It was the bottom of the seventh inning. The score was 6-3. The sun radiated as the Cubbies took the field. There were two outs and bases loaded. The Cards knew they would have to play their best—no mistakes—if they wanted a second chance. Sweat seeped from the pitcher’s face in an anxious anticipation. In that moment, he knew it was all on him to lead the team to victory, to be the champions.
The batter hesitantly walked up to the box with his helmet covering the brim of his eyes. He knew this was his moment to lead his team to victory.
The pitcher was relieved when he saw who was up because this guy never got on base.
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Analyzing his catcher’s sign, the pitcher realized this game was his. Confident in his ability, he began his wind up, bringing the ball close to his chest. The pitcher took one last glance at first and then third. No one was going to steal and score this time. Nothing was going to stop him.
Ball one.
The pitcher did not know what to do. The ball landed two feet in front of him. All of those countless hours of watching the pros and practicing with Dad in the back yard were wasted. He picked up the ball and tried it again…thump.
Ball two…
Three…
He had to get that ball over the plate if he wanted a change to win.
Ball four.
The coach brought out the massive, black, rubber tee for the batter. The pitcher was embarrassed, but his teammates did not know why because no one in the league could pitch the ball over the plate. They were only 6 years old.
Pure joy and happiness filled the life of the batter. This was his moment to prove his worth to the team, to be the redeeming grace.
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The batter looked out into the crowd that surrounded the park. Pure joy and happiness filled his life. He then analyzed the field and pointed toward left like all his favorite heroes before him. The batter was going to hit the ball for the first time in his life.
Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder hitting off the tee. He missed the ball.
Luckily, he got two more chance to hit that ball. He focused on the ball and wham!
The ball rolled toward the short stop who was determined to make the last out. Too bad he lifted his glove too early and the ball rolled right between his legs. At least he managed to wave goodbye to it on its way to left field.
Now, one would think the outfield would be ready to pick up that ball, but no. The tempting and stimulating environment of grass, sand, flowers, bugs and boogers invaded their unfocused train of thought.
The center and left fielders looked at one another and then at the ball that rolled between them. It would be a race to that ball. When they got to the ball at the same time, they were too busy bickering and arguing about who would get to throw the ball in, so the right fielder took matters into his own hands.
Slowly, the ball was brought back to the infield, but during that time, the base runners were running home.
The batter was so amazed by his hit, he was giving his teammates high-fives as they got home. He completely forgot he had to run, as well. So it began, he was rounding third, second, first.
He was going the wrong way.
The batter caught on and quickly turned himself around. The ball quickly made its way back to the infield as he was rounding third for the second time. As the batter ran home, the ball reached the pitcher. Frazzled by what just happened, he began to run toward home.
But let’s face it, this is America. Everyone’s a winner! Participant ribbons for all!
