"I Know Where I've Been" (HAIRSPRAY)

That first team seemed so long ago, and it was because the adventure since then has been filled with laughter, drama, and few tears. And that was just on the court.

I started with a team of beginners that knew the basics of the game, much like myself, all being a little timid but completely enthusiastic. The ten of us were ready to face the season together. We showed up once a week to play our match, and the results were not pleasant. We were discouraged but a few of us realized that we needed practice outside of our league match. A team member, Rochelle, had mentioned an open play that another league had on Friday nights. I was thinking, "Crap, another social situation where you play with people you don't even know." Again, what was I so afraid of?

A few weeks went by and I really needed some practice. Another team member, Norm, suggested Sunday open play that the other league would be beginning soon. A few others said they would go so we could all practice together. Okay, there was no more excuses. So that November 2, I walked into Brandeis at 1pm and there was only one court of players, the first one with about 12 players, and they were a pretty serious bunch. I couldn’t believe I had to jump on the court with them but I did and talk about scary. I mean I just started playing volleyball a few weeks before. My teammates eventually trickled in and we moved onto the empty court. Thus began my fall-winter routine--Sunday open play. So I continued going to Brandeis on Sundays and Fridays and would just show up, play, not talk to many people, and then leave. Not a social bug, just a fly on the wall feeling the place out.

Those Friday nights at Brandeis introduced me to a gentleman who played the part of heckler (and league rep/moneytaker), Cosmo Miranda. With the exception of being out of town, I pretty much spent almost every Friday at Brandeis open play and he was always there. I saw him more than I did most of my friends. Once a week, he would take our money, check us off the list, and always offered a peaceful send-off at the end of the night, “God bless and get home safe. See you next week God willing.” Sitting in his chair, he offered his scathing commentary about a certain play and made his usual Sherman remarks. He didn’t pay too many compliments when it came to plays on the court, and to ever get one from him you were lucky because they weren’t given out easily. I was surprised and a bit humbled when he gave me a small compliment recently after a play. Sadly, he passed away on Tuesday from a heart attack. That compliment he gave me I appreciated even more now, somehow a little bit of validation after three years. He was a good man and he will be missed on Friday nights.

SCORECARD
Stefan and Claire's team (One Hit Wonders): 2-1