Two old guys named George and Tom were life-long best friends who loved baseball. They had both played in their younger days, and now they made it a point to go to every game that they could.

One day, theyre discussing whether or not there is baseball in Heaven, and they make a pact that whomever dies first will find a way to come back and let the other one know.

Eventually, George dies, and appears as a ghost in Toms bedroom one night. Tom, of course, is overjoyed to see his friend once again, and after the initial greetings he asks George whether or not there is, in fact, baseball in Heaven.

Well Tom, George says, Ive got good news and bad news.

Whats the good news? Tom asks.

George states, There -is- baseball in Heaven. The field is made of solid gold, and the bases are fluffy little clouds. And since God himself is the umpire, theres never a bad call. Its wonderful!

Tom, of course, is thrilled at this news, and says so, but George reminds him that there is still the matter of the bad news.

After news like that, Tom says, nothing could get me down! Whats the bad news?

George replies, Youre pitching next Tuesday.