Today was a beautiful day for some baseball, 75 and sunny with not a cloud in the sky. With that being said I could not believe that I was making my debut tonight as a catcher for the Atlanta Braves. I have dreamed about this for as long as I can remember. Now I get the opportunity to play for a professional baseball team and the reigning World Series Champions.
Even though the game wasn't until 7:10 tonight I had to be at the stadium at 12:00 so I could meet with the team and managers. Since I was meeting everyone for the first time I decided that I should probably dress more professional. I then walked over to my closet to look for an outfit. After looking through the many racks of clothes I finally decided that I was going to wear my navy blue blazer, white button down shirt, and a blue and red plaid skirt. I ended up wearing my loafers with the outfit as well.
After I got ready it was time for me to head out. I grabbed my purse, keys, and my duffel bag before heading out the door. The drive to the park wasn't too long considering the fact that there are tons of apartment complexes in the surrounding area, which is currently where I am living at the moment. Once I pulled up to ballpark I could feel my body start getting the excitement nerves meaning that I am both excited and also very nervous/anxious. I began running all these scenarios through my head about the "what ifs." As I was walking and caught up in my own thoughts I didn't see where I was going and I ran into someone and began to stumble.
Next thing I know I was being caught by this good looking guy. Once he helped me get stable and back onto my feet securely I said "oh my I am so sorry. I was not paying attention." He shook his head and smiled before saying "no need to apologize, I was looking at my phone and trying to walk at the same time. I ran right into you, so it's more my fault. Anyways I'm Matt, what's yours?" I blushed a little and hoped he didn't notice before saying "thank you. My name is Sammie." We then shook hands before Matt said "so Sammie what brings you to Truist Park?" I smiled and said "I am actually here to meet the Atlanta Braves baseball team and managers. I got called up through the farm teams and am making my debut tonight." He looked at me shocked before saying "oh no way for real? I have been hearing so much about you, don't worry it's all good things. What's your position?" As Matt and I began walking to the Clubhouse I answered his question "I am a catcher." He nodded and said "okay cool. I'm the first basemen." He continued talking to me until we reached the clubhouse doors.
Matt walked into the clubhouse first leaving me outside. Thank goodness I didn't have to wait too long because out walked the Braves manager Brian Snitker. He reached his right hand out and said "good morning. My name is Brian Snitker and I am the Braves manager. You must be Sammie?" I nodded and said "yes sir I am. It is very nice to meet you." He smiled and said "you too. I have looked over your film and saw your stats in the minor leagues. You are going to be a good addition to our team." I smiled and said "thank you. That means so much hearing you say that." He nodded before saying "I'm going to take you around the clubhouse and let you meet everyone" , he then opened the door for me and then we walked in.
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(A/N: Those Clubhouse pictures are STUNNING ✨)
Time Jump to the Game!
The clock in the dugout read 7:10 which means it is officially game time. You could hear the crowd cheering all around us, which was so surreal to witness. Snitker told us all to start lining up so the announcer could do the roster call and then we all run onto the field. Once we all stood in line the guys gave me a pat on the back and said "welcome to the show Sammie." I smiled back to them but on the inside I was slowly beginning to freak out. The announcer then began the lineup with the song "Bring 'Em Out" playing on the loud speakers. We all ran out onto the field together before the camera went around and showed us one by one on the big screen. When the camera was put on me I smiled and waved to everyone.
Time jump to the second inning
It was now our time to play defense again and stop the Brewers from getting a run. Spencer Strider was on the mound tonight for us. We walked out together and he gave me a fist bump before we went our separate ways. The first up to bat for the Brewers was Christian Yelich; he took a few practice swings before he was ready to go. The first pitch I signaled to Spencer was a fastball. Yelich swung and the ball flew past him, I caught it then tossed it back to Spencer. I then signaled a change up to throw him off some more, which it did. Yelich ended up getting struck out which was actually nice to see. Next up was William Contreras who actually played for the Braves in the past. Spencer threw the ball and Contreras hit it to mid field causing him to get on base. Willy Adames was next on the lineup; Spencer threw a ball to him and he hit it far into the backfield. We now have 2 on base with no outs. Jesse Winker was now up to bat. Spencer threw a fastball to him and this time the ball connected perfectly with the bat sending the ball flying into the stands. The Brewers were now up 3-0 on us.
After a few more pitches Spencer called a timeout and all of us in the infield came up to him. Matt Olson came and stood next to me and said "hey Sammie you alright?" I stood there frozen for a moment not answering him, he then leaned more into me and squeezed my shoulder and said "don't worry about these runs. We will get them back when we are up to bat. You are doing great out here." I smiled and said "thank you." Spencer said "I agree with Olson, you are doing great out there." I nodded and said "thank you." We then proceeded to talk strategy before getting back to the game. I was so thankful for each of the players that I had spoken with and that they were all so complimentary of me. I can't wait to see where this season will take me! GO BRAVES!! ⚾️
A/N: Matt Olson definitely needs some more love on here PLEASEEEE???? That man has been an amazing addition to the Braves this year. Thank you for requesting and I hope that you enjoy it! 💜
