Preston at the Bat
Uneagerly I grabbed a bat and slowly strolled towards home plate stopping just short of the batter’s box. I spat out my gum and dug out a foot hole. Positioning myself, after a few test swings, in the batter box, I awaited the ball’s delivery. Growing stiff, as the pitcher went into motion and threw the ball, I swiftly flung the bat around. Abruptly, after the swing, a sharp crack sung from the bat. It didn’t sound the same as when someone else hit the ball. The sound was a cord more sweet, it was the sensation of success.
Baseball to me, was a average, senseless, slow, and boring sport. I based my despisal of baseball on the fact it was on TV the same time as cartoons. Because my father is a big sports fan, baseball would always come before cartoons. Anxiously awaiting for baseball to sign off and Loony Toons to sing in, but in the end they both would end at the same time.
I never even considered that I’d ever play baseball, and the thought of ever admiring it was ludicrous. Never realizing the fun and excitement in playing, I shut it out of my life. By some stroke of luck, I opened myself up and have played every year since then. I’m glad I didn’t exclude baseball from my life. It has brought out my character and talents along with many new and strange experiences.
Preston Shepherd
October 10, 1988