Two days ago
Missouri State coaches hit baseballs to their players, fielders taking grounders and catching fly balls on the warning track. The players wore maroon undershirts for the most part, though a handful had already added their ghastly Desert Storm-inspired jerseys. Apparently the starting pitcher picks, and if he pitches as well as Doug Still does I’ll manage my aesthetic differences.
The University of Arkansas players, though, wore glorious cream-colored jerseys and baggy pants cinched just below the knee to show off high red socks or stirrups. This pitcher’s windup was from a century I haven’t known.
Bears right fielder Jack Duffy took a breath as he hopped up the final step and burst out of the dugout. Then the Arkansas first base coach ran toward his position: I swear it was Pete Rose – a hulking figure and a red helmet with no ear flaps. I assume that’s all they have in common other than diligence.
The game though: The Hogs fans filled the stadium a little more slowly, perhaps accounting for the 6 p.m. start and minimal parking spots. I enjoyed the quiet while it lasted, a few decibels offering enough contrast to previous games.
The nice thing about standing in the photo well is this:
I could watch Blake Graham slowly start to straighten out his leg and walk with more steadiness after crumbling on a swing.
I could see Still’s pitches drop six inches as they moved across the plate. How?
I could see Hunter Steinmetz grin after he crashed into the wall on a glorious catch.
I could see Missouri State advance to a Super Regional, players walking the field with smiles.
Or maybe that was me. I got to carry a camera around.
It looked like this:
This:
And this:
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