Baseball, A Rookie's First Game A sudden hush feel over the eager crowd. He steps in the on deck circle glaring at the pitcher as if he has been there for years. An expressionless face used to minor league pitching takes the first practice swing of the thousands he will take in his career. As the batter in front of him strikes out, instead of the same old crowd going through the next losing season, a bright spot appears. He takes the short walk to the batters box. One deep breath and he steps in. The world waits in anticipation. The veteran vs. the rookie, in a classic showdown of wits and past hard work. The first pitch of this battle falls in for a first pitch strike. The thought of being in a major league stadium quickly stuns one player, leaving the other secure. The second pitch speeds right down the middle quicker than the batter can react. That's strike two. One more and he can grab some bench. The pitcher knows what to throw to this 19 year old making his major league debut. A simple fastball. A straight fastball. The same pitch he had seen since little league. He knows its coming. As the pitch is released, the batter sees it right away and finds the courage in himself to take a mighty hack. The swing, seeming in slow motion, whiffs for strike three. Heads shake with disappointment in the stadium and in houses all around the city, but he looks content. Walking back to the dugout, he slowly looks back at the pitcher, who is already focusing on the next batter. Three pitches that one man will remember for the rest of his #life, while the other man already put it out of his mind within a few seconds.