In my youth, my family spent time at the flea market. My mom would sell things we no longer needed and I would search for more items that eventually would no longer be needed. It was a vicious cycle. During my forays into the capitalistic system, I discovered baseball cards. They're rectangle pieces of cardboard with glossy pictures of players on the front and the previous years stats on the back. I would search all of the tables and stores for my favorite players, my baseball heroes. I always dreamed of being on a card, having my stats on the back, and maybe being some child's baseball hero. Unfortunately, I possessed a below average skill set, except for my base running. I would like to share one memorable, heroic moment from my Little League days. I'll let two legendary announcers tell it to you.
Vin Scully: The home team is down 3-2. Runner on third. Two outs. Bottom of the ninth. The number 9 hitter, Philip Qualls is up to bat. The count is 3 balls, 0 strikes.
Mel Allen: It would not be wise to walk him. He's antsy on the base path and has caused chaos before. If he gets on, expect him to take second.
Vin: The windup and the pitch. Ball four. He's hustling down to first base.
Mel: The catcher is up and tosses the ball to the pitcher. The pitcher drops the ball and it rolls down the mound.
Vin: Qualls is off! He's running like a scolded dog. This may not be the wisest move. It's a short throw to second for the pitcher.
Mel: And he's safe! The runner on third is sprinting towards home. Safe! The score is now 3-3.
Vin: Look, Mel! Philip is headed to third. The catcher with the throw to third base.
Mel: He overthrew the third baseman! The ball has sailed into left field.
Vin: Philip is up. And now he's running, kicking up chalk and dirt as he churns his legs towards the winning run.
Vin: The leftfielder scoops up the ball and fires it toward home plate.
Mel: Play at the plate. Qualls slides. And he's safe! By inches, but he's safe!
Vin: And the home team has won the game on some very brash and heads up base running.
Mel: A heck of a play! Goodnight, everyone.
"I don't really collect cards anymore, just a box and some cardboard. Memories embedded in the dust, in the fighters that age just like us, living somewhere off in a drawer." - Macklemore
