Go Ahead Bobby
by Paul Finnigan
“C’mon
Bobby!”
Manager Bert
Blaney’s familiar voice caught Bobby
Thomson halfway through a practice swing. It was
unique all right. Gruff, raspy and somehow
piercing all at the same time. Bobby glanced at
the score board, then towards 3rd base. The board
displayed Visitors 2, Home 0. Hal Kinsey, the
Crusader’s shortstop stood at 3rd, eager to
steal home. Two out, the count 3 in 1, and bottom
of the 9th of the 7th and deciding game between
the hometown Stockton Crusaders and their arch-rivals
the Portsdale Platoon. Bobby was cocky, batting
411 in his last 15 games, with 12 homers.
“Give me
a fastball,” muttered Bobby, licking his
lips.
Suddenly the
pitcher hurled a nasty slider that caught Bobby
flatfooted.
St-e-e-e-rike!
It was full count.
“Give me
that fastball.” Bobby whispered to himself.
Suddenly the
pitcher unleashed a wicked fastball. Bobby swung
in pile driving motion. A loud crack sounded
throughout the park. Bobby sprinted to and
rounded 1st. Cheers erupted as Kinsey scampered
home to score.
“Go Ahead
Bobby!” yelled Blaney in that unmistakeable
voice as Bobby took 2nd. “ Go ahead Bobby!”
repeated Blaney as Bobby headed for 3rd.
But suddenly a
resonating bellow of flawless impersonation
carried from the bleacher, “Go Ahead Bobby!”
Bobby Thomsom
went numb after rounding 3rd. Caught in a run
down, Bobby went out trying in desperation to
bowl over the burly Portsdale catcher.
And so went
the season and championship game for the Stockton
Crusaders and Go Ahead Bobby.
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