"Michael is that you?" Ken wasn't sure, but this was the name that came to the forefront of his mind. The kid who had asked him for an autograph many years ago.
The teen's eyes lit up as if he had just heard the best thing in the world. "You remembered me!" he said, tears misting his eyes.
Ken reached over the barricade and ruffled his hair, feeling a sense of warmth after seeing the kid once again. "Of course I would remember my number 1 fan." He said. "Are you still playing baseball?"
He nodded, much like a child.
"Good. I'm glad you never gave up." Ken added, taking his hand back. "Wait, aren't you from LA? What are you doing here?"
"He's here to see you obviously." Latrell said with a laugh.
"You're right, that was a silly question. You've picked some good seats, I'm playing in the right outfield today until the later innings." Ken said with a grin. "Let's all catch up after the game, my treat."
Hearing this, Michael got excited and nodded like a pecking chicken. He was too nervous to speak, so this was all he could do.
"Alright, see you guys a bit later, I need to go finish my warm up." Ken added, waving goodbye before jogging back to his teammates.
Michael and Latrell watched in silence as he left.
"See, I told you he would remember us." Latrell said, nudging Michael.
"Mmm… I was worried that he might have been different from what I remembered. But he's even kinder than back then." Michael said in a small voice.
"Was that Latrell?" Steve asked Ken, squinting his eyes.
"Yeah, he plays for Florida State now apparently. We'll catch up with him after the game, for now stay focused." Ken replied.
"Yes sir!"
After warm ups were done, both of the teams gathered on the field and the announcer called for everyone to stand for the National Anthem. It played over the speakers and without Tristan's terrible singing, it wasn't so bad.
And then came time for the Captain's to meet with the umpire.
Ken made his way forward and stood across from Leo, feeling his body heat up with excitement under the summer sun. The umpire went through a few things, the usual warnings and directions.
"Good luck." Ken said, holding out his hand towards Leo.
Leo's usually expressionless face produced a smile and he grabbed the outstretched hand. "May the best team win."
Just like that, the gauntlet was thrown and it was time to begin the match. Columbia would be batting first in this game, so all the players returned to their dugouts.
The announcer began to list off the home team as they took to the field, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
"Number 7, Catcher and Captain of the Florida Crocs…. LEO CAMERON!"
The crowd erupted with a loud cheer, hyping up the atmosphere as Leo walked onto the field. As usual, he was calm, almost cold and did not acknowledge the crowd.
Meanwhile, Ken watched on from the dugout, almost shaking with anticipation. The match he'd been waiting for was finally here and he couldn't wait to step onto the field.
"Are you nervous?" Brian asked, getting ready to bat.
"Hmm? No." Ken replied, raising his eyebrow.
"You're shaking… I've never seen you do that before." He said, pointing to Ken's arm.
"Oh, he's just excited. I bet he can't wait to head onto the field." Steve answered with a laugh, patting Ken on the shoulder.
Ken scoffed, "Don't worry about me, you'll need all your focus to get onto base." He replied to Brian, turning his attention back onto the field.
"Heh, I'll get there eventually." He said, "Wish me luck."
"Godspeed my friend." Steve answered.
"Batting first for the Bobcats, Ayden Carney." The announcer's muffled voice rang out over the PA system with little enthusiasm. It was clear that they were currently playing an away game.
Ayden secured his helmet and walked into the batters box, sending a glance to his old teammate behind the plate. "Thought you'd already be in the league by now." He said with a grin.
Leo shrugged, "Better late than never." He said calmly.
"You're right. I'll do you a favor and knock you out of the post season so you can start preparing for the draft." Ayden replied, turning his attention to the pitcher while getting into position.
Leo did not answer, giving the first lead.
The pitcher nodded and began his wind up, sending a blitzing fastball to the outside.
WHOOOOSH
DING
"Foul."
Ayden clicked his tongue in annoyance. He had thought that he got enough on the ball to at least get a single, but it was wider than he expected.
Unfazed, Leo called for the next ball and crouched down, placing his glove out.
This time, the ball was a two seam to the inside, almost grazing Ayden's arm since his body was hovering over the plate. Thankfully he had moved back in time to avoid being hit, but it left him feeling a little rattled.
'I forgot how calculated this guy is…' Ayden thought, glancing at Leo briefly.
The count was now at 0-2 and he was not in a good position as the lead off batter. He gripped his bat tightly and faced the pitcher once more, this time with a sense of urgency.
Leo's eyes shined behind the plate and he called for the next pitch.
The pitcher strode forward, sending his arm whipping out. When the ball left his fingertips, Ayden had already decided to chase the ball.
It was a slider thrown a little inside. Ayden's eyes flashed and a small grin formed on his face. Even after the ball broke it would still be in the strike zone, so he had to swing no matter what.
Planting his foot, Ayden swung hard.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
He held his follow through and a confused expression crept onto his face.
'I missed that?'
"Strikeout!"
Even as he collected himself and walked back to the dugout, Ayden had no idea how he could have missed such a pitch.