The seasons at Taft are very distinct. The fall constitutes back-to-school, with new students and crimson leaves. Then comes winter, a long season of pond skating and treacherous Wu Train walks. Finally, as the trees bloom and the last determined snow patches melt, PSBL begins, marking the start of Taft Spring. PSBL stands for Pre-Study Ball League, a tradition since 2008. For the ones in the back, it is not P-B-S-L. PSBL!! Games usually occur before a shorter school day, starting at 6:30 and 7:10 PM. Ms. Drakeley, PSBL head commissioner, describes the fun of this tradition: “It’s a time to be with your friends, and also meet people from different grades.”
As Ms. Drakeley explains, the groupings certainly keep the league entertaining. With names like “The Brinkleshlogs,” “The UNCs,” and “The Snow Dusters,” teams are comprised of boys and girls ranging from Lower-Mids to Post-Graduates, and some faculty. This year’s competitive bracket has eight teams, including six assorted groups, the ski team, and the “Faculty Team.” While the Faculty Team may dominate on the field, they certainly don’t win the most creative team name. Ms. Drakeley, who graduated in 2017, recalls that the league used to be very intense: “I remember when I was a lower-mid, as soon as you walked on the campus, people would try to recruit you to their team in the spring and have you sign a contract.”
While today there don’t seem to be any legal documents involved in PSBL, each unique player brings something different to the field. Some players show up very serious, ready to put their bodies on the line to get that out. These dedicated (or sweaty) competitors can be spotted arriving a few minutes early to warm up, often wearing white pants from their earlier baseball practice. They probably went to bed at 9:30 PM the evening before to “rest up” for the big matchup. Additionally, there’s always the overly competitive teammate who actually plays baseball, most likely breaking the non-dominant hand rule. On the other hand, some players show up to laugh with their friends as they whiff the ball over and over. You can identify this species of player most likely wearing flip-flops and Brandy shorts. Those players are there for a good time and do not know the rules of softball. “Yes, 3 strikes and you are out.”
Finally, there are the serial no-shows. Whether it’s “tutoring” or a “hurt knee,” these players just can’t seem to ever make it. Excuses, excuses! PSBL is the perfect combination of fun and friends, a tradition that brings the community together. Whether you’re a fierce competitor or a passive spectator, the games bring joy to everyone. But don’t get me wrong – PSBL is not all fun and games. For the past ten years, the Faculty Team has dominated the league. However, they faced an impediment at the end of the regular season, suffering a loss to the UNCs. So the question remains – Will the Faculty Team be able to defend their title once again this year? Or will the student body step up and take down the reigning champions? Only time will tell.