Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce for July 30, 1995
Transcript:
MUDVILLE NATE AT THE BAT (with apologies to E.L. Thayer) The ballgame wasn't going well. In fact, the scene was awful. The score was thirten for the Cubs to twelve for Joe's Falafel. The bottom of the ninth was moving fast from bad to worse, as Francis flied to center field and Ed was nipped at first. The end was near, or so it seemed. Our chances looked quite meager. But then out shortstop Bobby Kane He lined a Texas Leaguer. Next Jim received a base on balls. The Cubs began to sag. And when Cal slapped an infield hit we'd men at every bag. The crowd erupted when they saw who next strode to the plate. The Cubs turned pale and shook with fear. Who was it? Mighty Nate! His biceps bulged like cors of steel. He took a practice swing. He dug his cleats into the earth and watched the pitcher fling. With hawk-like vision Nate observed the placement of the ball. A little high, thought Mighty Nate. Strike one! the ump did call. The next one almost hit the plate as it came roaring through. That's not my pitch, said Mighty Nate. The ump declared Strike Two! "It takes just one to hit it out." The crowd her Nate complain. And then they knew he's surely be the hero of the game. The pitcher rocked a hurled ball. Nate watched it fast approach. And looking on in silent awe were teammates, fabs, a Coach. He took a swing, did Mighty Nate. A swift, heroic cut. The ball flew high above the field. It reached the Heavens...BUT...No happy shouts, no raucous cheers, no clapping can be heard. There is no joy between the lines. Mighty Nate has popped into third. NATE: That much! I missed it by that much!
Comisftw over 10 years ago
Ooh they’re Joe’s Falafel now.
Bones the cat about 4 years ago
I’m here from 2020
Bones the cat about 4 years ago
And Idk why I just liked my own comment?
Doglover26 almost 4 years ago
whenever there are huge poems like these, i like to sing them with a catchy beat, and it sounds okay!
Anti Reviewers Rejoice- Your savior is here! 7 months ago
(me announcing) Martin steps in, looking to break the deadlock in the top half… Pitts, the delivery. THAWOCCKK! (ump) STEEEEERIKE!!! (me) First-pitch strike there, Martin looking a little nervous there, we’re still tied at twelve… FWIPP KRAKK! (ump) BAlllLL ONE! (me) Little outside there, and here’s the 1-1. WHACKK! And there’s a long fly, Michaelson goes from first, and Martin around first! IT GETS DOWN! MICHAELSON CHASES FOR THIRD! TAKES A HOP OVER THE WALL! GROUND RULE DOUBLE AND MICHAELSON SCORES!! 13-12 CUBS! I DON’T BELIEVE IT! WOWW! CAN THIS GAME GET ANY BETTER? (bottom 9th) (me)We’re back, and the situation looks bleak for Joe’s Falafel, fresh off a devastating top-of-the-ninth with a ground rule double. First up is Pope.. KER-WHACK! High fly ball of the bat of Pope, and Johnson runs it down easily. One away. Next up is Ed Anderson. THWOAAACKK!! Anderson hits a one-hopper back to second.. WHAT A STOP BY MARTIN! The throw to first, and they nip him. Next up is Bobby Kane. (moments later) The 0-1 pitch.. CCRRAACCKKKKKK! Line-drive floater…. DEFLECTED OFF THE SHORTSTOP’S GLOVE! IT GETS DOWN! FAIR BALLL! BASE HIT AND THE FALAFEL ARE ALIVE!! (seconds later) The three-oh to Jim Peters.. BALL FOUR OFF THE DIRT! RUNNER MOVES UP TO SCORING POSITION! Pitcher Cal Pitts, and this could be the end of the rally, Pitts hitting .199 as of this evening. TOCK! And a chopper off to first… MICHAELLSON..BOBBLED THE BASEBALL!!! DELIVERS TO THE BAG! SAFE AT FIRST!!!! BASES LOADED FOR WRIGHT! (a minute later) The 0-2, Wright to his last strike. Aaaaand.. HE MAKES CONTACT! HIGH UP THERE, Buut.. it’s going nowhere. Martin under the ball, snags it easily. Ballgame over….