How to Save A Life (Anthony Rizzo)

74- Stealing the Show

Anthony

It wasn't pretty. After a convincing series win over the two California teams it looked like our worst nemesis was right here in the Midwest. The Indians looked to be unbeatable with their amazing pitchers and clutch hitters. I didn't think they were a better team than us but it was no secret they were playing better than us.

But as they say in baseball, it ain't over until it's over. And the series might be 3-1 in their favor, but moral was still high in the clubhouse. We knew we could do this, we've won three games in a row many times this season, it was just going to be harder than expected.

"Hey guys, I would really like to win this series because I don't want to go off to my wedding with a pissy almost wife" I say as we were in the locker room getting ready for game five at home. It was a win or stay home situation and I wasn't quite ready to stay home.

"The only disappointment she will be carrying to Cabo is the fact that she's marrying you" Kris jokes and everyone laughs.

"Wow, and to think you're one of my groomsmen" I scoff.

"You know I'm kidding" he smiles. "Just trying to give you a hard time because you always seem to play harder that way" he claims.

"Don't worry your pretty little head, I have plenty of motivation" I assure him.

"Like what" he asks.

"Making memories here at Wrigley for all our great friends. For making stories I can tell Daisy when she gets older because she won't remember any of this.

Oh yeah. And win the World Series" I say and he laughs.

"Okay. You got me there" he admits. "So are you ready" he asks and I nod.

"Let's go make things interesting."

We end up winning game five in Chicago and game six in Cleveland forcing a winner takes all game seven in Cleveland. We were pushing it with the timing of the wedding. It was set for the second weekend in November and game seven was on November 2nd. That means there was eight days for me to either process a heartbreaking loss or celebrate a historic win then make the biggest move in my life and marry my best friend. So it's turning out to be a big few days for me, to say the least.

And before we all left on a bus to Cleveland, the organization let us stay home and go trick or treating. A lot of guys on the team has family and kids and has the opportunity to go around Wrigleyville with their kids and trick or treat. It was a nice neighborhood and no one really bothered us so it was nice. So we got to dress up and spend quality time with our families.

We dress Daisy up as a flower because Clara things she's funny and we take her around with Jon and Dexters family. Daisy didn't really trick or treat, for she's only two months old, but she was so stinking cute I ended up getting candy from people anyway.

"Should you really be eating like that two days before the biggest game of your life" Clara asks.

"No. But you only get Halloween before your first ever game seven of the World Series once and I don't want to live life with regret" I claim.

"You would regret not using your daughter to eat Halloween candy" she asks and I laugh.

"Well when you put it that way..." I trail off.

She stops messing with me and just smiles up at me. She cups my chin and presses her lips to mine. Much too soon we break apart but I keep my eyes closed so I can remember this moment.

"If you don't open your eyes the guys are going to pants you" Clara reminds me and they shoot open. I see Dexter a little ways away smiling at me and I just shake my head.

I'm not sure if I'm raising a kid or working with them.

But after a long night we all hop onto the bus and head to Cleveland. I sit next to Clara and hold Daisy in my arms as she sleeps peacefully. She was still quite tiny but she was so beautiful. She had a head full of curly hair and these bright blue eyes. I was beyond blessed to have two beautiful girls in my life. They were right next to me like I always knew they would be.

I lean over and press a kiss to Clara's forehead. I see her smile shine even in the dark as her bright eyes look up to me.

"What was that for" she whispers, trying not to wake up Daisy.

"Because I'm taking you on this crazy journey with me, but you're stealing the show" I claim.

"I'm not better than a World Series" she giggles.

"You are" I insist. "The only thing the World Series can give me is memories and a ring. You give me that and so much more. I can positively say that I want to win the World Series but even if we don't I still win because I get to marry you. Because if we win and in a few years when another curse is broken or that there's a new World Series Champion people wont remember us. We will be in the history books but there's gonna be some guy hitting 50 home runs and a pitcher who throws 5 no-nos in a year and that's what everyone will be talking about. Except for me because I can brag about you and our daughter and maybe another kid. Who knows" I say.

"Let's hold the books on another kid for a while" she begs and I laugh softly.

"I'm okay with that" I nod.

"But to go on record. I think you're going to win" she claims.

"Really" I ask.

"Yeah. I believe in miracles. I believe in fate. I mean look at my life, it's a prime example of both. And it won't be easy, but you guys are the guys who could do what no one has done in 108 years. You guys are stronger than the goat and the cat and bartman. If it's going to happen it's going to be you guys and it's going to be epic" she claims.

"Well then in that case, I can't wait."