Rookie+Reflections+Contest+Entry

__ Write about it __ By Jack Justice The smell of popcorn and cotten candy filled the arena as I was walking up to the plate to bat. The crowd was cheering loud and proud, some even set up a little chant “Go! Rookie! Go! Win! Rookie! Win!” My team had been doing great this year 6 to 7. And we would make it to the finals if we got 1 more homerun. As I stood on the plate I thought about all the great players for the Reds that had stood on this very plate. I was proud to be standing here in front of all these people. I took my father’s old bat and let it hover it over my shoulder. The pitcher spit out some sun flower seeds and gave me a wink. I looked down and back up kicking the dirt underneath my feet. I could do it, only if I believed I could. The pitcher shoved the baseball into his mitt quick and twice. He looked down and then back up at me. He swung his arm back and after he did I went back into my mind and thought of the first time I had played baseball. My Dad was pitching with his original Reds jersey on. He told me to just think and think good about hitting that ball. I did so and as he threw it I closed my eyes and swung the bat as hard as I could, I had swung it so hard that it had flung out of my hands and onto the ground but I had hit the baseball. I hit it all the way into my neighbor’s pool across the street! “Run Samantha Run!” I ran around the three rubber plates that had been placed in my backyard for the game. The wind flowing in my hair and the rush made me run even faster as I saw from the corner of my eye the home plate I saw the look on my father’s face that I would never forget. I slid on home plate and my Dad ran to me. He picked me up in his arms and had tears of joy in his eyes. “My little girl…” He said. I was back at the game the pitcher swung his arm forward and the ball was shot at me. I closed my eyes and swung the bat as hard as I could a crashing sound came from my bat as it collided with the baseball. I dropped my bat and watched the baseball go flying into the stands. I started to run as fast as I could to first base, then to second, third. I was rounding to the home plate and I began to smile as big as I could the dirt was flying everywhere. I thought about my Dad and I ran even faster and slid to home plate. Everything had become perfect. We had won the game! We were going to go to the finals! I owe everything to my Dad. The reporters ran out into the field over to me with their microphones and cameras in my face they asked me what I did to make myself make that homerun, “My Dad. God Bless Him”.

Write About It Rookie at Bat By: Brett Schubert Wow! My first game of the season and I already can’t believe what I have gotten into. This is just unbelievable. I never thought I would be at this point in my life. This is a dream that I have had for years come true. My first game of the season is today at 2:05 and I am a nervous wreck about it now. It is 2:15 now and this moment is my time to shine and I need to prove that I can really play baseball. I am on deck and I’m standing in the on deck circle and it’s just crazy out here in the environment of Boston, Massachusetts. You show them what you’re made of. Get out there and made an All-Star rookie appearance. As I stand up there in the batter’s box I just can’t believe that I would ever be here. As the pitcher winds up to throw the first pitch of the season, I’m thinking that I better not make a fool out of myself up here. This is my time to shine. I get in my strong batting stance and swing as hard as I can and all I hear is... Crack! Yes.. Yes.. Yes!! I got the hit. Right when I snap out of it I remember to run the bases. Then I ran as fast as I could to first and the shortstop missed the throw and I moved on to 2nd base. Man it really feels great out here to get that hit and to be cheered on. Wow! This is great. I can smell the fresh cut grass, the food in the distance, and the air in general. It is the best s smell I’ve smelt in a long time. For my first at bat, that worked out really well. Now it’s game time. I’ve got to think about what I am going to do now. As the batter wound up, I made a quick decision to run as fast as I could to 3rd and see if I could make it in time before the throw. Yes! I made it to 3rd. Now I’m really getting the crowd pumped up. This couldn’t turn out much better! Wow. This is a great start for the whole team. There is a man on 1st and 3rd and no outs. Next batter is up and I’m thinking…. What could we do much better? Again? He cracks his bat in half and gets a blooper to drop in the outfield to advance a man to 2nd base and me to be the first run of the season. This is an awesome feeling to score the first run of the season for the Boston Red Sox. To be the only rookie on the team and score the first run of the year is just a great feeling. Overall this experience has been awesome. When I get home I’m going to celebrate. “Good job Ryan!” I told myself. Write about it Internal Dialogue.

write about it sara ritze 3 ** The story “Kalish Helps Deliver A Big Win,” is an amazing short story that I enjoyed reading. After and while I was reading this story I was thinking,” wow that must have been amazing.” And,’’ it is cool how they welcomed Ryan into the team how they did.”And now I am imagining what was going through Ryan Kalish’s head when he was up to bat when he hit a home run and won to the yankees. I think that he was thinking,” The pressure is on me to do well. There are 2 players on base; if I make this we will beat the Yankees. I just have to go for it.” And if that is really what he was thinking I think he listened to himself because the hit was a home run! Him being an underdog probably also made him want to show off a little and try a little harder than the rest so they could see him as a true person/baseball player. I think he has more than earned the respect of his fellow team mates. I think that I can relate to Ryan because I was kind of like a rookie in volleyball to my family. I was a rookie in volleyball because my sister was the big volleyball player in my family, It was her sport and my sport was soccer. But last year my sister lost interest in volleyball and I lost my interest in soccer. Later, I tried volleyball and fell in love with it while my sister just lost interest. My family did not expect me to keep up with it but I did. And that is why I think I am like Ryan, a rookie. Ryan is also an inspiration to kids/teens that want to be an athlete in college, and also when they are older. He is so young and he is so skilled at his sport of baseball. He may also be an inspiration for others because he still keeps in touch with his family. I know this because in the final quote said by him was ,”I will give it to my dad.” And the writer said like I said this is a truly special moment. To me that is saying that he loves his family, and that he cares for them. I also like how they mention his childhood and how no one liked the red sox but his family and now he is playing for his familys favorite team which could have been a dream come true for his father. I also like how they talk about his older team mates and how they think he is so little and good. Like when they say ,” he has got talkent,” Big Papi says that, and he talks about how he is his little Papi. It also says that all the older guys love him in the 2nd paragraph. In conclusion the twenty three year old rookie for the red sox is in it to win it, and I think that Ryan Kalish is an inspiration to younger kids and teens everywhere. ** ** Sara Ritze ** ** Encore 3 ** ** 4/12/11 **

Write About It By: Sam Tegtmeyer It was the third game of the season when I finally got my chance to shine. They call my name to bat for the bullpen and a sudden sense of pride came over me. I mean me a little kid from the Bronx about to go up to bat for the first time in the MLB at the Great American Ballpark. The smell of sweat, popcorn, and thousands of people fill the stadium. I step to the plate happy as can be thinking to myself what if I hit it, what if I get a homerun. The excitement and anxiousness are almost unbearable but then the pitcher throws his first pitch, I swing and miss, strike one. Now fear takes me over what if I miss the ball and I strike out what if I don’t get the homerun. What if I miss the ball so badly I become a laughing stock? What if it makes it so I won’t be able to play baseball anymore? The pitcher gets ready to throw again oh god what’s going to happen my bat is shaking you can hear the ringing from it smacking against my feet. I swing I make contact with the ball it goes over the white line near third base it is a foul ball. I get ready again knowing I’m getting better every pitch. The pitcher throws and a hear a thunderous noise coming from my bat and it goes soaring over the pitcher, over the second baseman, over the center fieldsman over the thousands upon thousands of fans. The ball goes out of the stadium and into the adjacent parking lot. As I rounded the bases staring at the crowd who is roaring so loud I can barely hear my own screams the sound is truly deafening but I feel I could get used to it. As I round the bases feeling them cushion under my feet the dust flying behind me, the other team awestruck. Another sense of pride comes over me as well as a feeling of belonging that this is the place where I belong where I’ll be until the day I die. My feelings are made true when my teammates greet me at home base. With crowd cheering my name I know that today will be a new beginning for me. At the end of the game I went out to the middle of the field looking at the empty stadium filled with once packed seats I have this feeling this is it, the place where I belong. As I walked out of the field and into the empty dreary parking lot I found the ball I had hit just rolling along so I picked it up and decided to bring it home where it could be cherished for a lifetime. This was the first time I hit in a major league game and I will never forget it the smells, the sights, the cheers, the people will be in my memory forever.

Kalish Helps Bring in a Win By Madison Kenney The Boston Red Sox, were unable to improve their roster this year (do to the trade) so they went to the Double A were they had found a 22-year-old Name Ryan Kalish and rookie outfielder. The whole team loves him even the older guys. Kalish is 9 for 24 this year with 4 RBI and has started the last seven games they had. The Sox have won five of the seven games. “He has a lot of talent.” David Ortiz had said. Ortiz was on the front of the dugout and when he saw Kalish he gave him a big man hug. Mike Lowell was on first .Kalish was up to bat. He looks up to all the people in the stand he takes a deep breath. The umpires look at him and say “Batter up!” (Now to Kalish giving himself a pump up speech) Come on don’t strike out you got not let the team down. Come on walking up to the home plate. Come one foot in front of another. Left, right, left, right, keep that going. Ok you’re up to the plate; now look down the third base line and look and coach. He is moving his hands a lot I hope I can remember what they are. It kind of looks likes he doing some weird dances from the 80’s. Wait here come the indicator. The coach just wants me to hit the ball? Well ok I guess. I am taking my step into the batters boxes. I look down at my feet then at the first base man. Then at Mike, Next I look the pitcher he is getting what he should throw from the catcher he getting it from the coach he got it pitch now he looks at the pitcher he shakes is had yes. My turn to hit the ball. I get to my bat swing it once then I am ready to hit this ball a hard as I can so that we can beat the Yankees. The pitcher get the white bag and toss it around then gets on the mound. Get the ball in to his glove then leans forward has his glove to the side ball behind his back looks at Mike on first then at me. He put the ball in his gloves. He ready to pitch it he looks at Mike again then back to home plate. He extends his arm then bam! The ball is out of his gloves. The ball is halfway to the plate and Mike is almost to second. I lean back on my right foot get my bat off my shoulder and then I start to swing the bat then I hear the wood hit the ball. Mike going to third I am heading to first. I look at the first base coach he telling me to hit two and then next thing I know it gone the ball it gone I hit a homeroom right in the Yankees bullpen

Kalish Helps Deliver a Big Win—Write About It by Anna Moorhead

//All right. This is it—I can do this. Wait…who am I kidding? I’m a rookie. I can’t get it out! But I have to. My team’s counting on me! I’ve got to make my parents proud!// He thinks, shifting his weight. He brings the bat up to his shoulder. A twinge of pain makes him nervous—what if his old injury will prevent him from hitting the ball out? Lowering the bat, he rolls his shoulder back and forth. In the dugout, his team exchanges nervous glances. Shaking his head, he brings the bat back up smoothly, without any pain. He sighs with relief. //I’ve got to do this. I CAN do it. No, I WILL do it. I’ve got to do this for my team. And my parents—I have to do this for them.// His parents are his number one fans—and this is their favorite team. The team they’ve been with, rain or shine, win or lose, ever since they knew what baseball even was. Even though they are still proud of him for just being on the team, the rookie knows how much this would mean to them—their son batting the winning hit for their favorite team. And for him, this means everything. Ever since he could catch a ball, his life has been baseball. In the summers, his dad would mow the backyard in the shape of a baseball diamond, for him and brothers to bat with their tiny plastic bats and the plastic ball full of holes, to yell about cheating, and then, all forgotten, run to the patio for grape popsicles, the juice staining their tongues and shirts. A few years later, they were still playing baseball, but instead of their grass diamond, he and his brothers would go to the park. Then, there were the baseball teams. The brothers split up, according to their ages, and then baseball was still played, but separately. He was the team’s star batter at eleven years old, but soon, that would all change. Warming up, someone was swinging a bat too close to him, and CRASH! He doesn’t remember much of what happened next, but his vision was full of flashing lights and familiar faces swimming above him, and a siren in his ear. It turned out that his collarbone was broken—basically crushed. Surgery, recovery, and months and months of therapy followed, but what followed that was baseball. And soon, he was back in “the swing” of things—//no pun intended—// the rookie thinks, and he was also back as the star batter! After that came the high school team. Not ONE game tied or was lost if he was batting, and so then the college scholarships came streaming in. And now, here he was, in the big leagues. Major League Baseball. Gone were the days where he could get his fingers stuck in the holes of his plastic baseball. His parents and his two brothers were somewhere out there. John was probably biting his nails. The rookie’s little brother never could break that habit, even at twenty-three years old. //Okay, let’s go!// The ball is pitched, and the bat swings. CRACK! The ball flies out in the other direction. GO, GO, GO! The crowd screams. //RUN, RUN, RUN!// The rookie screams in his head. And that’s what he does, all around the bases, helmet down, passing first and second, zipping past third, and finally, sliding home. The first cheer he hears is a deep bellow. //Dad.// Then, the rest of the crowd starts screaming. Flashes start to go off. A great moment for baseball, and a great moment for the rookie and his family.

Write about it Angel Spanos Come on Rookie you’re up to bat. As Kalish steps up everyone in the dugout seems to have their eyes on him. //Do this one for your team, do it for yourself, and do it for the fans.// Making his way to the batting mound Kalish hears his fellow teammates offering support. //You’ve got this one Kalish! Hit it home rookie!// Taking his stance Kalish is ready to play. //Wait for the right ball, wait for the right ball.// Strike one! //It’s ok, wait for the right ball.// Strike two! //Alright this is it, make this one happen.// The pitcher throws the perfect ball for Kalish. As the ball meets the bat it instantly goes flying thru the air. Kalish looks up in disbelief. //Is this really happening right now?// Kalish then instantly starts to run toward first base. //Come on make it, make it!// The announcer then starts shouting; it could go all the way! While Kalish begins to runs faster passing first base, and headed toward second. //Keep going, keep going, get to third, your almost there!// Kalish rounds up to third while one lucky fan in the stadium shows of their home run ball just caught. //Alright now just bring it into home.// Kalish is now in the final stretch toward home, and as he reaches the home plate does a summersault on top to show is excitement. Teammates start to rush on the field to congratulate their teammate for the winning hit, and calling him the new heavy hitter of the team. //I can’t believe this is happening to me, I knew I could do it! Plus now I have my own nickname, the heavy hitter, they’ll show me respect at practices now!// Even the coach is now on the field to celebrate with Kalish, saying that he now proved himself to be a great player. //I can’t believe the coach is saying this to me, how to I even show him how much that means to me? Maybe just a thank you will do the job.// Kalish says thank you to the coach for his kind words, but instead of just a your welcome back from the coach Kalish receives a hug. //He must be so proud of me, and now I can do even better than before, and be the best player this league has even seen, and I will take my team to victory. Wait if the coach is this proud of m// then //imagine my family. They are your to be even more proud, and beating the coach is hard to do, especially when he just gave me a hug. Coach giving anyone hugs is unheard of from him.// The team won all thanks to Kalish. Then later that evening the team went out to a special dinner to celebrate Kalish going the team and helping them win the game. “A toast to our new teammate, and his big hit, may you have many more”. They all cheered for Kalish. //I still can’t believe this is happening.//


 * Daniel Luddeke**

__ Write about it: Kalish Helps Deliver a Big Win __ Ryan was a rookie hitter for the Boston Red Sox. It was his first day playing for them and he was very nervous. All the other players thought he was young and could not do much and he would only make things worse for their big game against the L.A. Dodgers. Ryan felt discouraged by his own feelings and his team’s lack of support. The game had begun and the Dodgers were up at bat. “Out 1, Out 2, Out 3!” the umpire yelled almost consecutively. It was now the Red Sox’s turn at bat. The team immediately got 3 good hits and the bases were loaded; Ryan was now up to bat. As he stepped up to the plate his arms trembled and he nearly lost his grip on the bat. He thought he was never going to hit and of them and he was immediately going to get stricken out. The pitcher stepped pack and released the ball. “Ball 1!” yelled the Umpire. The anticipation of Ryan not hitting the ball just made him shake even harder. The pitcher stepped back and threw another pitch. “Strike one!” screamed the Umpire. Ryan was heartbroken by his first ever strike but knew he had to step it up and hit the ball. The pitcher threw another one and now Ryan had his second strike. Now the pressure was on and he knew if he missed this next pitch then his teammates will be disappointed with him. The pitcher stepped back slowly, wound up his arm and threw the ball at 92 MPH. “Bang!” was the noise made when the ball hit the bat. “It’s going going, going, it’s out if here, home run with the bases loaded!” announced the commentator. This was Ryan’s moment of glory and from then on his teammates saw his as a true Red Sox. Ryan continued the Season with the team; they won all but 2 of their games and Ryan’s performance was always improving. The team had won the playoffs and made it to the World Series. Ryan was up to bat and was under tremendous pressure. The bases were loaded, the Florida Marlins were winning by 1 and there were 2 outs. Ryan remembered what happened during his first game and that helped keep his hopes high. The fans were on their feet along with the entire team. Everyone was encouraging him which helped him even more. Ryan stepped up to the plate and got in his batting position. The Pitcher stepped back, got into position and threw the ball. “Ball one!” yelled the umpire. Ryan was ok with the ball but he was now anxious to get a hit. Ryan got ready and when the pitcher threw the pitch he got another grand slam homerun. Ryan ran the bases and when he reached home plate he was greeted by a swarm on excited teammates. Ryan had started out as a rookie but even having it been his first season, he still led the Red Sox to victory.

Jack collins Coach: kalish your up next! Kalish : ok Kalish internal: shut your mouth fatty Narrator: Kalish walks up to get his bat as he sees the pitcher hit the batter wth a ball. Umpire: take your base Kalish internal: wow this pitcher is a meany, wonder if that was on purpose. Narrator: Kalish walks up to the plate and takes his stance, the pitcher winds up. Umpire: strike! Kalish internal: wow I dident even swing at that, dose something smell like hotdogs? Did I leave the stove on? Kalish internal: ok now im gonna swing, I got this. Narrator: the ball hits the bat with a crack and goes into left field. Kalish internal: im runing, im runin, im runing, runing, runing. Hey is that a rock? Narrator: kalish trips over a rock Kaslish internal: oh crap, better stand up,standing up and im runing, and runing, and, runing, runing, runing. Rounding first, ok I better stay here. Ok the pitchers throwing, it’s a ball wow mabey he will walk this guy. Hhm doubt it he will probly hit him again. Haha yea this guy sucks, oh well im also a rookie so I understand, is someone screaming? Narrator: a person is screaming kashlishs name. Kaslish internal: oh wow how desperate to have the big shot hear him. kaslish internal: just smile and wave. Kaslish internal: hey whos yelling at me? Are they saying run? Oh crap im running im running oh crap im gonna have to slide into second base, and slide Umpire: safe! Kaslish internal: yes! I totally deserve a raise, even I am just a rookie. I’m a total big shot. How can big papi be paid more than me I’m way better than him, a million dollars here I come. Hmm I think I’m going to buy a boat, or a new car, maybe even a Lamborghini. Coach: kaslish you idiot why did you wait so long to run! Kaslish: sorry! Kaslish internal: what a jerk. Umpire: batter up! Kaslish internal: ok got to remember to run…..3….2… go! Narrator: the batter hit one into the air which the catcher caught. Kaslish: ok crud now I have to run back! Narrator: kaslish was thrown out. Coach: get your head in the game Narrator: kaslish had fail his coach and team they all hated him and he ended up leaving the country, he was never heard from again.

A Rookie at bat: Zach Von Holle

If I was a rookie going to a new team I would have all types of emotions. I would be very happy but it would also be very scary. When the game would start my stomach would hurt. I would not want to mess up because then I thought I would not get along with the team or wouldn’t fit in. Fears would be running through my mind, what if I strike out, what if I hit into a double play. What if I get hit by the ball and break my hands. If I hit a bad ball I would feel like I would let the team down. I did not do well in the field; what if I never get to play again? I will be a bench warmer, or the water boy. However, there also would be great hopes. What if I hit a home run? If I get my first hit as a Red Sox. I would help out the team. I would be a starter. I would be the face of the Red Sox.

The play offs are coming up soon, and I do not want to be the kid you does not send our team to the playoffs. It is not just a normal game— it is against the New York Yankees. Our biggest rival ever. If I were to lose to them I would feel upset because that would be the biggest disappointment ever especially against our rival. It’s just about two hours before game time. I wanted to show up early so I did not make a bad impression for myself. I got there and started to warm up. David Ortiz walked over and said “You must be the rookie.” I responded with “Yes”. We were talking for a little bit. Then he said “Do not be nervous. My first game I missed a ground ball right through my legs and the crowd started to boo me. “Wow that is rough.” I told him. As there were fifteen minutes to the game I saw the lineup. I was starting second base. My stomach stared hurting because I was really nervous. All the players were coming up to me and saying good job to me because it was the very first MLB game I started. The game had started. We were the home team, so we took the field. The first play of the game: a ground ball right to me and I missed it! I was really mad and so I said “Do not worry, guys, I will make it up to you.” The inning ended. I was batting 7th. We started batting, and I did not expect to bat that inning but sure enough I was in the on deck circle. David was in front of me and he was hit by the pitch. There were runners on second and first. I came up to bat. I was ready to hit their first pitch. Strike one! The next pitch was hit high and deep towards the green monster and the ball went over the green monster. Home run! The crowd was going crazy. I was so happy it took a weight off of my shoulders. When I got back to the dugout the team said I did play them back. We ended up winning 3 to 0. I had the only home run.

Internal dialogue

Ok I’m almost up to bat... Remember what coach said keep your chin up and eye on the ball. I just need to remember that. I should probably go and warm up my arm. It is almost my time to shine. I have to show everyone what I can do. Don’t be nerves just pretend that is just me in this big stadium batting just for fun. I just need to do this for myself and only myself no one else. I don’t need to be nerves because I can do this. Think about all the people that you will surprise. The will be shocked to know there favorite team will have to new best rooky. My family will be so proud of me. But first I have to get a home run and win the game for the team. Ok I think I’m good with the practicing. I’m almost up. Remember don’t be nerves. I’m up. Look at coach if I need help. Look out to the crowd you are don’t this for them. He is winding up for the pitch it looks like it will be a fast ball. Chin up and eye on the ball. Get ready for it hear it comes! And SWING. Strike one I heard the umpire yell. It is ok I will get the next time. Ok he getting ready again chin up and eye on the ball. SWING! Run, run, run! Go to first go to second, third and home. YES I did it! Look at the fans they are going crazy listen. I did it I showed them I can do it. I feel great I love this feeling. I can’t wait to see my family they are probably so proud of me. I wish I could just run right up to them right now. I hope coach puts me in way more often. I really showed him what I can do. His face was so surprised he looked like he was going to explode when he was screaming RUN, RUN, RUN. And all of my team mates looked so surprised I hope they are a little jealous of me. But I thinking the where just happy we were winning the game again. This is one of the best days of my life. I am so proud of myself I. I will do any thing to get this feeling again

Write About It by: Jack Wantz It was the tenth game of the season and I had just been called up from the Minors because the Reds needed an extra hitter to get on base. That hitter was me and the Reds were in need of a win. They had started the season 1-9, an all time low for the Reds. So it was the 3rd Inning when I finally got my chance to bat. All the adrenaline rushed to me and I started jumping to get my blood pumping. As I walked out to the plate, I told myself that it is okay if I do not get a hit. I just told myself that I needed to keep my feet planted and watch the pitch. As I stepped up, my heart started to thump and it seemed like there was no noise what so ever. I planted my feet and was ready for the pitch. It was thrown and I had to jump out of the way to avoid the missile! The radar gun up on the giant scoreboard read 105 mph. I looked at the pitcher and he was smiling to his catcher. He was playing with me! But the next pitch was good, but I whiffed at it. He slowed up the speed to catch me off guard. The count was 1 and 1 now. The next pitch thrown was a curveball that dropped below my knees, so it was called ball two. I was starting to get agitated by not having a good pitch to swing at. The pitcher went through his wind up and threw a rocket straight down the pipe, but I got a piece of it. So it was a 2nd strike because I fouled it away. I knew now that I needed to get a hit. I really wanted to get a Major League hit on my first try. So the pitcher threw the ball, but as it came towards the plate, it seemed like time slowed down. I swung with all my might and I heard a crack and looked up to see the ball sailing towards the left field wall! Immediately I started running to first base. I watched the ball sail all the way to the wall and bounce off the wall and roll at least 30 feet from the left fielder. I knew that meant extra bases so I put on the engine and sprinted to 2nd. I then saw my 3rd base coach telling me to run to 3rd! I ran as hard as I could and slid under the 3rd basemen’s tag. I was safe! I pumped my fist in happiness and I realized I had brought in two runs with that triple! The noise of the crowd was just making me feel better. That day may have been the best day of my life. I will never forget the day when I got my first hit in the Major Leagues. I was given the game ball by my team so I can remember it with an item.

Rookie at bat. By: Dante Marcon Narrator: Juan is at bat and it’s the bottom of the ninth his team is losing 2-0 to the cardinal. Runners at first and second two outs and Juan is next to bat. Janus mind: c’mon Jack, make a big play. I really don’t want to go in there, too much pressure for me. Well I better be ready for it if I have to go on. Narrator: Juan takes a big breath in. Juan’s mind: ah smells like the good old days. Narrator: Janus reminded of memories from his childhood and flashes back to his first opening day. The smell of hot dogs looms in the air as the bat cracks and the crowd goes wild. Juan’s mind: what a day, who would of thought that I would be back here playing against my favorite childhood team. Narrator: Jack steps to the plate. Juan mind: here we go. Narrator: Juan closes his eyes and waits for the play. It’s a change-up that drops low. Jack swings with a big effort but misses. Juan’s mind: Oh that doesn’t look good. Juan: c’mon Jack, get it together. Narrator: Jack flustered resets and is even more determined. Narrator: The miss reminds him of his childhood again, this time about his dad trying to teach him how to hit. Juan’s mind: I remember sitting in the field for hours, throw after throw. Until finally that one throw connected with my bat, Dad was so proud. Narrator: Jack steps up to bat, it’s a fastball that’s way left. They umpire yells ball one. Jack steps back up to the plate, sizing up the pitcher. The next pitch is a curve ball that just hardly misses Jacks bat. The air is tense now, so tense you can almost feel it in the air. Jack doesn’t look the slightest bit worried as he returns a final time to the plate. This time it’s a fastball that makes contact with Jack’s hip. Jack limps as he takes his base. Juan’s mind: oh this is not happening; oh this is not happening. Coach: Juan you’re on. Move son! Are you def? You’re up to bat. Narrator: Juan steps up and takes a deep breath. Juan’s mind: I’ve got this all I need to do is get on base. Narrator: Juan steps to the plate. The pitcher throws a curve ball, Juan swings. Strike belts the umpire. Juan’s mind: alright your ok just set back up. Narrator: Juan sets up it’s a low fast ball the ball connects with the bat but the ball sails backwards. Foul ball the umpire roars. Juan’s mind: I really need to step it up this isn’t looking good. Narrator: Juan feels the pressure weighing down on him but still manages to stay calm and pull himself to the plate. It’s a slow fast ball perfect. The bat makes a solid hit with the ball. It’s a homerun and Juan is leisurely rounding the bases. Juan’s mind: all those years really were worth it I can’t believe it!