Baseball Been Very Good To Me, Maybe

I am not bragging about the actor even though it may sound like I am.  A coach doesn't brag about his team when it loses 13 - 0 We are plagued by nagging injuries; sore arms, bruised wrists and twisted ankles.  We were bad at the little things and some big things, too. 

First, the boys didn't hit tonight.  They were intimidated by the opposing pitcher. Coupled with a strike zone from the ankles to the shoulder it was tough to draw a walk.  Our hitters were reduced to bobble head dolls.  

The actor did walk. He stole second using his self proclaimed ninja move.  The catcher made a quick throw and the boy was going to be out but instead of sliding, he jumped the 2nd baseman in stride.   He landed and dove into second from behind.  On the next play he was called out stealing third.  The ump had a blocked view.  Coaching 3rd,  I clearly saw that he was safe.  Too, bad for me. 

In the last inning, I brought the actor into pitch.  He is our last resort guy - the one we bring in because he can throw strikes and maybe get an out or two.  He has three speeds: slow, slower and slowest.  Slow is a little faster these days. 

As he warmed-up,  he yelled at me; " Why am I pitching? Look, I can't even get it to the plate."

Then something changed.  The boy - the actor had a Bull Durham moment from the mound.  He started talking to the batters. "What do you want me to throw? OK here comes a fastball" or "Here  comes another one - no change-up"  He was deep into the opponent's heads.  One guy managed a base hit just past the shortstop.  Other than that hit, the boy stuck out the side. 

Our team is notoriously tight in games when they get their asses kicked. But tonight... they had fun.  The bad call ump was laughing hysterically and baseball was what it should be: the greatest game in the world.