protect my heart

36

C h r i s t i a n

Ring day. I have looked forward to this day since the day we won the series. Something about going to the ballpark and getting that velvet box in your hand hit different. Being able to receive my second one was something I never thought in a million years would ever happen to me. Even though I was done with the ballgame, it was a little bittersweet to be going back to the park where all the memories were made.

It would be my first time back since my last game as a Brewer. I knew I was going to be emotional, I had to keep it together. It was a whole new team, and I was ready to just step on that field again and take it all in.

They, as in PR and coaching staff said the wear was casual. It was going to be before the game, so players that were on the winning team that were still playing were going to be in uniform. It was only me and Lo that weren't playing with them anymore that would be not in uniform. It sounded strange to hear, and it felt strange to put on one of my jerseys and not get the rest of my uniform on. It had been a hot minute since I've played, but I still was getting used to all the adjustments that came with being a "retired" player.

I took a final look in the mirror, flattening out my jersey and made sure my outfit looked okay. I was nervous. Didn't know why, but the nerves were running wild.

Nadia walked in, wearing one of my other jerseys and a pair of jeans. "Hi, MVP. You look good." She smiles, kissing my cheek. "Are you excited?"

I smile at her, nodding. "Nervous as hell, honestly. Don't know why, but I'm just super nervous for tonight."

"It's gonna be great! I think it's gonna be really good to see everyone again." She tells me, fixing a button on my jersey. "I can't wait to see everyone and see what the ring looks like."

"Yeah. It's gonna be good to see everyone again. I already know it's gonna be emotional." I say, laughing. "Bring the tissues."

Nadia laughed, kissing my cheek. "I got them already in my purse ready to go."

***

Walking into the stadium definitely brought a whirlwind of emotions. They allowed us to go in through the service level where the clubhouse was, and just being able to walk those halls again was something I never thought I would do again.

Nads waited in the lounge while I walked into the clubhouse. "Who's music is playing? We need to change it."

The guys turned and all got excited. "Aye!! There he is!!" Hunter came up to me, giving me a hug. "How are you doing, man?! Excited for tonight?"

I laughed, hugging him back. "More nervous than excited."

"It's gonna be fun! So happy to have you back here. Definitely been missing you around the clubhouse." Hunter said. "We don't even know how this thing is going down, we kind of just show up for the game and go about business as usual."

I nodded. "Figured that's how Couns was doing it." I say with a laugh. "I'll see you out there." I tell the guys before walking out and walked into the lounge. "You ready?" I asked Nadia.

She looked up from her phone and at me, "I am. Are you?" She got off the couch. "I'm excited!"

"Let's do this, then." I say, holding out my hand. She grabbed my hand and we made our way down the hallway to the field.

***

A wave of emotions hit me when I walked on the field. Coming on the field in just normal streetwear was something I wasn't used to. As much as I missed playing, though? I was glad to be done.

They allowed the current rostered players to get their rings first before they came to me and LoCain. As they were getting to us, a highlight reel of some of my better moments on the team were playing on the big screen. Looking back at the screen, I teared up a little bit seeing all of those memories pop up again. It was surreal to be getting another ring. I was handed my box and I was eager to open it up. The ring was stunning, they always outdid themselves with every ring we got. That's something I didn't think I would ever say.

After the ceremony, Nadia and I walked up to club level to go find our seats. She stopped me at the entrance and leaned up, giving me a kiss.

"I'm very proud of you, you know that?" She smiles at me.

I nod. "And I appreciate you being there for me. I don't think I tell you enough."

She just shook her head. "Just knowing I got you by my side tells me enough." She kissed me again before walking in the suite.

"Well, well, mister MVP himself!" A voice said, causing me to turn my head and see it was Ryan. What the hell was he doing here?

"You're joking!" I said, going to give Ryan a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I got a nice invite to come see the mvp get another ring!" Ryan laughed as he pulled away from the hug. "It's great to see you, Yeli. Looking good for a year out." He laughed again and I just rolled my eyes.

"I can say the same for you. Nice to always see familiar faces. You been doing good?"

Ryan nodded and we chatted for a little bit. When I say it was great to see familiar faces, it was great to see one of my best friends. No baseball really takes a toll on ya, but having people that know what that's like and just being able to connect with them again makes everything worth it.