Box-score Bramblings

Did you see that?!

What a cannon!

Catchers are the rock of the team.

Why?

Isn't it made apparent?

These crouchers save the errant,

calling for two and four seam.

They are an integral part

of every ball that’s throne,

protecting the little house,

sacrificing with their bones.

For sensitive mounders

they're a gentle mental nudger.

Not always rapid runners,

they are diggers, faithful trudgers.

Great grand muscles to steal the stolen.

Hits hammered hard,

knees that are swollen.

But, wait!

A major presence

on the box-score

is the number three stat.

Who’s on first?

with put-out thirst

and a welcome mat?

Part of every transaction,

the smiling meet-and-greeter,

diplomat of diamonds,

a splitting wild-ball-reader.

Pardon me,

but What

has equal significance, two.

Pickoffs and pickles,

managing the middle.

There'd be trouble

without plays double

from you.

You can’t leave out

6 or 5 either.

They are the webbing

in the glove of infielders.

Multiple miracles

skillfully built.

They take the brunt

with spectacular stunts

and opponent's rallies are killt.

Can’t say that they

are the only way.

For what can catch flies

but a spider?

The last defense

before the fence,

in case batters

can splatter that slider.

Aniticipaters,

They’re patient waiters

lithe legs that make them speedy.

Prefectories of trajectories,

stealing glory,

they are greedy.

Those who run fast and sacrifice all,

quickly rise

and release to the skies

the hurried and hopeful long ball.

Though I croon and I whine

for numbers 2 through to 9,

I’ll repeat the same old cliche.

Without number 1,

can’t get any of it done,

It’s all pitching

at the end of the day.

copyright 2019

Photo by Mar Startari, 2019

Previous
Previous

Condoculation

Next
Next

1,000 Lies