TJ Carson sat in the teacher's lounge on his second cup of coffee as he perused the Saint Joseph Flier, opening it up to the section dedicated to sports. He scanned down until he found the blurb he was looking for and sighed heavily, thankful the game was at least pre-season.
"Jeremy Leviathan went 4 for 5 with a home run and two doubles as the Templeton Titans trounced the St. Joseph's Flyers in a final score of 8-2." He read outloud softly. "The Titans scored in each of the first five innings to jump out a big lead and a combination of strong pitching and fielding held the team from St. Joes at bay. Valiant efforts were given by the Flyers Alex Brown who's home run drew in Angelique Marceau - leading to the team's only score on the board. But April Hymnoxlynpoxy and Michael Corde each added two hits, Arthur Hadrian's three hits at bat, and Ty Cloud's sacrifice bunt attempt were for naught as the team was no match for the tremendous Titans. Aleyne Kensington made a spectacular catch in center field, firing the ball to Malcolm Eades who tagged out Templeton's Nathan Vast at home plate, but the Titans were not to be stopped. "Diyar" Atashband Delevar started the pre-season scrimmage, relieved in the sixth inning by veteran Eddie Trenton, Jr. Hopefully Coach Carson will be able to bring the team together by next week's opener against the Paladins."
Mr. Carson folded the paper in half and rinsed his Rhody mug off in the sink, tucking his ball cap into his back pocket as he left the lounge. He ran into his third base coach in the hall and smiled warmly, brushing a rogue hair off his forehead. "Well, Betty." He said, holding the door open for her as they headed to the field for practice. "We have our work cut out for us."
Baseball Season
Moderator: Student Council
-
Blitzen
- Talent Scout
- Posts: 2806
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:15 am
- Location: Nowhere near whatever was broken
- Contact:
Baseball Season
TGIF -Tanks Go In First
"Miss Douglas, we know about the nuts."
"Sam's the most amazing gamer EVER, and I love her footwear." - Laurel Fitte
"Miss Douglas, we know about the nuts."
"Sam's the most amazing gamer EVER, and I love her footwear." - Laurel Fitte
-
Sunfire Dervish
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2007 12:46 pm
Re: Baseball Season
Fast ball...knuckle ball...grounder...fast...grounder...curve...curve...knuckle...
The ball rolled furiously in his hand, twisting and turning furiously so that it was angled the way he had learned to throw it for any number of pitches. He bit his lip in frustration, his grip on the ball slipping a little, until it spun out of his hand and landed on the floor.
"Dammit..."
Diyar bent down, grabbing for the ball again. He tossed it into the air with a twist of his wrist, catching it and then spinning it in his hand again, going over the pitches again.
The game had been dismall. No matter what he threw, the Titans had managed to connect. Five innings; six runs. He sighed, rubbing his sore shoulder with his free hand. He had given everything he had into trying to get past them, but it just didn't seem to have been his day.
Nonsense...if it hadn't been my day, you wouldn't have managed to strike just about everyone out at least once. He smiled, looking over at the uniform hanging over the chair at his desk, a bright blue "11" on the back. They just got lucky...that's all. Diyar looked up at his calendar. The Paladins were next. It wouldn't be an easy game, but after a week of hard practice and preparation, he was sure his team was ready now. He and Eddie had been working on their pitching like madmen, and Coach Carson had even commented on the progess both boys had made in just a week. Besides...easy games are no fun...
Diyar smiled a bit, then began spinning the ball in his hand again, closing his eyes, picturing the release in his mind until he went to practice and could actually throw the balls at Malcolm.
Knuckle...grounder...curve...knuckle...fast...grounder...fast...curve...
The ball rolled furiously in his hand, twisting and turning furiously so that it was angled the way he had learned to throw it for any number of pitches. He bit his lip in frustration, his grip on the ball slipping a little, until it spun out of his hand and landed on the floor.
"Dammit..."
Diyar bent down, grabbing for the ball again. He tossed it into the air with a twist of his wrist, catching it and then spinning it in his hand again, going over the pitches again.
The game had been dismall. No matter what he threw, the Titans had managed to connect. Five innings; six runs. He sighed, rubbing his sore shoulder with his free hand. He had given everything he had into trying to get past them, but it just didn't seem to have been his day.
Nonsense...if it hadn't been my day, you wouldn't have managed to strike just about everyone out at least once. He smiled, looking over at the uniform hanging over the chair at his desk, a bright blue "11" on the back. They just got lucky...that's all. Diyar looked up at his calendar. The Paladins were next. It wouldn't be an easy game, but after a week of hard practice and preparation, he was sure his team was ready now. He and Eddie had been working on their pitching like madmen, and Coach Carson had even commented on the progess both boys had made in just a week. Besides...easy games are no fun...
Diyar smiled a bit, then began spinning the ball in his hand again, closing his eyes, picturing the release in his mind until he went to practice and could actually throw the balls at Malcolm.
Knuckle...grounder...curve...knuckle...fast...grounder...fast...curve...
-
Power Heat
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:30 am
Re: Baseball Season
Alex Brown walked up to the small, run down sports center enthusiastically. He was decked out in Under Armor and armed with a few bottles of gatorade.
Once he entered, he immediately walked to the batting cages. He flipped in a few tokens, threw his helmet on the ground, picked up a nearby bat, and got ready.
He easily hit the first ball launched at him. He swung his arms quickly and with little defiance from the bat. The ball went flying foward, sailing past the ball launcher.
The second ball came much faster than Alex anticipated, but he still managed to hit it.
By the time the third ball came, Alex realized that the machine was broken. The next ball was coming at half the time it took for the last ball.
Alex held off the onslaught of balls for a while, but when it took less than a second for the balls to start coming, Alex was pelted all over his body with painful marks.
After 5 minutes, Alex was done. He walked out of the sports center, ashamed, and decided that he'd be lazy for the rest of the day.
Once he entered, he immediately walked to the batting cages. He flipped in a few tokens, threw his helmet on the ground, picked up a nearby bat, and got ready.
He easily hit the first ball launched at him. He swung his arms quickly and with little defiance from the bat. The ball went flying foward, sailing past the ball launcher.
The second ball came much faster than Alex anticipated, but he still managed to hit it.
By the time the third ball came, Alex realized that the machine was broken. The next ball was coming at half the time it took for the last ball.
Alex held off the onslaught of balls for a while, but when it took less than a second for the balls to start coming, Alex was pelted all over his body with painful marks.
After 5 minutes, Alex was done. He walked out of the sports center, ashamed, and decided that he'd be lazy for the rest of the day.
-
Blitzen
- Talent Scout
- Posts: 2806
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:15 am
- Location: Nowhere near whatever was broken
- Contact:
Re: Baseball Season
The team clamored into the dugout of the field, Sister Mary-Thomas in her Flyers garb close on their heels to find a prime spot in the stands. Coach Carson and Coach Betty tipped their hats in appreciation to the crowd before going over a few changes in the roster, which they hoped would help the team find some of their momentum.
Alex Dutchman was slated to be the starting pitcher. Though she didn't have much experience with fast pitch, she had a remarkable arm, both coaches agreed. The plan was to give Dutchman 3 innings, switch in Arthur Hadrian for 3, and finish the game up with Diyar, who was a little more seasoned on the mound. The team had been impressive at practice that week, but it was still a rough go, the machine, he rationalized, was still not well oiled. It was to be expected though. They had a new coach this year, and the roster had changed drastically from the previous season. Still, all the kids had talent, he could see that right off the bat. Give them a few games, a bit more experience with each other, they'd move mountains.
Just not that particular day.
SJS journalist B.P. Denton would have the following to say in the Flier the next day:
BULLDOGS TAKE A BITE OUT OF FLYERS
Alex Brown provided a spark at the top of the lineup, belting a double. Michael Corde was hit by a pitch to be put on base, and Alyene Kensington's line drive up the center earned her her first RBI of the season. Second baseman Bobby Park made a spectacular catch against Vista Heights, leading to a double play. Unfortunately, the first inning did not set the tone for the rest of the game.
Alex Dutchman helped the Flyers maintain their their 1-0 lead until the third inning, when the Bulldog's third baseman, Baily Borzoi hit a high fly ball which bounced out of the glove of Flyers newcomer Jeffrey Chandler, driving in two runs. Chandler recovered the ball, throwing Borzoi out at third, but the game's momentum had shifted.
Three up and three down for the Flyers from two pop ups and strike out lead way for Arthur Hadrian to take the mound. Walking his first two at-bats, Hadrian redeemed himself with two strike outs, but a wild pitch allowed the Bulldog's center fielder Max Beauceron to steal home while catcher Malcom Eades fumbled for the ball, bringing the score 1-4 in the Bulldog's favor.
A late rally by the Flyers in the ninth inning fell short as St. Joes lost their first game of the season. Ty Cloud led off the ninth with his first in of the season, but with no one on base, it brought the score 2-4. Jeffrey Chandler followed up barely edging the ball out from a hard grounder for a single. Walks to both Diyar Delevar and Angelique Marceau led to loaded bases and no outs, causing Vista Heights to call a late switch in pitching. Maggie Westminister would finish out the game for the Bulldogs. As the fans held their breaths, Bobby Park was struck out on a 3-2 count, followed by a hopeful pop fly by Eddie Trenton caught in foul territory. Finally, newcomer Mirage Reign belted a line drive straight into the glove of short stop Jack Schipperke, as the Flyers fell to Vista Heights.
Final Score: St. Joseph's Flyers: 2, Vista Heights Bulldogs, 4
Alex Dutchman was slated to be the starting pitcher. Though she didn't have much experience with fast pitch, she had a remarkable arm, both coaches agreed. The plan was to give Dutchman 3 innings, switch in Arthur Hadrian for 3, and finish the game up with Diyar, who was a little more seasoned on the mound. The team had been impressive at practice that week, but it was still a rough go, the machine, he rationalized, was still not well oiled. It was to be expected though. They had a new coach this year, and the roster had changed drastically from the previous season. Still, all the kids had talent, he could see that right off the bat. Give them a few games, a bit more experience with each other, they'd move mountains.
Just not that particular day.
SJS journalist B.P. Denton would have the following to say in the Flier the next day:
BULLDOGS TAKE A BITE OUT OF FLYERS
Alex Brown provided a spark at the top of the lineup, belting a double. Michael Corde was hit by a pitch to be put on base, and Alyene Kensington's line drive up the center earned her her first RBI of the season. Second baseman Bobby Park made a spectacular catch against Vista Heights, leading to a double play. Unfortunately, the first inning did not set the tone for the rest of the game.
Alex Dutchman helped the Flyers maintain their their 1-0 lead until the third inning, when the Bulldog's third baseman, Baily Borzoi hit a high fly ball which bounced out of the glove of Flyers newcomer Jeffrey Chandler, driving in two runs. Chandler recovered the ball, throwing Borzoi out at third, but the game's momentum had shifted.
Three up and three down for the Flyers from two pop ups and strike out lead way for Arthur Hadrian to take the mound. Walking his first two at-bats, Hadrian redeemed himself with two strike outs, but a wild pitch allowed the Bulldog's center fielder Max Beauceron to steal home while catcher Malcom Eades fumbled for the ball, bringing the score 1-4 in the Bulldog's favor.
A late rally by the Flyers in the ninth inning fell short as St. Joes lost their first game of the season. Ty Cloud led off the ninth with his first in of the season, but with no one on base, it brought the score 2-4. Jeffrey Chandler followed up barely edging the ball out from a hard grounder for a single. Walks to both Diyar Delevar and Angelique Marceau led to loaded bases and no outs, causing Vista Heights to call a late switch in pitching. Maggie Westminister would finish out the game for the Bulldogs. As the fans held their breaths, Bobby Park was struck out on a 3-2 count, followed by a hopeful pop fly by Eddie Trenton caught in foul territory. Finally, newcomer Mirage Reign belted a line drive straight into the glove of short stop Jack Schipperke, as the Flyers fell to Vista Heights.
Final Score: St. Joseph's Flyers: 2, Vista Heights Bulldogs, 4
TGIF -Tanks Go In First
"Miss Douglas, we know about the nuts."
"Sam's the most amazing gamer EVER, and I love her footwear." - Laurel Fitte
"Miss Douglas, we know about the nuts."
"Sam's the most amazing gamer EVER, and I love her footwear." - Laurel Fitte
Re: Baseball Season
Ty adjusted his Flyers cap, as he stood ready to go during batting practice. Alex Brown was up and hitting the ball extremely well.
He watchd casually as Thorn threw a couple of half speed pitches at Alex, of course the balls going deep and some over the fence. Damn, if I could hit like that... He snapped out of his daydream as Thorn yelled at Alex.
Thorn grinned at Alex shouting out, "Here comes the heat, bud!"
Alex tightened his batting gloves and adjusted his helmet. Looking at the at the newcomer ptcher with a cold stare. "Bring it!" He pointed the bat to the sky as he settled in the box.
Ty got down low in his baseball-ready position. "C'mon Alex! Hit me one right here and I'll love you forever!" He pounded the inside of his glove standing between 2nd and 3rd base.
Thorn held the ball tight, in a two seem position in his hand. He started from the stretch, kicking his leg high in the air rearing back with the ball bringing it foward and letting go at just the right moment. The ball was heat as it came to the plate. Alex loaded up, taking a step and swinging his bat at the ball trying to kill it. The ball sailed off the bat and straight at the ready short-stop. Leaping in the air, Ty streched his arm high in the air determined to snag the ball. The ball sailed right into the shortstop's glove, making the familiar popping noise.
"Oh yeah, baby!" He yelled as he layed on the ground throwing the ball into the air.
Everyone laughed and cheered as he got up and brushed himself off. "Nice snag, Air Jordan!" Called Alex as he threw off his Helmet and batting gloves. "Do that in the game and maybe we'll win one!"
Ty grinned and tossed the ball around the infield. "Yeah, yeah!"
He watchd casually as Thorn threw a couple of half speed pitches at Alex, of course the balls going deep and some over the fence. Damn, if I could hit like that... He snapped out of his daydream as Thorn yelled at Alex.
Thorn grinned at Alex shouting out, "Here comes the heat, bud!"
Alex tightened his batting gloves and adjusted his helmet. Looking at the at the newcomer ptcher with a cold stare. "Bring it!" He pointed the bat to the sky as he settled in the box.
Ty got down low in his baseball-ready position. "C'mon Alex! Hit me one right here and I'll love you forever!" He pounded the inside of his glove standing between 2nd and 3rd base.
Thorn held the ball tight, in a two seem position in his hand. He started from the stretch, kicking his leg high in the air rearing back with the ball bringing it foward and letting go at just the right moment. The ball was heat as it came to the plate. Alex loaded up, taking a step and swinging his bat at the ball trying to kill it. The ball sailed off the bat and straight at the ready short-stop. Leaping in the air, Ty streched his arm high in the air determined to snag the ball. The ball sailed right into the shortstop's glove, making the familiar popping noise.
"Oh yeah, baby!" He yelled as he layed on the ground throwing the ball into the air.
Everyone laughed and cheered as he got up and brushed himself off. "Nice snag, Air Jordan!" Called Alex as he threw off his Helmet and batting gloves. "Do that in the game and maybe we'll win one!"
Ty grinned and tossed the ball around the infield. "Yeah, yeah!"
The only thing that makes sense is moving forward.
-
Thorn Hawk
- Posts: 316
- Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 1:46 am
- Location: The skies, the hot tub, or Bruno's
- Contact:
Re: Baseball Season
Thorn's fingers spun the baseball in his hand with the familiarity of meeting an old friend. His index and middle finger slid across the sewn seams of the ball until they rested in the four-seam position. Not the fastest grip for a fastball, but easier to control.
"Alright Mal, I'm bringin' the heat." The catcher gave him a nod through the catcher's mask and fell into his crouch, extending his glove hand out and staying as light on his feet as he could. The glove made a good target for Thorn's mind and his eyes stared at it. Even though he hadn't played baseball in a few years, he still practice throwing the ball every now and then...and training on throwing his spines helped too. It used the same basic motions.
Gripping the ball tighter in his glove, Thorn stood up straighter, glove at about chin level and faced Mal fully. Small step back, turn out the front foot, kick the leg up and drop the hand and over! The baseball flew from Thorn's hand with lightning speed, arcing directly into Mal's glove with the satisfying smack of leather on leather. Mal gave him a grin from behind the catcher's mask and tossed the ball back. Thorn caught it absently and grinned at the team's catcher. "I'm not gonna stop until either your hand or my arm is sore Mal!" Thorn couldn't see Mal's reaction from behind the mask but he figured either Mal was enthused or dreading the next couple of minutes. Thorn went up into the windup again and loosed another fastball. This was where his strength was...he couldn't hit worth a damn but he could bring the heat and put it where he wanted it. True he didn't have many pitches other than a fastball, curveball and slider, but he made up for his lack of diversity with raw power and speed.
Another couple of pitches and Thorn decided to switch to the two-seam fastball. "Lets see Alex hit these now..."
"Alright Mal, I'm bringin' the heat." The catcher gave him a nod through the catcher's mask and fell into his crouch, extending his glove hand out and staying as light on his feet as he could. The glove made a good target for Thorn's mind and his eyes stared at it. Even though he hadn't played baseball in a few years, he still practice throwing the ball every now and then...and training on throwing his spines helped too. It used the same basic motions.
Gripping the ball tighter in his glove, Thorn stood up straighter, glove at about chin level and faced Mal fully. Small step back, turn out the front foot, kick the leg up and drop the hand and over! The baseball flew from Thorn's hand with lightning speed, arcing directly into Mal's glove with the satisfying smack of leather on leather. Mal gave him a grin from behind the catcher's mask and tossed the ball back. Thorn caught it absently and grinned at the team's catcher. "I'm not gonna stop until either your hand or my arm is sore Mal!" Thorn couldn't see Mal's reaction from behind the mask but he figured either Mal was enthused or dreading the next couple of minutes. Thorn went up into the windup again and loosed another fastball. This was where his strength was...he couldn't hit worth a damn but he could bring the heat and put it where he wanted it. True he didn't have many pitches other than a fastball, curveball and slider, but he made up for his lack of diversity with raw power and speed.
Another couple of pitches and Thorn decided to switch to the two-seam fastball. "Lets see Alex hit these now..."
Every man dies. Not every man really lives. -William Wallace
