The End of an Era
I toed the right handed batter's box, my Easton XL3 -5 in my left hand. I feel the warm sun on me as sweat drips down my forehead. "This could really be it," I thought,"This could really be the last at-bat I ever have in tournament ball, before high school, and my last for Coach Jose." I think about all the fond memories I've had over the years and how I will miss those. I realize that our team is not in a position to win the game and that I need to just focus on going out strong in my last at-bat. I also realize that the pitcher has just come set and that I need to get ready to hit.
This pitcher has just been brought in for this inning, to close the game. I watched him on deck and I know that he can deliver the ball with some velocity. He is also a southpaw, so I take a step back in the box and look for a pitch that I can shoot the other way. The first pitch is a ball low, as is the second. I am in a hitter's count, so I am only going to swing if I like the pitch. That being said, I'm not going to take thee pitch if it is right there, because I want to end with a hit. The next pitch is a strike on the outside corner. I didn't like the pitch, so I did not swing. The next pitch I fouled off down the first base line. Two strikes are on me now. I slide my hands up the worn out grip of my bat, and get ready to protect.
After what seemed like an eternity, the next pitch comes. I see it and see that it is in a location that I like to hit: over the outer third of the plate. I load and stride and connect with the ball for a line drive single to the opposite field. You may be thinking what is the big deal, a single to the opposite field? I would agree with that, except for the fact that that is my most common hit. It is almost like I ended the era and head into high school baseball with my classic approach and hit. We did not end up winning the game, but I couldn't help but smile out there on first base as I looked at the series of signs Coach Jose was giving me. He was basically telling me to stay put, because I am not fast. I realized that this is most likely the last time I will look across the diamond to see him repeatedly tap his knees then shoulders, then knees then shoulders, then knees than shoulders, acting as if that is a real sign. The game ends and we lose by three runs, I have my last post-game team meeting with Coach Jose and I can't help but tear up a little. He was the best coach I ever had ad possibly ever will have.
As I leave the park I reflect on that day and realize that baseball is not a game that I can just take for granted. I tell myself that one day I will have to stop playing and that I must take the time to cherish every single game that I ever play. Whether I am throwing a no hitter or 0 for 4 I must appreciate the opportunity that I have and play my best and hope that I have a good day. So the end of this era just means that there will soon be a new one, just when spring comes back around.
This pitcher has just been brought in for this inning, to close the game. I watched him on deck and I know that he can deliver the ball with some velocity. He is also a southpaw, so I take a step back in the box and look for a pitch that I can shoot the other way. The first pitch is a ball low, as is the second. I am in a hitter's count, so I am only going to swing if I like the pitch. That being said, I'm not going to take thee pitch if it is right there, because I want to end with a hit. The next pitch is a strike on the outside corner. I didn't like the pitch, so I did not swing. The next pitch I fouled off down the first base line. Two strikes are on me now. I slide my hands up the worn out grip of my bat, and get ready to protect.
After what seemed like an eternity, the next pitch comes. I see it and see that it is in a location that I like to hit: over the outer third of the plate. I load and stride and connect with the ball for a line drive single to the opposite field. You may be thinking what is the big deal, a single to the opposite field? I would agree with that, except for the fact that that is my most common hit. It is almost like I ended the era and head into high school baseball with my classic approach and hit. We did not end up winning the game, but I couldn't help but smile out there on first base as I looked at the series of signs Coach Jose was giving me. He was basically telling me to stay put, because I am not fast. I realized that this is most likely the last time I will look across the diamond to see him repeatedly tap his knees then shoulders, then knees then shoulders, then knees than shoulders, acting as if that is a real sign. The game ends and we lose by three runs, I have my last post-game team meeting with Coach Jose and I can't help but tear up a little. He was the best coach I ever had ad possibly ever will have.
As I leave the park I reflect on that day and realize that baseball is not a game that I can just take for granted. I tell myself that one day I will have to stop playing and that I must take the time to cherish every single game that I ever play. Whether I am throwing a no hitter or 0 for 4 I must appreciate the opportunity that I have and play my best and hope that I have a good day. So the end of this era just means that there will soon be a new one, just when spring comes back around.
I liked your details in this story and how you shared your thoughts. I also thought your word choices were very effective.
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