Cross Country Big Ball aficionados played in the Oak Park Preliminaries in August, 2013. Play extended from a school to a park and back. Participants included Kathy Spielman, Jeff Oechsli, Kathy Christie, John Spielman, Danny Spielman and Steven Spielman.

It was a tight race between the Kathys in the women’s division, but Kathy won.

Attendees at a party being held at the park were shocked at, bemused by and ultimately jealous of the Cross Country Big Ballers racing past through their festivities. Thankfully there were no piñatas present to tempt the bats.

As of this writing, no one remembers who won this epic match, but it wasn’t Scott since he wasn’t there. We’ll assume that UC Santa Barbara track star Jeff Oechsli won since he usually wins.

 

Kathy Spielman, Jeff Oechsli, Kathy Christie, John Spielman, Danny Spielman and Steven Spielman

Kathy Spielman, Jeff Oechsli, Kathy Christie, John Spielman, Danny Spielman and Steven Spielman

Kathy Spielman watches as her ball races across the field of play.

Kathy Spielman watches as her ball races across the field of play.

Steven Spielman races to his ball.

Steven Spielman races to his ball.

The Father of Cross Country Big Ball, John Spielman, raises his bat in the traditional victory salute.

The Father of Cross Country Big Ball, John Spielman, raises his bat in the traditional Cross Country Big Ball victory salute.