Three Strikes

     The day was hot, not warm, but hot.  The wind was blowing just enough to make the large American flag and all of the small pennants around the circumference of Busch Stadium stand at attention.  The Fourth of July celebrations came in with a bang as the Redbird fans enjoyed fireworks at the end of every inning.  When they arrived at the gates, fans were treated with souvenir American flags to wave as they ate their stadium hotdogs and drank their favorite beverage.  Will Armstrong, the CBS Sports broadcaster, and Gene Blackmon, his assistant, squirmed in their seats in the broadcast booth, sweltering as they made the game exciting for the fans who tuned in for entertainment.

     “Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen,” said Will.    “We are heading into the bottom of the fifth inning with the game tied.  The Atlanta Braves got on the scoreboard first in the second inning and scored three runs.  The Cardinals got one back in their half of the second; and last inning, they scored two more runs.  Both of these teams are neck and neck at the top of the division, and every game is crucial.  They are both looking good today.  Right, Gene?”

     “Right.  Up to bat for the Cardinals is first baseman Britt Haire, and Tony Stephens is in the on-deck circle.  Britt is a left-hander who is hitting .297 for the team.  He leans in and fouls one off.  Notice Tony on deck; he has been in the big league four years, coming into the organization from a standout college career at Ole Miss.  Will, Britt managed to foul another one for strike two.”

     With a scrunch of his cleats on the width of wet, red sand that pointed in a straight line from the paper cup-cluttered dugout, Tony Stephens ambled to the on-deck circle and waited patiently for his turn to bat.  He moved the thirty-two-ounce bat effortlessly back and forth in a make believe swing and stared with dark brown eyes into the sea of red shirts at Busch Stadium.  His outward calm was a contradiction of the turmoil going on within his body.  “I don’t need to think about anything but the game.  I don’t.  Control.  Control,” he held his breath and whispered to himself as he wiped his hand over the cocky, smiling cardinal on his white uniform. Tony was always amazed whenever he got to the on-deck circle and took himself into the batter’s world of waiting his turn.

     The gravely voice of announcer Gene Blackmon continued, “Haire has been in a little slump lately, but when we talked to him today, he told us that he is trying to be patient and work his way out of the hitting slump.  On the other hand, Stephens is having a great year.  He has stolen twenty bases, and he has a way of turning a single into a double when he gets a good lick on the ball.”

     “His speed is awesome,” remarked Will Armstrong.  “I love to see him run.  For a big guy at six-four, he is remarkably agile.  Look out, St. Louis!   Haire fouled that one down the third base line.  He’s having to work hard at his turn at bat.”

     “That’s because McClain for the Braves is also having a great year.  Today he is pitching his heart out, but a costly error by the Braves’ shortstop Brannon led to two of the Cardinals’ runs.”  Gene continued, “Yup, this is a great game for a great holiday.  By the way, Haire has just taken ball one.”