out for slugging it? You bet. Because wet feet out of the pool brought in unwanted loose grass clippings or residue onto blackened feet to spoil the pristine chlorination of water baseball.

First base was steps, third an underwater bench, both easily attainable with outstretched arms, brown with Summer.

Second base was imaginary; some had to stand on tip toe because the pool started to get deeper there. It was as illusive or illusionary as major league second base when the shortstop turns a double play and doesn't get too close for fear of contact. The phantom touch.

Interruptions occurred when horse flies had to be swatted (Mike Bevis attracted more than anybody and they made him pay with huge welts) or food had to be cooked and eaten. It was quite simply the best game on block and provided hours of great Summertime fun.