Apr 27, 2006

Failure to launch

Tonight, Emmett played his first Little League game ever. He authorized this play-by-play report:

"And here comes Number 13, jogging to the plate ... Lucky number 13, according to him ... The coach let all the guys choose their number, and this was Emmett's choice ... That says something about him ... We don't know what, but it definitely says ... something ...

"Anyway, did we mention that he's jogging? ... Good hustle ...

"The sturdy-looking fellow settles into the box ... Waits for the pitch ... He doesn't seem especially nervous, though this is a big moment for him ... His first Little League at-bat ...

"Here's the wind-up ... Emmett lets that one go by ... Good choice, because it was a ball ...

"Emmett gets ready again ... The coach might want to talk to him about keeping that bat back a little bit ... See, he moved it back just a bit before that swing, and ... Strike One.

"Emmett shakes it off ... Gets ready again ... The pitch ... Emmett swings again ...

"And CONTACT! Not earth-shattering contact, but contact! It falls short of the mound, edging a little toward first ... The pitcher and catcher both lunge for it ...

"And Emmett's not moving! ... He seems to be taken by surprise! ... Shocked that he hit the ball!

'Go, Emmett, go!' (Said your play-by-play announcer) (And others.)

"Now Emmett is moving ... But the catcher has the ball ... He throws to first ...

"And Emmett is out."

(End of play-by-play.)

Emmett confirmed later that he was indeed surprised that he put the bat on the ball, and he thought it was a foul.

It was a good start to a Little League career. No one is going to dwell on that little pause. (Except for Ethan ...)

But if you forget to run again, Number 13, we're gonna have to say:

Emmett, Ya Goof!

Here's a picture of ol' 13 in the dugout:

No comments: