Rained Out

This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

Thanks to monsoon-like storms that rolled through New York, our ballfields looked like they were home to the Swamp Thing. We were supposed to start the playoffs, and even though my 12-year-old's team was not having a great year, hope springs eternal — or at least it does for 12-year-olds, and the playoffs were going to be a chance at redemption.

Our team had a few extra practices, and we coaches felt that perhaps our team was going to peak at just the right time ... maybe even make it to the second round.

It's funny. I don't remember experiencing anything like this when I was a kid playing sports. I do remember being disappointed with a loss now and again, but I don't remember feeling this gloomy just because of a rainout.

But, wait. Is that sunshine on the horizon? A late-breaking e-mail from the league office — the playoffs will resume Friday. We lose and we're out, but suddenly we have hope again.