The Game

The Game

The ballgame was just about to begin as we arrived. We waited by the fence as everyone stood looking at the flag with their right hand over their chest, and the school band playing the National Anthem. We were carrying our folding chairs on our shoulders, and searching for a big shade tree to sit under. Finally, we found a spot big enough for all of us, set up our chairs, and got comfortable.

“Who wants hotdogs?” Brian asked.

“I do!” everyone answered in unison.

“I’ll go with you to help carry.” I needed to speak with Brian privately.

“I hope everyone doesn’t make a big deal out of it if Jimmy doesn’t get to play today. The whole family being here puts so much pressure on him.”

“I know, Honey. We’ll just have to hope for the best. You know your dad thinks Jimmy is a one-man team. He can’t accept the fact that Jimmy sits the bench most games.”

The game got underway, and Jimmy’s team took the field without Jimmy. Inning after inning neither team scored. We were in the bottom of the seventh with two outs when Bobby Layton got on first with a grounder to third. My heart was pounding as Coach looked toward Jimmy and motioned him over. Jimmy trotted down to first to pinch run as Bobby went back to the dugout. Jimmy was tall, skinny and fast. Our best hitter came to bat and hit a long ball down the first base line. Jimmy flew around the bases, feet barely touching the ground. We were screaming and shouting and jumping up and down rooting him home! Jimmy reached home plate just before the pitch got there, winning the game.

Never was there a prouder grandpa or a happier grandson!