Very Proud to Announce: this Fun Chapter's Sports Lingo and Play by Play were expertly written by my dear Friend, Author and Coach Julie Kantorowicz Palmquist – Thank you, Julie!
Chapter One Hundred Sixteen: Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Well, Bill, Nathan's official Best Man (at least among them) had really come through for his Groom's pre-Wedding celebrations.
Yes, he stole every single one of the ideas Nathan had come up with for Bill's own Wedding, but he added a few new wrinkles, and every single man in Hope Valley couldn't wait.
In fact, they were more excited than the Groom!
Not only were they getting a repeat of the same spectacular Groom's Sports Celebration Night at the Queen of Hearts, as Nathan had given for Bill, but they were also getting a real, live, honest-to-goodness Baseball Game!
And it was all happening this Saturday afternoon at 2 PM!
Bill had overseen the townsmen grooming the flat field just beyond the pond into an official Baseball Diamond, and Lee had even made wooden bleachers in varying heights for the Townspeople to sit on as Spectators!
Hope Valley now had its very own Baseball Diamond, which would be used the whole summer long, and hopefully for years to come!
Bill had divided the men who wanted to actually play Baseball (and there were many eager volunteers) into two teams: the Tigers, the Groom's favorite team, and the Yankees, his own favorite team.
Surprisingly, the townsmen were so committed to this new endeavor, they each paid for their own uniform, with matching caps, and had Ned to order them.
Ned, ever the Entrepreneur, even ordered extra uniforms, one of each size, just in case others decided to join in after the first game. And being the savvy businessman he was, he was sure they would, and that he also would be ordering even more uniforms very soon!
Bill assigned the Groom as Manager of his own team, the Tigers, and of course, the Judge assigned himself to be the Manager of his team, the Yankees, although Hickam was dying for the job.
In fact, Hickam was so upset at Bill's self-selection as Coach, he came to Nathan and asked to be traded to his team, the Tigers!
I'll admit this caused a bit of an uproar, if only with Bill, but finally, Ned agreed to go to the Yankees, and despite Bill's vociferous objections and Nathan's delight at having Hickam, as he had actively recruited Hickam to begin with, the trade was officially made!
The teams had been practicing a couple of hours each Sunday, which concerned the Pastor, as he kept trying to remind his male Parishioners the Sabbath was the Lord's Day, a Day of Rest.
But the Judge shot back, that the Men of Hope Valley were indeed honoring the Sabbath, each and every Sunday by resting their bodies on the Baseball Field.
The Pastor had to finally give up his crusade as all the Men staunchly agreed with the Judge on this one! And this was a battle, the Pastor was clearly not going to win!
Of course, after the Pastor finally caved in, Bill recruited him as the Yankees' Shortstop.
Now, this wasn't at all a random call by Coach Avery. Believe me, the Coach had done his investigative homework. Some time ago, he had heard a rumor that the Pastor had gone to College on a Baseball Scholarship, prior to Seminary. And that little random thought had been filed away in the Judge's brain.
Make no mistake Coach Avery was in it to win, and he was not above pulling out all the devious stops to give his beloved Yankees the win, no matter what it took!
On the other hand, Coach Grant was more in it for the fun of the game, and he did his best to recruit all the men of Hope Valley to come out, have a good time, and play. Their skill level didn't matter to Nathan. He just wanted everyone to have some fun!
Poor Sophie had begged Nathan to talk Lucas into playing, as she thought it would be a good bonding experience for her Husband with the other townsmen. But Lucas was having none of that!
So, Coach Grant did his best, and even pushed the boundaries of his friendship with Lucas to cajole him into playing, but alas to no avail.
"I haven't even seen a baseball game, much less participated in one. I will be more than happy to provide free refreshments, but as to playing, the answer, Nathan, is a resounding No! Thank you, but NO!" pronounced a very emphatic Lucas. "And that is my FINAL answer!"
Needless to say, Lucas never even got the same request from Coach Avery, who was not about to take on a total Newbie, under any circumstances! Especially one without any experience, whatsoever, who also appeared to have a particular disdain for the game!
Sophie just sighed and tried to hide her disappointment when Nathan gave her the news. She thanked him for sincerely trying, and she was truly grateful.
Nathan had always been willing to help her where Lucas was concerned.
Well, at least they both tried to get him to step out of his rather formal way of life and get him to participate in everything that included the Hope Valley guys. Especially the fun things, that Lucas tended to overlook. It was no surprise to anyone that Lucas preferred to spend his time conducting business! And that's basically what he did.
But secretly, Sophie was hoping the little one she felt sure was growing inside her might change all that.
She hadn't been to see Doctor Shepherd yet, and she hadn't even mentioned the possibility to her husband.
But she was sure, and for some odd reason, she knew this Child would be a Boy. And in Sophie's mind, their Son would need his Dad to teach him Baseball, especially since his Grandad would never be around to do so. It was something that concerned Sophie very much.
'In time,' she thought. 'In time!'
Official Team Practice was every Sunday in May, promptly at 3 PM, no matter the weather! And yes, one day the two teams played with it raining cats and dogs, slinging mud everywhere! That was their level of commitment!
And just in case you're curious, here is the Position Lineup! The Townsmen being well represented, from Blacksmith to Businessmen, to Farmers, to Livery Workers and Parents…
Position Lineup
Coach
Nathan Grant - Tigers
Bill Avery - Yankees
Pitcher
Nathan Grant - Tigers
Lee Coulter - Yankees
Catcher
Max Spurgeon - Tigers
Bill Avery - Yankees
First Baseman
Henry Gowan - Tigers
Ned Yost - Yankees
Second Basemen
Nathaniel Helmsley - Tigers
Kevin Townsend - Yankees
Third Baseman
Joseph Canfield -Tigers
Carson Shepherd - Yankees
Shortstop
Michael Hickam - Tigers
The Pastor - Yankees
Left Fielder
Jonathan Epping - Tigers
Seth McNabb -Yankees
Center Fielder
Jesse Flynn - Tigers
Aaron Latham - Yankees
Right Fielder
Thomas Weiss - Tigers
Blake Anderson - Yankees
But as the crowd was gathering and just as the clock struck 1:30, Ned came rushing in with his wagon, pushing his horses as fast as they could go.
When he climbed out of the wagon, he was absolutely breathless, but stopped a second, then ran straight to Nathan.
"Just got a call from Max Spurgeon! He has to go to Buxton on an emergency job. He tried his best but couldn't get out of it. Nathan you've got to get yourself a Catcher! I brought the extra uniforms!"
"Appreciate you telling me. But Ned, where am I going to find a Catcher? That's the most difficult position to play there is! And we've already recruited every man in Hope Valley that even knows what a baseball looks like!"
The two men talked a bit, trying to come up with something.
"Oh no, Nathan doesn't look happy!" noted Elizabeth straining to see Nathan from the bleachers.
"What do you think has happened?" asked Archie.
"Looks like they're missing someone. Let me think….oh, no. It's Max!" realized Elizabeth. "And from what Nathan's said, I know he's critical to the game!"
Elizabeth could see Nathan was heading toward them.
"I don't like it, but it looks like we're going to have to forfeit. They called Max to an emergency job in Buxton," explained Nathan.
"What position did he play, Son?" asked William.
"Our Catcher. And he was great! Never missed a ball. We just don't have a sub. None of our team is brave enough to take on that role. They don't have the necessary experience."
"Do you have an extra uniform?" asked William.
"One of every size, but…"
"What if I played? Would that be acceptable? Catcher was my position! Now, I'm a little rusty, but I think it would all come back. Can't promise anything, but I sure will try my best to help you out. Sounds like you're in a pinch, Son. And I sure don't want you to have to forfeit the game!"
"William, you'd do that? I mean, that would be fantastic! Come on, let's get you dressed! And I'll brief you on the other team as we go."
And off the two went, in a flash….
"Mother, what is Father doing? He doesn't know how to play baseball!" asked Elizabeth.
"Why he'll kill himself!" shrieked a very unladylike Lady Viola. "Anthony, you go take his place, right now!"
"Me? Don't look at me, Dahling. I play Cricket!"
"Viola, chill, Father's not a hundred years old! He's still spry. I mean for his age," explained Julie. "You don't think he's going to break anything, do you Mother?"
"Girls, will you three just have a little confidence in your Father, for once in your lives?" admonished Grace. "Your Father happened to play in College and he was very, very good. You'll see. He'll do a fabulous job!"
"After all these years?" asked Viola dubiously.
"Viola, all the three of you have to do is cheer him on. Is that too hard for you? Really, Children!"
All three Daughters gave each other an ominous look, and adult or not, immediately hushed, as their Mother had just not so subtly commanded.
"Granda, I can't wait to see Grandpa play. Is he a good Catcher?" asked a proud Allie.
"The best, Sweetheart. The very best! You'll see!"
"I'm going to cheer so hard for him!"
"Good, Darling. You and I will make up for his Daughters lack of faith!" and Grace shot her Daughters yet another disparaging look.
Arabella just looked up at Allie in adoration, that she would be grown up enough to have a conversation with a real live adult.
"Nanny wouldn't approve," whispered Arabella, in her clipped British accent, to her new favorite older Cousin. "I'm not allowed to speak to Adults, you see unless I am spoken to first."
'Poor Arabella, six years old and not allowed to speak,' thought Allie.
"Then you can just speak to me!" smiled Allie as she took her Cousin's hand.
This entire afternoon event was a new experience for the Thatcher Daughters in more ways than one, not only had they never known their Father had ever played baseball, they also had never seen their Mother so very supportive of him in an endeavor that she would have normally considered way beneath his social status, and hers!
In fact, it is true, Grace would have normally been appalled to see her distinguished Husband out on a field, sweating with a bunch of men she didn't even know, for the most part!
Just what exactly had happened to their Mother, and their Father, who suddenly seemed so relaxed? And why weren't their Parents their normal uppity selves? Having never seen this before, this new attitude was all rather disconcerting.
'Who are these strangers?' thought all three Daughters in unison.
All Elizabeth could think was 'Archie and Madelyne must have had a really profound effect on William and Grace!' as unexpected as that was!
And then Grace Thatcher did another odd thing her Girls had never seen their Mother do.
She actually turned and smiled at Madelyne, rolling her eyes at her Daughters!
And yes, Nathan's Mother, who was happily holding her new Grandson, winked back at Grace, as though she totally understood.
Then Little Jack got in on the act, as he contentedly and happily waved back to his Granda, who was delighted and blew him kisses back.
As if having to find and substitute a new Catcher had not been a big enough problem, the expected Umpire team of two showed up from Union City as only one!
Was this game ever going to be played? It was looking less than promising.
"Bill, where did you get these Umps?" asked Coach Grant.
"I did my due diligence," retorted Coach Avery.
"Well, half of your due diligence just flew out the window!"
"What are we gonna do?" wailed Bill.
"What are WE gonna do? Really, Bill! Are you never responsible for anything?"
And then Nathan remembered something. He was surprised he remembered it at all, but in his day, before prison, his Dad had umpired several baseball games. Probably had done it in prison, too, for all Nathan knew. And Nathan suddenly realized it was sad that he didn't know anything at all about his Dad's time away from them.
Archie was good too. Really good. The teams always called him back. He knew the rules and called them right. No one could dispute that!
"What are you thinking?" asked Bill.
"My Dad knows the game really well and he's umpired quite a few!"
"Well, go get him! We've got to get this game started," ordered Bill.
That sent a slight jab through Nathan's heart, as the last thing he wanted to do, given last night, was to put his Dad on the spot. He didn't want anything awkward between them, not now. Not when they had just found each other. And he didn't want his Father to feel like he had to do something he might not want to do.
But as Nathan looked up, he realized, thankfully, he didn't have to put his Dad on the spot.
His Dad was already talking to the one Umpire in attendance, and Nathan watched as they shook hands and divvied up their responsibilities.
Nathan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
His Father really was back in his life, and this time for good!
And here he was stepping up to the plate, seeing his Son's need and fulfilling it, before even being asked.
"Well, thank goodness! Archie, way to go!" shouted Bill.
Archie waved back to both Bill and his Son, and then went back to his new business at hand with the other Umpire.
Nathan smiled at his Father too, a genuine smile and it was the first Archie could remember seeing for many years. He would do everything in his power to never let his Son down again. And if that meant a day out on the dirt, under the hot sun, he'd gladly volunteer for that, all day long!
Ned ran to see if he had shoes that would fit, and also grabbed the Ref shirt they had used when they took turns being Umps at practice.
Between them Ned and the other Umpire got Archie outfitted.
It wasn't exactly what you'd call professional attire, but it would pass!
The Umpire from Union City was going to serve as the Plate Umpire. He was in charge of calling balls and strikes from behind the plate.
He was assisted by Archie who had the difficult task of helping with the base calls as needed plus covering the outfield on his own.
Nathan was a little embarrassed to realize he felt relief at having his Father behind him and not in front of his own eyesight, because deep down, their relationship was just now starting, and it still felt so fragile to both of them.
Neither wanted to disappoint the other in any way, and it might have been awkward with their Family's eyes on them, as well as those of the entire town!
Prior to this visit, Nathan had prayed long and hard, but never felt he had gotten a clear answer.
He had known for several years, that he had to get to a better place with his Father. He just couldn't. And he didn't have the slightest idea as to how to make it happen.
He had also known it had to happen during this Family visit, before his Wedding, because he wanted no bitterness in his heart when he exchanged his vows with Elizabeth.
And now both he and his Father had been given this miracle they both experienced last night.
Both were joyous, but maybe still walking on eggshells a bit, wanting to make sure everything stayed this new way it now was, with an open channel of love and respect.
And both were equally committed to that, whatever it took.
But right now, they had a game to play!
The Festivities were started with Rosemary leading the townspeople of Hope Valley in the National Anthem, followed by a rousing chorus of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame:"
Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks
I don't care if I never get back
Let me root, root, root
For the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
Aahh.
For it's one,
Two,
Three strikes you're out
At the old ball game (*59)
Lucas immediately had his wait staff start passing out the Popcorn, Hot Dogs, and Drinks!
Hope Valley was finally ready for their first official Baseball Game!
As the Groom, Nathan is selected to be the starting pitcher, with Lee as his relief pitcher.
The Umps walk to Center Field with Coach Avery and Coach Grant where they flip a coin to determine the Home Team, the team that will also go to bat last.
Coach Grant's Tigers win the toss, and it's an advantage that Coach Avery hates to lose, but even he can't grumble, because it's how the game is played.
It also means that Nathan and his Tigers take the field first.
Nathan, as Pitcher, stoically saunters to the mound with William, his Catcher at his side, going over pitching signs.
He and William high-five and William takes his place behind the plate, low to the ground in a Catcher's stance, ready for the game to begin.
Yankees Kevin Townsend is up to bat first, and Nathan easily pitches a couple of strikes against him, but on Nathan's third pitch, Kevin hits a hard one-hopper to Joseph Canfield at 3rd Base.
Joseph makes the grab, along with a hard throw to first base, where Henry Gowan, 1st Baseman makes a fantastic stretch and gets Kevin out by inches!
Each and every Tiger and fan went wild!
Great start!
Lee Coulter is up next to bat, and there wasn't a person in Hope Valley who couldn't hear Rosemary yelling at the top of her lungs! But Lee hits a pop-up and gives the Tigers their second out!
It's quickly obvious William knows what he's doing. He looks great catching and is really calling dynamite pitches! He's confident.
Nathan turns to William with a thumbs up, and they exchange a look of both self-assured confidence and trust.
They just might be unstoppable together!
Surprisingly, they appear to be the perfect Catcher-Pitcher fit!
Nathan turns with newfound confidence as he turns to face the plate and Bill Avery comes up to bat.
Bill swings at the first fastball and lines it perfectly into center field.
Jesse Flynn, Center Fielder, quickly throws it into Mike Hickam, Shortstop, to hold Bill at first!
Carson Shepherd is next at the plate, batting cleanup and Nathan turns once again to look at William.
William calls for a fastball low, and on the inside edge of the plate.
But the fastball gets away from Nathan a bit and is up and in on Carson.
Carson turns and swings big!
He drives the ball, like a bullet, over Seth McNabb's head, in left field.
It's a home run for the Yankees! And Carson is an undisputed star!
The Yankees roar with cheers and the fans go wild!
Home run Carson, it is!
William walks to the mound and settles Nathan to focus him.
"You're doing great. Just one more out. We've got this."
Aaron's up to bat and Nathan throws three burning fastballs, to strike his brother out!
And the Tiger fans cheer their pitcher!
But after the top of the first, it's 2-0 Yankees,
And the Yankees and fans go wild again, focused, and ready to win the game!
Inning after inning is played, till finally the game is tied 5-5.
Now no one expects the Tigers to just turn around and go home. And they do not disappoint!
Instead, they fight, they fight like crazy, and the game becomes more and more intense with each inning and every play!
Bottom of the 9th, there's one out and the Tigers' #8 batter is up.
Henry chases a curveball, but it loops over the infield and the Tigers have a man on 1st base.
Michael Hickam, the Tigers' #9 batter, is up and his day has not gone well, as he has both a strikeout and a pop-up for the day so far.
Nathan worries they won't get him on base.
But if Mike can just walk or get a hit, the Tigers will be back at the top of their batting order, and in that scenario, Nathan is confident they can win.
Obviously, a lot is riding on Hickam…
And everything gets quiet on the field.
The first pitch is a strike.
Hickam swings at the second pitch and he fouls it back.
Two strikes.
'Focus Hickam, focus,' and Nathan sends him that message telepathically.
The third pitch is right down the center of the plate.
And surprisingly, Mike locks in on the pitch and swings big!
He gets all of that pitch!
It is going, going, gone over Seth's head in left field!
Home run Hickam and it's Tigers for the Win!
And the crowd, at least all the Tiger fans, literally go wild, as Nathan and William celebrate on the field.
Archie, full of pride, runs and embraces his Son, still on the Pitcher's mound.
The Tigers then surround their Coach and lift Nathan on their shoulders for a celebratory once around the field!
What a game!
What a day!
The first game on Hope Valley's brand new Baseball Diamond.
A game Hope Valley would never forget!
And a day Nathan, his Father, and soon-to-be Father-in-Law would talk about for years to come...
(*59) "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," Jack Norworth, 1908, Public Domain