Zeke had taken a few practice swings while the pitcher threw off the mound, but neither looked serious. They were both sizing one another up before the actual showdown. Righty vs. Righty. Zeke stepped in the batter's box.
The pitcher bent over and read the catchers signs, and nodded with acceptance. He stood straight, did a full windup and came at Zeke with some speed. Zeke returned the ball just as fast with an easy swing, getting it over the shortstops head. Then he took off to first like it really was a game. He rounded the bag just as the left fielder came in to field the hit. He picked up the ball and threw a bullet straight to the second baseman, who was covering the bag. Zeke started to slide and the tag came down. It was pretty close. One of the assistant coaches, acting an umpire, extended his arms and called safe.
The Atkins family as a whole, started to clap and cheer. I joined in, moved by their happiness for Zeke.
