I don't know if "skulking" is a word. But, if it isn't, I am going to assign it the following meaning: hanging around and waiting until the moment is right. The VC in Full Metal Jacket did some skulking while GI Joe was smoking up his Marlboro's and Sneaky Weed. "Charlie" was in the bush, eating bugs, wiping his butt with leaves and getting stronger.
Junior's team stole a tournament in Louisiana, this past weekend: The Gulf Coast Classic V in Lake Charles. A quick rundown of Junior's numbers over the course of four games: 1 single, 1 double, 2 triples, 1 RBI Sac Fly and a walk. In the Semi-Final Game, Junior pitched five innings, with only one unearned run to mar an otherwise surgical performance. In that game, he stole home to give us an insurance run. He contributed an RBI single in a Championship Game that we took by one run over the 14 year old Louisiana Lynx.
I was proud of his work, (along with a few other skulkers on his team). And, here's why: we play tournament baseball 5 months a year. Being a pitcher, he has to take care to throw bullpens and run every week, in addition to weight-training and practicing with his team. Staying interested in the game is hard for an adult. I can imagine that the pressure to perform is tough on a thirteen year old.
So, here's where Junior skulks like no other. As the physical and emotional wear of the season reveals itself in the declining play of some players, Junior stepped in this weekend and seized the moment to be a marquis guy when his team needed him. His preparation is allowing him to come up big. There will always be players who fall off the pace because the sacrifice is too great for them. Staying strong and waiting pays off. I know he has bought into the concept. Skulking.
