We are nearing 500 posts for his ragtag little blog, and before we go any further, I wanted to correct a issue that many of you may not even realize was an issue. Back in 2008, when I started this thing, I wrote the first player profile on Greg Snyder, the godfather of the MBC. It was pointed out to me recently that the profile I wrote was *ahem* rather lean.
In case you need to refresh your memories, it can be found here:
http://missionbaseball.blogspot.com/2008/11/player-profile-1-greg-snyder.html
Now, I could probably make a good argument that Greg is a no-nonsense, efficient kind of guy, and the original profile write up was sculpted to fit with that personality. But I don't want to go that route, so instead, I will post this update with a few more of the many positive things that I can say about Greg.
Greg's pitching has become less frequent, but he still catches as much as possible, which I would think would be harder. He calls a great game, he blocks pitches that any sane person would let go by, and he won't ever forget to remind me that I have to back up 3rd base.
While Greg's never been a power hitter, his line drives have increased recently, I think. Greg suffers from the same slowness disease that has attacked many of us in the past decade, and as such, he has been a victim of the right field put-out to 1st. But he refuses to make that play when he is playing right field, because he think that should be a hit and not a punishment for lack of speed, a choice I believe is very honorable.
Games are just better when Greg is there. He is an awesome teammate, and he knows how to keep it light. He also can mediate conflict—if it occurs—and no one will challenge it, because they know he's right. If Bob is our little league team dad, then Greg is the best friend that you were lucky enough to get on the same team as—who makes every game fun.
The pandemic threw a weird wrench into our little game, and there were some who thought that we should challenge the lockdowns, and see what we could get away with. Greg believes in science, and while he would probably break every law he could just to spite a badge-heavy police officer, he forced us all to look at the bigger picture of why we were in lockdown, and kept us from doing something stupid. When we came back, Greg sent several emails asking for how people felt about playing, and at what comfort level of protection was needed. Once again, no one really bucked against his suggestions, because we knew his suggestions were right. Masks were worn, and no one made it a big deal.
One of the undervalued aspects of Greg's game is his defense, he can play anywhere, and for a guy nearing 60, he glides to the ball with the best of them, and he is always to be counted on to make the outs when they are needed. He also knows that an out in the hand is worth a double play in the bush, to mix metaphors.
Greg whole-heartedly does not care if his team wins or loses, and I think sometimes is secretly pleased to be on the losing team. That is the real MBC spirit.
Greg has been hauling the gear, collecting money, and dealing with Parks and Rec (with Bob) on behalf of us for the entirety of our club's existence. Has anyone ever thought about how much effort and time that is? Or another way of making that point: who of you is willing to take on all those jobs?
There have been moments in the last 13 years that we have tried to trim our email list and each time, we end up with the same engorged list because Greg doesn't want to cut any ties. He knows that weekly email means a lot to some guys that haven't played in years. He's all heart.
If you ever want to be thoroughly confused, ask Greg where he grew up. Depending on the amount of time that you have, you may hear about Virginia, Maryland, Japan, Lafayette, or other places. If you name a city, chances are Greg attended school there.
For those of the punk inclination, you may also be surprised to learn that Greg built the stage that is housed at 924 Gilman. You could say he is responsible for "supporting" the entire Bay Area punk rock movement.
A Bruce Bochy-sized cap tip to our captain, Greg Snyder.
Don't look back, something might be gaining on you.
S. Paige
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