Playing for Keeps

I love watching people who get true enjoyment out of their hobbies. You can tell their dedication, their passion for skills or efforts that the rest of might not bother with, but are very important to them. Think renaissance fairs, improv groups, cosplayers at comic book conventions. It might not be my thing, but I have no problem with your thing.

And, well, sometimes I might have a hard time not cracking a smile when I see them get intensely interested or defensive about a particular point. Two Captains America arguing over  whether you need the carbon fiber-y look of modern or the classic cotton costume of the 40s is fine; a group of old people bickering about a pickleball line call. Technically, yes, I am laughing at them, but more in a "oh it's cute how much you care about a thing that does not matter at all to me" rather than mockery.

All of which is to say, it's a little hard to take seriously the tribulations of the June the Girl Baseball Player and Ivy the Girl Who Legitimately Wants To Be A Professional Umpire. (And before anybody steps, let the record show that I like both sports books AND quirky sports books. I will be writing up a recommendation for the curling book soon). 

It's not a fault of the writing! The diamond dustups are cute and the chemistry sort of sparkles between the two. There are a lot of emotions and expectations batted around, which in terms of the adults are eventually satisfactorily resolved. 

I do feel compelled to call out that June seems like she needs legitimate counseling, and it should not fall to Ivy to be the de-facto therapist. I'm all for supporting your partner, but you also have to be able to take care of yourself, and June needs the assistance of a professional.

Overall, though, the scenes are enjoyable with no small amount of humor, and the characters (despite their motivations seeming a bit silly) are fun to be on the team with.