Re: Dane West's Journey to the Hall of Fame
Chapter 4: My First Game
I got to the stadium with only five minutes to spare. Had to quick change into my uniform and out on the field I went for warm-ups. I had no idea what was going on. So, I decided to tag along with this guy who was also a pitcher. He seemed to know what he was doing.
"Hey kid, what's your name?" he said after a few minutes of me following him.
"Dane West, I was just drafted by the Cubs last week. 16th overall pick," I said rather proudly.
"Ahh so you're the new guy. Word is that the manage is going to throw you out there in a real pressure cooker if he has the chance. Be ready."
"Thanks!" I said and then looked down.
"Don't mention it. Seriously. And if you get to pitch today, don't screw it up. I'm starting and I really could use a win."
"I would dream of it."
Well, maybe I do dream about messing it up. But, he doesn't have to know that.
As the guy started to walk away, I yelled after him. "Hey man, what's your name?"
"Chris, Chris Waters," he yelled back, "and remember, don't screw it up for me!"
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(One hours later)
Riiinnnnggg, riiiiinnngg.
"Mhmm, yep, okay coach."
"West! Start warming up! Coach wants you ready at a moments notice."
I could hear the rest of the guys in the bullpen mumbling, wondering why the new guy was going to pitch in a run one game. Soon enough, after I threw only about ten warm-up pitches a two out, triple was hit off our pitcher at the time, Travis Bourjos.
Riiinnnnggg, riiinnnng
This must be it I thought, I'm going to pitch. And, in a big jam too. Get the batter out, and we can all go home happy we won the game.
"Now, Dane. Don't worry about the guy on third. Pretend he doesn't even exist. Just worry about the batter. He cannot reach base!"
"Yes coach, I'll do my best."
As both he and my catcher leave, my catcher says...
"Now Dane, just trust me. I understand this is your first appearance ever. Relax and throw the pitch, I call, where I want it," the catcher, Jess McCutcheon said.
Easier said than done...
"Okay!"
As he settled into his crouch my nerves really started to come on.
"Play ball!" screamed the ump.
Oh my god, this is really it, I thought. What's he going to call?
Okay, slurve, breaking right over the middle of the plate.
"STRIKE ONE!"
What's he going to call this time? Slurve again, this time low and outside.
"STRIKE TWO!"
One more pitch, just one more and I can go home happy. What is it going to be? Fastball! Down by the batter's knees and inside.
"FOUL BALL!"
Okay, Dane, relax. You can do this. What is Jess going to call now? Fastball again. This time high and tight.
"YOU'RE OUT!"
Oh, my god! I did it. My first ever save and strike out!
"Congratulations, Dane. I knew you could do it," Jess said, as we embraced.
"Job well done, Dane. Maybe you aren't a waste of a draft pick after all," my coach said.
"Hey new guy! Want to come out to eat with us?" someone yelled.
"Nahh guys, I can't sorry. I still have to unpack and stuff."
"Okay, see you back at the hotel then," that same person yelled back.
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