The Last Game

      With a runner on 2nd and 3rd base, 2 outs, 3 balls, and 2 strikes, State Championship qualification game, bottom of the 9th inning, and everything depending on the next pitch, you can bet I was feeling the pressure to bring those runners in. We were down by two runs and we seriously needed me to do good. I had to at least bring them in and get on base. That way Cooper could do his thing and bring me home and us win the game.

     I step back from the plate and take a couple more practice swings, and then step back up to the plate. I wring the bat in my hands, set my feet, and stare down the pitcher. With his right hand behind his back and his glove resting on his left knee as he leans forward, i can tell that he is having a hard time deciding which pitch to throw at me.

     Even in the dark with just the lamps of the sprots complex, I could see the glint in his eye as he settled on a pitch. I tightened my grip on the bat and took a deep breath. The pitcher did his windup and I cock my arm back a little to add more power to my swing. Simultainiously, I shift most of my weight onto my back leg. He lets loose a fast ball that heads straight for the center of the strike-zone. I pivot on my back leg and let loose my best swing ever.

     I feel the ball connect with the center of my bat and hear a loud crack. The bat splinters and sends strong vibrations through my hands and up my arms. The ball goes sailing up and out right over center field. I push off home plate and run as fast as I can to first base. Dalton has pushed off 3rd base and made it home by the time I get there. Kendal had already pushed off second base and was starting to get ready to round 3rd and head home when I hit 2nd base.

     My arms pumping and my legs starting to hurt, I chance a look at where the ball is. As far as I can tell, it had hit the fence and bounced before they got it. I hear my coach telling me to keep going and my team screaming and banging on the dugout fence. The crowd is going wild!

     The blood is pumping in my ears, my heart is pounding, and it's getting hard to breath. The ball reaches the pitcher, he throws it home and I slide into the plate.

     I'm breathing heavy, my pants are ripped, and the blood is pounding in my head and ears. My hands are bleeding, my legs tingle, I have sweat running down the back of my neck and down my face, and I'm still waiting for the umpire to call out his verdict.

     "He's.........."

     At that moment, I wake up from my dream to the sound of my alarm clock going off next to my head.