Bottom of the
Ninth.
Pitcher’s team has a
One run lead.
He spits.
Sunflower seeds,
Shells fly,
On the mound
Surveys the bases
All around
Steps down and
Spits again.
Runners on
First and second.
No outs.
Top of the order.
No outs!!
Pitcher takes the
Mound.
Fire in his eyes.
Catcher signals 1,
Moves his glove
Low and inside.
Pitcher nods.
First pitch–
Batter tees off
Catches ball’s
Bottom, pops it
Straight up.
“Infield fly!”
Yells ump,
“Batter’s out!”
Ball dribbles to
Mound.
Pitcher catches
Runner off second,
Tags him
Trying to get to
Third.
Runner from first
Caught in rundown
Between one, three, and
Six.
Triple play
Saves the day.
Good game, good game!
Let’s go to Dairy Queen!
Studly and I coached Little League softball and baseball teams for many years. One of the most difficult aspects of the sport for kids to understand is the infield fly rule.
It took me awhile to understand it, too, but I think I’ve got it now:
If there are fewer than two outs with runners on first and second, or first, second, and third, and a fly ball is hit that can be fielded by a player in the infield, the batter is automatically out and runners advance at their own risk. Basically it’s protection for the runners, but try explaining that to an 8-year-old batter whose ball goes uncaught and is called “out!” Tears often ensue.
In the words of Tom Hanks,
Peace, People!
Praying for Eyebrowz 