90 Game One: Villa Park 10 (2/2)

Everyone had something encouraging to say. I felt excited too, but didn't speak out. I just couldn't force anything out. Noah was hollering for the batter to hit it to him. Some were doing the same. Others yelled for a strikeout. I didn't want to distract him with me suddenly speaking out so I kept it to myself. Just one more out. C'mon Kyle.

I didn't notice before, but Kyle was drenched in sweat. He had worn a long-sleeve shirt under his jersey since it was cold this morning, but it looked to be bothering him now. It was about an hour before noon, so the sun was nice and high, emitting some warmth in this cold February.

Kyle stared down the batter, got set, and pitched. Ball. It was fast but too high. The crowds cheering dwindled, yet I could still hear his parents yelling his name. The next pitch was slower, the batter fouled it down the first baseline.

Julian had dove for it, it was that close. You could hear the dugout let out a sigh of relief. One ball, one strike.

Next pitch. Inside. Ball. 2-1. Then the following pitch. Kyle seem to put a lot of effort in this one, but it looked too easy. The batter thought so too apparently. He smacked it right towards Kyle. Kyle was unprepared and didn't react in time.

Both Noah and I moved to cover. Noah and I were both playing back so we had a good chance to stop it. Noah easily dove and caught the ball in his glove on his left hand. ”Jake! Throw to first!” While he was still on the ground, he tossed the ball in the air with his glove just as I got close.

I caught it with my right, planted my left foot and threw to Julian as the batter entered my line of vision. It was close. Which was faster? My throw or the runner? We all held our breaths and looked at the first base ump.

”Out!” The ump yelled out as he did the arm motion. Everyone jumped up and rushed Kyle on the mound.

I stood still. The guys from the bullpen and dugout all ran out joining the starters on the mound. The crowd was yelling like crazy; I can't believe they were all our fans. There must be normal baseball fans watching and just cheering for such amazing pitching.

”That was a great throw, Bambi.” Mr. Miller came to stand next to me.

I gave a nod. It was a great throw. Especially since it came from me, the weakest arm on the team. But the thing is, I could have blown it. And that's unsettling to know. So many different things could have gone wrong and Kyle would have lost the perfect game.

”You look like you're thinking too much, kid.” He continued, drawing me out of my thoughts. ”Why don't you go celebrate with the team and enjoy the moment?”

I shook my head. I wasn't the type to yell and jump around. Even Zeke was happily patting on his brothers back on a game well done.

I just turned away and headed back to the dugout.