Chapter 21 Game Day
-Drew-
The day passes quickly leading up to the game.
I know I go to school, take my test, and have lunch with my friends, but it’s like I’m on autopilot.
My body and brain are all counting down to the opening pitch and my time on the field.
Meg wishes me good luck, giving me a kiss at the front door of the locker room.
She realized today at lunch that she will have to find a group to watch the game with because Annie will be in the dugout with the team.
“You going to be ok in the stands?” I ask her.
I want her to be here, but I don’t want her to be lonely.
“I’ll be fine, promise,” she replies. That settled, I head into the locker room and focus on the game.
***
The first and second pitches are low, giving me some breathing room to take a risk with the upcoming pitch.
I am focused when I swing on the next pitch; my bat makes contact, and I feel the vibration of the bat in my hand.
I know it’s a solid hit. As soon as I complete the swing, I drop the bat and take off for first base.
I check the coach, and he gives me the go signal, so I round to second base.
I make a slide as I see the second baseman reaching to catch the ball.
My hand hits the bag, and I hear the call of “safe.” This is the rush I had been waiting for.
This is where I am the most relaxed, the most myself.
***
The game zooms by before I realize it, and it’s the top of the seventh.
The Rams are up 3-1, and all we have to do is secure two more outs to win the game.
We only have to keep them from scoring, and we will win the home opener.
High school ball only goes to seven innings, and I always wish we could play until the ninth like the pros.
As the shortstop, I’m laser-focused, ready to adjust to where I’m needed.
The batter is a left-hander, and I know that puts me in play to cover second if Matthews gets pulled on the hit.
And almost like by thinking it, I put it into existence—the guy hits a line drive between second and first. Matthews has to take off to cut off the ball.
He scoops it up and sends it flying to first, getting the first out that we need.
I am ready at second to tag out his teammate on the run, completing the double play to secure the win.
After we shake hands, I see Annie waiting next to the dugout.
She is already talking to Matthews, but I walk up and stand beside him, listening to the interview.
“How does it feel to secure the first win of the season?” Annie asks.
“It feels great to get to come out here and win for the Rams. Expect more of this for the rest of the season,” Matthews says and gives his best smile to the camera.
Annie looks at me and asks, “Drew, it’s your first game in a Rams jersey, how’s it feel?
” “I think red is my color,” I joke before turning a little more serious, “It was a great game and I look forward to what we can do as a team for the rest of the season.” Annie turns back to the camera, and Steven gives her a thumbs-up.
She gives him the mic and turns back to us.
“Way to go: you not only scored a run in the first inning, but you got the double play to finish it off.” Annie is beaming at me and pulls me into a hug.
I enjoy the fact that she is excited for me.
“Thanks, it was a fun game, lots of opportunities for defense today,” I respond.
She smiles as she makes her way to the fence to join Meg.
I give her a wave as I head into the locker room, counting the days until I can get back on the field.