Once in a while, after returning from a sports assignment, I reflect and think, "Boy that was a blast." That's how I felt Sept. 19 when I returned home after interviewing Derek Owen for my Sept. 25 story on Popple Park in his backyard and the Wiffleball tournament that was being played there this weekend. Not only was it a blast to do a story with Derek, who worked for the Dispatch sports department about 10 years ago and is one of the craziest guys I know. It was also a blast to take batting practice with Derek pitching Wiffle Balls to me. I don't mean to pat myself on the behind but I did hit three balls over the Green Monster in left field (I know, it's sick that I even counted). I must confess that I did whiff at more pitches than I hit over. I was sore, sweaty and tired after about 50 swings but it was a beautiful autumn day and we were on a ball field. It doesn't get much better than that.