There's been some furor in recent weeks about Punahou baseball, but any griping about one disciplinary measure carries no weight to me. After Punahou lost to arch rival and nemesis Iolani 11-4 on April 4, the team headed home. Normally, they board the school bus and get home in 5 to 10 minutes. This time, they were told to walk back to campus.

Now, I know this seems callous and mean, but please ... the distance from Ala Wai Field to Punahou School is 1.24 miles, according to Mapquest.com. Sure, after a game or practice, nobody wants to walk two miles, one mile, or even a block. But back in the day, a lot of us had no choice but to walk (or ride bike) to school, to deliver newspapers (I folded and tossed the Star-Bulletin), to practice, then back home, then back on the paper route to collect the bills from customers. (I'm talking about the late 1970s.)

How many miles were involved on a daily basis? I don't even want to count. I wouldn't do it now because I'm an old tub of lard. But back then it was part of the deal. No paper route meant no spending money.

So for all the critics of this walk from Ala Wai to Punahou's campus, it's impossible to extract much sympathy from me. If anything, a walk helps to clear the mind, maybe reinvigorate the spirit. Why would I say that?

Since that Long March, Punahou has gone 7-2. At Ala Wai Field, the same place they began that walk from, the Buffanblu are unbeaten since the walk. They have wins over Damien, Mid-Pacific and Saint Louis (twice). That's a big step up from an 8-5 start in league play. Punahou, flogged by haters at mid-season, is now one win from an ILH crown. They have clinched a state-tournament berth and will have the opportunity to defend their state crown (again).

Maybe it was just coincidental. Maybe parents walk the line between sincere enthusiasm and unjustified criticism of coaches a bit too much. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

But I'm down with the walk. It was a one-time thing, and it sure looks like it did some good. I think we all could use a walk instead of machine-gunning a series of rants. Mr. Tubby (me) plans to do his share.

Previous Article: 'The sum of life'
Next Article: Ancient fashion in Japan