WHOOOOOSH
PAH
"Strike."
The sound of the ball striking the leather glove was deafening. It sent an echo through UPMC park, causing the crowd to come to a hush. As the speed of the pitch flashed onto the big screen, a collective gasp rang out.
"101mph!? This kid is crazy!"
"What's he doing in the minor league?"
"He won't be here for long if he always pitches like that."
Excitement was evident in the crowd as Ken threw his electrifying pitch. Even his teammates on the field were watching on with awe.
Ken received the ball from Rick and returned to his spot on the mound. The atmosphere had shifted slightly, but he paid it no mind. All he needed to do was focus on closing the game out and not giving up any runs.
'My batting performance has been good, I just need to do well here…' He thought.
He nodded towards the Rick and set up for the next pitch.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
The ball was struck awkwardly, sending it into the ground and kicking up dirt on its way to the mound. Ken easily scooped it up and sent an accurate throw towards first base, beating the batter by a mile.
"Out."
A subsequent cheer came out from the stands at the play. By now, it seemed that anything Ken did would get approval from the crowd.
"Nice work rookie!"
Ken gave Tony at first base a nod and returned to his position, waiting for the next batter. Once his name was announced, Ken took his glove off and placed it on his right hand.
He was wearing an ambidextrous glove so that he could change pitching arms during the middle of a game. The reason he changed was because the next batter was left handed.
It took some time, but some people in the crowd suddenly realized what was happening.
"Is he pitching left!? Surely not…"
"Have you not heard of Ken before? He's a switch pitcher."
He was not the only one who was surprised. The batter stared blankly at the mound for a few moments, almost not believing his eyes. While he was a professional, not every player had time to watch college baseball.
Granted even if he did, Columbia did not play many nationally televised games.
"You're kidding right?" He muttered.
"Get into position." The umpire reminded the batter.
The batter grumbled a little before doing what he was told. He stepped into the batters box and got ready to face the first pitch.
Ken on the other hand waited for the lead and nodded once he'd received it. He wound up, essentially mirroring his pitching action almost completely.
Over the past year he had been working hard to get his left to the same level as his right, but there was still a gap in power.
WHOOOOSH
CLICK
"Damn it!"
The batter cursed and threw his bat aside, running towards first base with all of his might. Unfortunately for him, the ball went straight to Nigel at short stop who collected the ball and sent a swift throw to Tony on first base.
"Out."
The guy let out a huff and turned his attention to the big screen, only for his eyes to widen. "95mph with his off-hand!?" He turned to Ken, as if he was looking at a freak of nature.
"This guy is crazy!"
"Don't get too excited, he won't be here for long if he's this good." One of the fans said, sounding a little disappointed.
"Yeah, you're right… He'll probably get called up to the Majors soon."
"But at least we get to see him before that happens. I wonder if they're selling his jersey in the store yet?"
"Probably not, the guy just got here right?"
While the crowd were chatting away about their newest member, in one of the suites, a man dressed in a blue suit and striped tie was watching the game intently. His eyes were focused on the mound, tapping his fingers upon the armrest of his chair rhythmically.
He was in his late 50's with a receding hairline and a square jaw. Despite this, he still looked handsome and lacked many of the wrinkles one would expect from a person his age.
"Mr. Ilitch, can I offer you any refreshments?" A man also donning a suit asked. He looked to be considerably older than the man in the blue suit.
Charlie Ilitch did not respond right away, as if he was still deep in thought. "I am fine for now, thanks. And please, call me Charlie. There is no need for such formalities."
The older man let out a small laugh, "Forgive me Charlie, I was rather shocked when you asked to come down and watch the game. If I had have known earlier, I would have made things more pleasant."
Charlie shook his head, "It was a spur of the moment decision. I am happy that you were able to put Ken in the game." He replied. "What do you think of him?"
The older man nodded, "He is young, but he plays with a poise and professionalism that usually comes with many years experience."
"Mmm. I am not surprised, he comes from good stock." Charlie added.
"Sorry?"
At this, Charlie smiled, "Ken's father is the coach for the Texas Shorthorns, and his Grandfather coaches my team. It's obvious that baseball runs in his genetics."
"Huh? His grandfather is Mark Williams?" At this, the old man nearly shouted in shock.
"I was also shocked at first. We drafted him without this knowledge." Charlie said with a laugh. "I am glad I came here today. Seeing the kid on the field has given me some peace of mind."
"R—Right…" the old man responded, his earlier enthusiasm waning.
"You are a smart man, Frank. Try to make the most of his time here, however long that will be." Charlie said, getting to his feet. "I'd imagine your fans will be lining up to get his jersey after this game.