The Pitch

The memories of the season had washed over me, the season nearly complete. One game remained and it was about to begin. With Damian Miller crouched down behind the plate, I began my wind-up. From my left hand the ball flew towards the plate. Damian reached up and effortlessly snagged the ball from the air. It was high, but catchable. My fears of throwing the ball in the dirt were unfounded. It was not the perfect pitch I had envisioned, but not bad none the less. As the ball snapped into the catcher's glove, I could hear the crowd cheer. I looked up and waved to everyone in the stands before walking to the plate. Damian Miller met me half way and shook my hand thanking me for throwing out the first pitch. I asked him to sign the ball to document my once in a lifetime experience. Beside home plate stood Rich Dozer, president of the Diamondbacks. He shook my hand and presented me with two gifts. First an autographed baseball from the entire Diamondbacks team. Second the schedule key chain promotional giveaway from April 5. Mallorie sighed greatly now that we possessed the long lost key chain. The emotions were overwhelming. To follow a team from inception through their inaugural season and then be rewarded such as this was inconceivable. My gratitude to the team and to the organization is beyond measure. Like that, my moment was over. I looked down and my children were all gazing up at me smiling, their eyes glistening. They have given me a gift I could never repay. I had thought I would feel a moment of sadness as this experience came to an end. Instead, I felt the joy and love my family felt for me. Regardless of the outcome of the baseball game, I will always remember that moment.