The crowd roared in response, surprising even Ken who was jogging onto the field. It seemed that he had become rather popular, likely because of his controversial words in the media recently.
As he arrived onto the field, Daichi and Rohan were called out after him. Then 1 by 1, the team were announced for the first time this season in Comerica Park. Apart from Ken, some of the more senior players received a large standing ovation.
Ken noticed that Rohan had his head lowered beside him, his whole body trembling.
“Lift your head man, wave to the fans.” Ken said, patting him on the shoulder.
For a moment, Rohan was silent. He turned to Ken and two fresh tears rolled down his cheeks. “I’ve waited so long for this moment…” he said, fighting back his emotions.
“I know man, you deserve it. For now, show the fans some love, you can have a cry when we get back to the dugout.” Ken said, letting out a small laugh.
He could understand why Rohan was in such a mood. The guy probably thought that he’d never get a chance to play for a Major League team ever in his life. If it weren’t for the Recovery Elixir, none of this would have been possible.
In response, Rohan wiped away at the tears and laughed, “Where is your compassion?” he asked, but he still did as Ken suggested and began to wave to the crowd, taking in the atmosphere.
Daichi on the other hand was cool and collected. It was as if this was just another game, not his debut in the Majors.
“And now it’s time for the ceremonial first pitch to kick off the start of the season. Please welcome, our very own, Ligers legend… Kurt Gibson!”
The announcers voice rang out over the speakers and a figure made his way onto the field. The man was in his mid to late 60’s and was wearing the same uniform as them all, he had a giant smile on his face as he stepped onto the mound.
Daichi had already made his way over to the plate and held his glove up ready for the pitch. The older man threw the ball for a slow, but accurate strike down the lane. This caused the crowd to cheer in response.
As soon as that was out of the way, the Chicago White Socks joined them on the field and the National Anthem was sung by a local singer.
Ken was standing next to Daichi who was only moving his lips since he did not know the correct words of the anthem.
Once this was over, the whole atmosphere of the ballpark changed. The organ player in the booth started playing some iconic jingles, bringing the fans alive.
“CHARGE”
“Let’s go Ligers, let’s go!”
The two teams went back to their dugouts while the guys in the booth kept the crowd busy for now. The atmosphere was electric and Ken felt his body shaking with excitement.
In only a few minutes, he would officially be playing in the very first Major League game of his career.
“Alright guys, gather around.” Coach Williams said, getting everyone’s attention.
“We’ve done all the prep work for this season, so there’s not much left for me to say. I need you all to focus and execute. Trust your teammates, trust your training and trust yourselves.” He stated, raising his hand up and placing it in the middle of everyone.
The team followed, as did Ken.
“Family on 3.”
“1, 2, 3.”
“Family!”
“Alright, get your butts up there and get us our first win of the season.” Mark said, making some shooing motions.
Ken locked eyes with his grandfather on the way past and they shared a brief moment. Neither man said a word, but nothing more needed to be said.
As he walked onto the field, Ken took in his surroundings. The almost 40,000 crowd who had come out to the game made it feel like the ballpark was a living and breathing organism.
No matter where he looked there were people cheering, ready to watch the game. This was what he had been waiting for all those years, and now it was finally time to make use of all his hard work.
He looked down the lane at Daichi who was fixing his chest protector. He placed his glove up, ready to take the warm up throws.
After 8 swift throws, Ken nodded at the plate umpire to signify that he was ready.
“Play ball!” He yelled, putting the stamp on the game.
“Batting 1st, center fielder for the White Sox, Luis Robert.” The announcer called with as little enthusiasm as one could muster.
Ken watched as the first batter he was going to face appeared in the batters box. He took a few warm up swings that made a crisp sound as it flew threw the air.
Just a single glance was enough to know that the guy could hit.
Ken took a deep breath and settled himself, waiting for Daichi’s lead. Soon after, the signal came and Ken nodded his head. What better way to start off his Major League career than with his signature fastball.
Feeling a little nervous, Ken reached down and grabbed the rosin bag before turning over in his hands a few times. Once he was ready, Ken dropped the rosin bag and quickly got into position.
He turned to 3rd base briefly before lifting his left leg, leaning back slightly. In the next moment he kicked off the pitchers plate and strode forward, planting his foot onto the dirt below emphatically.
As he cocked his arm back and whipped it past his face, Ken’s fingers raked down on the ball, giving it the tremendous spin that he was known for.
The ball rocketed through the air, spinning wildly.
The pitch felt like it was alive, its course unpredictable.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
The ball spun inside Daichi’s glove even as the umpire called the strike.