Upon the jumbo screen, 3 numbers were prominently displayed, showing the speed of the pitch. The crowd cheered wildly seeing the number, their excitement rising another level.
“102mph, to think a rookie could throw that fast at only 21…”
“Didn’t he say he would beat the record for the fastest pitch thrown in game?” One of the people in the crowd asked.
“Yeah, he also said that he’ll throw a perfect game and the Ligers will qualify for the World Series this season otherwise he’ll quit baseball for good.”
“HUH!? What the hell kind of balls does that guy have?”
Back on the field, Ken was feeling good about the last pitch. Nothing felt out of order, in fact his pitch felt like it was one of the best he’d done recently.
The very next ball, Daichi called for a slider.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
“Strike.”
This time, the batter tried to chase the ball as it broke outside. Unfortunately for him, he underestimated the amount of movement in Ken’s pitches, causing his bat to fall short of hitting it.
With the count now at 0-2, Ken was in a great position to secure his first strikeout in his career.
Daichi called for a fastball again, this time slightly above the strike zone. Ken nodded, and quickly got into position.
WHOOOOSH
PAH
“Strikeout!”
A roar came from the crowd as Ken completed the out in only 3 pitches.
And so the next batter came up, only to be dealt with in a similar manner. For the next 6 pitches, Daichi perfectly orchestrated the offense, taking out the remaining two openers for the White Socks.
“Changeover.”
“Well, what do we think of the rookie Ken Takagi’s first pitched inning in the Major League?”
“I mean, what more do you want from your rookie? Each of his fastballs have been around the 100mph mark and his slider is looking sharp. But I think you also need to consider the leads that his brother, Daichi has been giving so far.”
“You’re right Bill. It feels so weird to see two brothers as a battery in the same team.”
“It reminds me of the Niekro brothers back in the early 80’s when they played for the Atlanta Bears.”
“I think some of our viewers may not have even been born back then Bill. I think it’s safe to say that we’re witnessing something special for the opening game of the season.”
Back in Austin Texas, the sound of the commentators on the TV projected into the room. A man and woman in their 40’s were sitting on the couch, paying close attention.
“Our boys… They finally made it.” Yuki sniffled, wiping away the tears which began to fall.
Chris swallowed back the lump in his throat and nodded. “They worked so hard… To think that they would actually achieve that childhood pact of theirs.”
“Pact?” Yuki tilted her head in confusion.
“I overheard them one day talking about it back when Daichi first moved in all those years ago.” Chris said, a look of reminiscence on his face. “They vowed to make it to the Majors and play together, even back then.”
Chris smiled fondly and turned to his wife, only to see her face morph.
“UWAAAAA THAT MAKES ME WANNA CRY~” She wailed, throwing herself into Chris’s chest as she began bawling.
Chris let out a chuckle and pat her back softly to console her. “Our boys are grown up now. This is the product of all their hard work, make sure you watch them carefully honey.” He said soothingly.
It took Yuki a little while to recover, but eventually she returned to her seat.
Seeing his wife so emotional, Chris quietly got up and grabbed the tissues from the dining table before placing it in front of her. Chances are, they would need to buy more tomorrow.
Back in Japan, a few familiar faces gathered at the bar and were all focused on the TV.
“ORYAHHHH! 3 consecutive strikeouts!” Makoto said, pumping his fists.
“Damn it, I missed it!” Shiro ran back to the table and looked up at the screen, “Aren’t they going to show a replay or something?”
“Oh, were we meant to pause the game so you could take a dump?” Jun quipped, sending him a disdainful look.
Shiro glared at him for a moment before taking a seat, “Why are you even here? Ken didn’t invite you to his bachelor party, or wedding.”
“O—Oi, he must have just forgotten to put me on the invite okay?” Jun stammered, trying not to look upset.
Shiro scoffed, “He probably still hates you for trying to hit on Ai back then before the practice match against Shuei.”
“Eh!? You tried to get with Ken’s woman?” Makoto’s eyes bulged as he slammed his glass of beer down on the table.
“Hold on, you can’t be serious right? They weren’t even dating back then…” Jun retorted, feeling as if everyone was ganging up on him.
“Ken liked Ai even in middle school.” Yusuke said, patting Jun on the shoulder, “It’s okay man, I’m sure he’s forgiven you. Just don’t expect to be invited to any cool events in the future.”
Yuta laughed heartily, “Even me and Makoto were invited to the wedding, and we only played a single season together.”
Feeling dejected, Jun lowered his head.
“It’s okay brother, maybe you can invite him to your wedding.” Tatsuya, his twin brother said.
The rest of the group burst into laughter, including Tatsuya. It was well known that Jun was a player, even so many years after graduating, this had not changed.
“Even you, Tatsu?”
The people in the bar were the very same players who won at Koshien all those years ago. Once they heard Ken would be playing in the season opener, they rushed to the bar in order to catch the game.
In another bar across town a man who was completely bald sporting colorful tattoos on both of his arms yelled and pointed at the TV. “That’s my nephew up there! HAHA.”
“He isn’t even related to you though Tsukasa…”
Tsukasa turned around and flashed a glare at the person who dared speak up. “You know that Tetsu is my brother… His daughter is my niece which makes her husband my nephew. Don’t you know how law works Tomo?”
“Clearly not, otherwise I’d be a lawyer and not a gangster.” Tomoya replied.
“Hahaha! I guess you’re right.” Tsukasa laughed, turning back to the TV.