Going Over-the-Line is a SoCal tradition
By: ERIC BREIER - Staff Writer | ∞
www.ombac.org/over_the_line -- It's the most wonderful time of year. The song would have you believe that time is December. Clearly, the lyricist never participated in the Over-the-Line Tournament.
The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club hosts the 54th edition of the event this weekend and next at Fiesta Island, boasting that it is "one of the last pure Southern California traditions left untouched by commercialism." Forget Southern California, it might be one of the last pure traditions left untouched by commercialism anywhere. And who would have thought Over-the-Line and pure would ever be used in the same sentence?
In an age when even Bob Dylan will do a Victoria's Secret commercial, the good folks of OMBAC have remained steadfast in doing things their way. It might not be as wild as it was 25 or 30 years ago, but there still is no kowtowing to TV, no cleaning up its act in the name of political correctness. It's just five simple rules ---- the five Bs (up from three): no bottles, babies, bowsers (dogs), birds or boa constrictors. How can you not love an event that actually has to enforce a rule outlawing boa constrictors?
We just wish www.ombac.org/over_the_line had a little more flavor from one of San Diego's greatest events.
Cool stuff
< If you've ever tried to explain the rules and concept of over-the-line to, say, a sports editor from Minnesota, you know it's not an easy task. But the Web site has a rules section that explains it all in great detail. And if you have doubts about whether there's anything OMBAC takes seriously, read the rules section. No jokes here.
Check at the door
< There are many things to love about OTL, but the team names are right at the top of the list. Since we can't print most team names in a family newspaper, or even a PG-13 newspaper, wouldn't it be great to go online to find some of those classics? The site has names of division winners from the past eight years, but sadly ignores the hundreds of other team names. Andrew Dice Clay in his prime would have blushed at many of the team names. Unfortunately, you'll have to buy a program to see for yourself.
< We know the Ms. Emerson contest is an OTL tradition, but this is a far cry from Miss America. It might be time to put this ritual to rest.
The grade
OTL gets a five-star rating every year, but the Web site could use some work. It gets two mouses.
Staff writer Eric Breier is still haunted by the dropped line drive (OK, multiple dropped line drives) in his last OTL appearance. He can be reached at ebreier@nctimes.com.
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