The Athlete Way

I'm not sure what it is about baseball but I love it. I love the sound of it - the slow hum that cascades imperceptibly into a crescendo of action; the sharp clash of wood beating leather and the strong snap of the glove catching a fly ball. I love the cheers of the crowd and the buzz of the lights. Oh, the crackle of the radio in the dark heat of summer; how I love those old, deep voices that bring to life the story of the game; that open our hearts to the humble heroes of America's game - the original ball players.

I wrote the article below in the summer of 2010 on my good friend and USA teammate Keli Smith Puzo. The story, which featured in the debut issue of  my fictitious hockey magazine, chronicles the iconic life of Puzo as she redefines the image of the American hockey player by taking on new adventures as mother and wife, while flourishing in her traditional role on the field . In the years since this article was written, Keli Smith Puzo has played in the London Olympics, and given birth to another son, Ian. Smitty announced her retirement recently. Congratulations, and Thank You Keli.