Full Count

By Brian 

"Brian this is it, it's the championship game, the score is 15-15, there are 2 outs, the bases are loaded, it's up to you to make something happen. Now get out there and do your thing." said coach Don.

"Ok coach." I replied nervously. I walked down to the plate, looked into the pitcher's eyes and just kept staringš

"Vogt, step into the box." my coach said eyeing me curiously.

"My bad." I said as I stepped into the batter's box. Before I had a clue of what was going on the count was 2 and 0. I needed to get focused on the game. I stepped out of the box, looked at my coach, got the take sign, and stepped back in again. The pitcher fired the ball right past me into the catcher's glove.

"Strike one!" the umpire said. At that moment I hated my coach so much I just stood there waiting for the next pitch not even looking at him for a sign. My heart was beating so hard, so loud, that I thought the outfielders could hear it. The next pitch came whizzing by me into the dirt.

"Ball three!" said the ump. I stepped out of the blundered box, took a clean practice swing, and then stepped back in. I stared at the white, dusted ball in the pitcher's clasped hand, as it was brought into his black glove, and then he deliveredš Suddenly everything went into slow motion, the pitch was getting closer, and I knew what I had to do. I stepped forward, pivoted my back foot, kept my eyes on the ball, and let my arms flyš Crack!

"Foul ball. Full count!" the ump stated. I wanted that pitch more than anything in the world at the particular time (Except for a Nintendo 64). I needed one of those. I stepped out of the box and stared at the dirt. My legs were shaking like hoola dancers as I stepped back in for the 3 and 2 pitch. I stared deep into the pitcher's round eyes and watched his awkward wind up and then the distant releaseš I closed my trembling eyesš Suddenly I felt an invigorating pain in left thigh.

"Hope you're ok. Take your base." said the umpire calmly. I limped down the baseline and could hear all the cheers from the stands behind me. I felt so excited. I had made the winning walk.