Gentleman’s Rivalry

Tonight's Episode

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There weren’t a lot of pitches left in Talley’s arm, and maybe fewer swings left in Carson’s bat. These guys were teammates most of their careers, and since then, this is one of the few at-bats where they’ve squared off.

It was odd to see them as opponents in such a large game. The entirety of the baseball world was watching as they faced off in a classic situation. There were two outs, and a runner at third, with Talley’s team up by a run in the 9th inning.

While it was an almost cliché situation in terms of the game scenario, it was even more so with these two really, really good players facing each other in what could be the last game for whoever’s team loses. This game decides which team goes on to the playoffs. Each of them has hinted this could be their last season.

While neither of them are what they used to be, the thing they both still have is the clutch factor. They’ve been at the game for so long, that they know how to give their team what they need in the moment. That’s what made it so interesting for the fans, and so emotional for them as players.

Talley’s first pitch is a backfoot sweeper that Carson swings over. Talley’s home crowd is electric, and the noise is increasing. Carson takes the next pitch, a back door change up that barely misses outside. The catcher challenges to no avail. They have no challenges remaining, and now it’s a battle.

Carson steps out of the box, and the home crowd boos. He looks at Talley, his old pal, and rolls his eyes. Talley laughs behind his glove. The next pitch is a hanging curve that misses outside by six inches. The catcher lunges to keep it from passing. Carson has a good hitter’s count.

The catcher takes a stroll to the mound. The two exchange views and give Talley a little breather. The next pitch is as much heat as Talley can muster, again on the outside corner. Carson swings and fouls it off into the upper deck behind first base. The count is even, and the two men are giving each other time. Talley circles the mound, and Carson takes easy cuts as he waits.

The next pitch is another fastball, but with lighter backspin, approaching the plate at a higher speed than it looks. Carson is behind the pitch and hits it very long, missing a home run within inches of the foul pole. The crowd is quiet. It’s clear to everyone that Talley is losing steam. Even so, it’s the kind of opportunity that is his, and the skills and experience he’s gained put him here.

Carson takes the next pitch that’s in the dirt. The count is full, and the anticipation in the air has an unmistakable scent. Talley delivers a hard-breaking 12-6 curveball, and Carson cuts and misses, but the ball gets by the catcher. Carson runs to first on the swinging passed ball, and Talley has to make a decision. He will either point to first, indicating the catcher should try to complete the strikeout, or point to home, where the catcher will throw to him for a tag on the runner from third.

Talley points to home, the catcher throws, and the tag is late. The game is tied, Carson is safe at first, and these two veteran players will continue their careers.

There is a pitching change, the game goes on, and good luck telling these two old pals there’s anything anticlimactic about it.

602 Words

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