Palms sweaty. Arms shaking.
Stomach churning. Mind wandering.
All my thoughts were on the field.
Scattered  through the sky.
Deep breaths.
Closed eyes.
I approached the plate. More nervous than ever.
My cleats crunched the dirt below me,
creating clouds of dusty powder that showered my feet.
Hands gripped.
Knees bent.
I created my perfect stance, bending my knees slightly,
relaxing my elbows and shoulders.
I gripped the bat with my faintly white gloves,
that were smothered in dirt and gravel.
Extend arms. Flip wrists.
I watched the bright yellow ball barrel towards me.
Eye on the ball.
Before I got even the slightest chance to back away,
it pounded into my thigh.
I winced at the sharp pain that ran through my leg.
Nervous eyes.
Shaky arms.
The pitcher stared in disbelief. Her face frightened.
She took an uneasy shift, and shook it off.
I ran to first, ignoring the pain that would eventually wear off.
Ready stance.
Watch the movement.
Ready to run.
I swayed back and forth,

back and forth, back and…
Run.
The catcher scrambled for the missed ball.
She was ready to make a throw.
It was too late, I was safe at second.
I dashed when the opportunity was mine.
I bolted.
As fast as lightning.
Faster.
Third base.
Faster.
Home Plate.
Faster.
Faster.
Home.
Finally there.
Home.
I slid into the dusty base.
Hearing the call ¨safe¨,
I took a sigh of relief.
Breath.
I took a big gulp of air,
running to the dugout.
I chugged needed water.
It was time to cheer for my team.
To cheer them on before we win.
Win.
Before we win,
and win for each other.