Blood, sweat and tears

It is the dawn of a new era. And today is a day to remember for local

recreation athletes in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, those who sweat

it out on the basketball courts playing indoors in the heat of summer

and on the softball fields under the lights in the dead of winter

when it’s cold and foggy and you’re there ahead of schedule to

stretch and get ready for the big game.

This section is for you guys and gals. You know who I mean. The

ones whose hearts are stamped along the lanes, base paths and

fairways.

You can bump along gracefully in your chosen field or play for

gags and giggles, or, like some, the recreation gyms and fields in a

multiplicity of sport often provides one’s sanctity and emotional

outlet, not to mention the physical fitness and social gratitude that

follows registration.

Some are so dedicated, the recreation sport is their battle in

life. It is a physical release -- whether it be running the bases,

sprinting up the court or returning a volleyball -- gained nowhere

else. Competition is nature’s way of activating testosterone and

stirring up our endorphins. We thrive on the moment. The at-bat. The

drive to the hoop with traffic ahead. The spike with two blockers in

your face. We need sports and games and recreation. And so, voila.

Welcome to the new Daily Pilot Sports Recreation Section.

We aren’t making a ton of promises, but the goal in mind is to

introduce our readers to recreation sports and events in the

Newport-Mesa community, while attempting to reserve space at least

once a week for recreation standings. That includes the fall, winter

and spring. One week, it’s softball. Another week it’s basketball.

And so on. There will be occasional features, mostly in the summer

months, and don’t be afraid to contact our recreation guru, Patrick

Laverty, about a hot tip. His phone number is (949) 574-4225 and

e-mail is [email protected].

Today’s edition includes information on recreation sports and

activities in the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, basketball

standings anda golf feature. It’s not the first attempt by this

newspaper to incorporate recreation results, mind you, but today, on

the Fourth of July, is a banner day in looking to the future of

community sports coverage.