MPT vs. DPT Softball Game 
By: Mike Drew, MPT Class of 2003 
 

The University of Delaware Physical Therapy Department attracted some of the nation’s best students who will become the first UD class to graduate with the Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.  While academic excellence is a common trait among Delaware students, the MPT class of 2003 decided to welcome their younger peers by testing their athletic prowess on the field.  The decision was made to present a challenge in the form of a “MPT vs. DPT Softball” game which would test the will (and arms) of both classes. 

Challenge offered, offer accepted . . .

The game was set for a bright sunny Saturday in September.  While raising a team was no problem, finding a field was.  Apparently every other Newark citizen who could swing a stick, kick or throw a ball had the same idea.  But as fate would have it, luck would eventually smile on the diligent group and the 1st official PT softball game was underway. 

A “Field of Dreams” vision entranced the players as they approached the field.  Pristinely manicured grass glistened in the sun enclosing the richly soiled earth of the infield.  An excitement that can only be felt, but not described by every true fan who ever played the game filled the air as the teams took the field.  Yet as they did, illusions of grandeur became reality and “Field of Dream” visions degraded into “The Bad News Bears” . . . clearly these people are destined for careers as professional physical therapists and NOT professional ball players.  But leaders are often gauged not by the strength of their arms, but by their will, pride, and drive to succeed—these teams had plenty.

And so the challenge began, each team sending their best to swing, dive, throw, and catch in an effort to bring glory back to their respective classes.  MPT’s struck early jumping out to a quick lead and adding to it through 7 innings.  MPT second-year student Dan “Stan” Van House attempted to distract opponents by wearing green striped knee-high tube socks in some sort of “sensory overload” tactic to daze and confuse them.  The plan, unfortunately, may have back-fired as the MPT club suddenly became “dazed and confused” themselves, allowing the DPT’s to rip off 8 straight runs in the 8th inning of the game.  MPT “team mascot” and cheerleader Kevin O’Neill was sent to try and poison the young DPT minds, but to no avail.  The damage was done.

Bitter MPT’s questioned the DPT strategy to deploy all 15 of their players on the field at once, but perhaps they just needed the extra help.  Although a valiant come-back was staged for the 9th inning, the DPT’s went on to win in a 20-18 shoot-out. 

In the end, a good time was had by all.  Grown adults became neighborhood kids again, making friends and playing our nation’s past time on this bright, sunny Saturday in September.