Back in March, I introduced you to Dave Tinnes, who had embarked on a personal challenge to play catch with someone (didn’t matter who) every day, for 30 days straight. It was a journey inspired by the story of Ethan Bryan, who had completed his own 365-day catch challenge. Dave’s goal was to forge personal connections with as many people as possible. (Click here to see that blog.)
I met Dave in March, when he was almost three weeks into his challenge. We met at the library, where I interviewed him for my blog (and of course played a game of catch). It was pretty clear even then that there was no way he was going to end his challenge after just 30 days.
As expected, Dave has not only blown past that 30-day goal, he’s extended it to more than 100 days — and there’s no sign the streak will be ending anytime soon.
Last week, I was honored to be Dave’s catch partner for day #100 of his journey. Our first impromptu catch session in front of the library was short, windy and cold. Last week was much better. We met at Charles Sexton Park; the weather was warmer and our catch session much longer. Our conversations ranged from my blog to his plans to do more writing, to the aggressive geese that kept chasing us off the path. And of course we talked about where his catch journey has taken him and what it has taught him.
He told me he hasn’t had much difficulty finding catch partners, many coming from social media and word of mouth. Friends recommend friends, and sometimes he even asks complete strangers (no one has declined his in-person invitations yet). There have been times when his scheduled catch partner hasn’t shown up, however. That’s when Dave turns to his “bullpen,” three or four people who are ready to play catch on a moment’s notice.
I asked him who some of his favorite catch partners have been. His list was a long one, but included Ike Walker (Negro League All Star catcher for Satchel Paige); Josh Rawitch (President of the Baseball Hall of Fame); his wife’s 101-year old grandmother; his wife, both of his kids and some close friends.
I asked him how the journey has changed his life in the last three months, to which he said,
I’m so much more intentional in the choices I’m making, which affects many areas of my life. I’m planning more, I’m becoming more organized. I’m learning to listen to people intently, which helps deepen my relationships in a more wonderful way.
He’s also realized that he wants to become a better writer, and perhaps even write a book about his personal catch journey.
What hasn’t changed, he added, is that every catch is unique and special, he still looks forward to playing catch every day, his wife has been very gracious and patient through the whole journey, and his son is his favorite catch partner. But most importantly, the journey is still all about connecting.
Now 106 days into his 30-day catch journey, Dave Tinnes has played catch 158 times. Some days there’s only one catch partner, other days two, occasionally three or more. But every single time is unique and every single connection significant.
He doesn’t see an end to the journey anytime soon, but instead is looking forward to where the journey might take him. In the months ahead, he hopes to do some more traveling, experience more unique venues, and play catch at different major league ballparks he and his son visit. And he really hopes he can have a game of catch with Mookie Wilson when he visits Rochester later this month.
Clearly this personal challenge has affected Dave Tinnes deeply. But what’s gone unsaid so far is how it’s also affected everyone he’s played catch with.
Dave wears his heart on his sleeve, and he exudes infectious positivity. He analyzes every moment in life for its lessons, and sincerely tries to listen — really listen — to everyone he meets. He lives every moment of his life, in the most complete meaning of the word. We could all learn from him and aspire to do the same.
If you’d like to schedule a time to play catch with Dave, he’d love to meet you. Drop him an email at Tbonedmt@yahoo.com.
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(posted 6/15/2023)
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