When does the game really end?

This is such a great question with, no doubt, many answers.  For me, the more and more I was in the game the less and less it was about chasing a dream.  It becomes a way of life.  Now that I have been out of the game for 7 years or so, I get to reflect on the time I had playing and enjoy the memories.  It is not the actual playing that I miss but the teammates and camaraderie.  I think that's how 90 percent of ball players feel. There is no doubt that once you pick this game up, it is hard to put down. 

 You see, you spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, 
and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time.
 ~Jim Bouton

While he's not an all star Daniel Nava is a heck of a story on never giving up. Chris Coste is another. Coste was released six times before making the majors at 33.

The game is eternal.  It never really ends once it has become a part of you.

As you age, your interaction with the game may change. You may go from player to fan, maybe fan to player. You may go from player to coach, or even player to umpire.

Still though, the game itself is still there.

I walked away from the game as a teen. I spent the next decade doing everything in the world except baseball. I don't think I watched a game on television, and certainly didn't pick up a glove myself.

Then I had a son.  When he was six, we signed him up to play t-ball. The first time I took him out to the park to teach him to throw and catch, it was like an alcoholic taking a drink after being sober for years. Wagon? What wagon?

I had left the game - but it hadn't left me. It was patient, waiting for the opportunity to become a part of my life again.

So I don't think baseball ever really ends.  It may be hidden like an old glove in the corner of the closet. It's there though. Sometimes you just have to clear away the clutter to find it. 

Rob, that was an awesome reply. Thank you. I do believe that analogy and some of the other's is dead on.

I know over the years here on the HSBBW I have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding a little bit about everything.

Someone on here long ago once said there will come a day when the game says "No" to you. And I think most times that is crystal clear to each individual player whether it be an injury, starting a family, etc.

I think in MiLB you have a certain time frame in which to get where you need to be or they will decide for you where you stand. But I look at some of the Independent League rosters and I see some 33 - 35yr olds on there and wonder are they STILL wanting to live the dream? Or have they just cashed in all their chips and there is nothing else to do back home so why not?

Marlon Byrd has that quote tattooed on his arm. He's done his share of looking NO in the face and laughing.