The first three pitches: just outside. Pitch four:
right at the knees - "Steerike!", the umpire calls.
I wait to get the pitch I'm hoping for…
The next toss: high and tight... a base on balls.
I take my lead. I check the signs and frown -
he throws, I dive, dirt in my eyes - the worst!
The batter squares to bunt and lays one down -
a gem! I slide, they throw him out at first.
I get a bigger lead at second base -
my 3rd base coach gives signs without a word.
My fingers twitch, the pitcher deals, I race
like Rickey sliding head first, I steal third.
Long fly - I tag and slide under the mitt…
we score the winning run without a hit!
// Hats off to Rickey Henderson, all-time stolen base leader. With home
runs dominating the sport today, I thought I'd go 'old school' and pay a
tribute to 'small ball' from days of yore. They call it 'manufacturing a run'
when a team can score without the benefit of a hit. Many thanks to
Gershon Wolf for challenging me to write my first baseball sonnet! //
written 18 Oct 2020
Baseball and women
To me much the same
I cherish them both
For the love of the game
But when I’m up to bat
I don’t always swing
For the pitches I get
Are not always my thing
And I’m not opposed
To a free base on balls
I’d have to be stupid
To argue those calls
I don’t swing for the fences
I’m no long-ball hitter
But when it comes to these games
I’m not any quitter
No, I’m quite content
To just reach first base
I think slow and steady
Is my natural pace
Yes, women and baseball
Are so much the same
I’d be honored if voted
In their Hall of Fame
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