Little League All-Stars

There comes a time in life when, after years of elementary-school triumph and perfect-attendance awards, you make your peace with the idea that you'll probably never win another trophy.

Then, along comes a summer in D.C. that sees you winning two.

First, "Tuesday Heartbreak," my motley crew of a Stetson's Pub Quiz team, goes the distance to win the summer league and take home the coveted [somebody somebody] memorial cup. Which we promptly ask to be filled with beer.

Then, one week later, I learn that across town at the Stanford Softball awards banquet -- an event scheduled against pub quiz -- Coach Chris announced this year's Rookie of the Year and, lo and behold, it's me:

Full disclosure: As the only rookie to string together enough appearances to qualify for, and then actually attend, the season's year-end tournament, I consider this a victory by attrition. Put it this way: it helped my chances that I effectively had no real competition.

Still, to victory, dear readers. To victory.