Last modified: Sunday, April 27, 2008 2:22 AM EDT ZUCK: Kickball legend quits in his prime The players and fans of San Diego's co-ed adult kickball league were shocked and saddened by the news yesterday that Bill Zuck would be stepping down as captain of his kickball team, effective immediately. Zuck announced his decision at a mid-day press conference in his front yard which was attended by at least three people, though two or more of them were present because they just happened to be walking by at the time of the announcement. Zuck is stepping down after four semi-illustrious seasons during which he fearlessly led his team to records of 3-5, 4-4, 3-5, and 3-4-1. His team showed grit, determination, and unshakable consistency by making the playoffs every season and immediately losing in the first round by a sadly lopsided score. Always the optimist, Zuck would remind his players that these early-round losses ensured that the team never wore itself out by playing in too many high-pressure games. Among Zuck's impressive kickball statistics from his four-season career are: 14 singles, three doubles, two walks, four sunburns, a pair of skinned knees, seven runs batted in, and this really crazy play one time where he dodged a ball that was thrown at him and dove into home to score his team's third run in the bottom of the last inning of the game. They lost that day by a score of 12 to 3. In the field, Zuck's versatility and toughness served his team well. He alternated between being pitcher, first baseman, and shortstop, playing wherever he was needed - though he refused to play in the outfield because he didn't want to get grass stains on his new warm-up pants. Among the reasons for stepping down as captain were a desire to spend more time with his wife and kids and the near-constant pressure of being in the kickball limelight. "The fans can get really crazy," said Zuck yesterday. "Sometimes as many as four people are there to watch us play; six if you count the homeless guys that hang out near the field. They'll yell things like, 'Kick the ball!' or 'Catch it!' and it can be really distracting." It's also a constant struggle to be the team's motivator. "Throughout every game, I'm always thinking about how to get the best out of my players," said Zuck. "I'll clap my hands a few times and say, 'Let's get some runs!' or 'Great job, guys!' after a particularly good inning. Sometimes I'll even slap someone on the back or give them a high-five after they make a nice play. Without that kind of motivation and leadership on the field, a kickball team could never be as great as we were. So you can see what a stressful job it's been for me." The good news for adult co-ed kickball fans far and wide is that Zuck's kickball career is not over. "It won't be as glamorous not being the captain anymore," said Zuck, "But I'm open to the idea of still being on the team, maybe as catcher or equipment manager. Why not let someone else have a chance to step into the limelight, right?" BILL ZUCK, a Foxboro native now living in San Diego, is always a selfless kickball player - except when his team starts to lose and he takes his ball and goes home. You can reach him at wcz78@yahoo.com.