|
The next morning was Monday. I made a trip to the bank and filled out paperwork to have the money sent to me.
We had the Fresno Giants that week in Reno. As I got to the ballpark, Coach Broadway pulled me aside and pointed me to the Big Board.
The Big Board was where Coach Stephen posted his primary lineups and rotation.
My name had been moved to the top.
He was naming me the team ace.
I did not see that coming.
Coach Broadway simply said, "we think it's time you stepped up and took charge of things on the mound. Your time. You just have to take over now."
I was slated to pitch the series finale on Wednesday. So I took my spot in the bullpen and studied each hitter that came up.
I would do the same tomorrow night as well. So I would know what I would be facing on Wednesday.
Some kids came by the bullpen and struck up a conversation with us. They had been on a little league team and were getting to watch a professional game. For some of them, it was the first time ever.
I joked about making over half a million dollars playing baseball.
"Wow! What did you buy with all that money?"
"A really big ice cream sandwich!"
"No you didn't."
Wayne Davis got a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third and we went up 1-0.
"My daddy is a Dodgers fan and he said the Dodgers are going to win the World Series this year."
"Tell your dad that Dodger Blue is the color of the blues they sing when they lose to the Padres."
The Giants got a run in the sixth to tie the game.
"I have baseball cards for all the Dodgers players."
"Put them on your bycicle spokes and ride as fast as you can!"
"Nah. I only do that with the Padres cards."
"Nice comeback, kid."
In the bottom of the eighth, Rainford Harris pinch hit and brought in a pair with a single.
Mack Jenkins went out to get the complete game victory as the Padres won 3-1.
"How do I get to be a pro ball player?"
"Talent. Hard work. A lot of luck. But most importantly, " I paused for dramatic effect.
"Root for a better team than the Dodgers."
I grinned and headed to the dugout with the rest of the team.
Sent from my K88 using Tapatalk
|