I come out to the stadium to see my hometown nine.
I clutch my ticket in my hand and wait my turn in line.
I need to have my baggage searched as I approach the door.
I’m good with my binoculars and book for keeping score.
They wave me to the turnstile, where I have my ticket scanned.
I stop to buy a program book at some convenient stand.
I get a hotdog, jumbo coke, and Cracker Jack to eat.
The usher greets me warmly and then shows me to my seat.
I see opponents’ practice wind up on field below.
Our hitters had their turn as well, a little while ago.
A groundskeeper is laying down the chalk lines on the field.
Another rolls the tarp up where the mound had been concealed.
And now here comes some businessman to throw out the first pitch.
I’ve never heard of him before, but he looks awfully rich.
A local high school choir starts to sing our nation’s song.
I stand up and remove my cap, some others sing along.
The PA speaker loudly calls the lineups for the game.
I open up my score-book and I write down every name.
Our players take the field and await the umpire’s call.
At last he points out toward the mound and bellows out, “Play ball!”
I’m looking at the hitter and then suddenly I see
A hard-hit foul off the bat and heading straight for me
I drop my pen and score-book and I call out really loud.
Then nonchalantly make the catch, and show off to the crowd
I watch the game progressing, every inning every out.
Each stolen base, each strike three called, each mighty homerun clout.
Even if we’re losing, there is still so much to see.
I stay until the final frame, the team can count on me.
Sometimes they finish early, although usually it’s late.
And when they’re through I grab my stuff and head down toward the gate
I’m joyful when we win but when we lose, I feel despair.
Though, either way, I have to say I’m happy I was there.
This is also from the book, but I attended the game last night and I wanted to share this. Also, my friend Bob wanted to read it.
I have never caught a foul ball, but I have seen guys do it just like I describe. I took this to my writer’s group they said it needed something to tie me to the game and rather than write about a specific game or score, I put in the catch.
