Looking down at the dirt,

I think about the long hours

of practice I’ve been through.

I glance at my catcher, Lannie.

She gives me a big,nervous smile,

which makes me smile too, knowing that

we are on the same level of nerves.

I walk up onto the mound,

focus on my catchers glove,

and block the whole world out,

focusing on my target.

I nod to the catcher,

Bring my

arm back,

and

EXPLODE,

the batter

backs up a bit.

STRIKE!! the ump yells.

Will coach be proud of me, I wonder?

I repeat the process two more times,--

one strike, one ball.

My hand starts to shake.

Keep your motions. Don’t lean in. Lean out.

I try to block everything out and focus.

As I glance at my first baseman.She nods.

I nod and look back at my catcher.

My team chants out my name.

J- E - N - N - A.

I smile,

bring my arm back

and EXPLODE,

bringing all the power from my hips.

“STRIKE. ” “ YOU'RE OUT! ” the ump yells.

My team erupts into cheers,

chants and shouts.

they run to hug me.

“WE WON” they yell.

As they dog pile on me, I say

“I love all of you sweaty pigs,”

I’m a pitcher with a happy heart.