Stealing Home

Opening Day

“We have a big crowd out there today,” Nolan says. As the captain he’s been giving the team a pep talk and he is a much better leader than I was expecting. He talks calmly and confidently as he leads the team. “The seats are filled with people who are coming out to see us kick ass.” The team cheers at this statement and I snap a picture.

I have a camera set up in the corner of the room to film everything so I can pick through it later. I also wanted to be in here to get different angles and be able to move freely about the room. Carter looks over at me and I lift the camera up right as a grin lights up his face. I take the picture and shoot him a thumbs up. He laughs which earns him a look from Nolan. Carter makes a face at me then returns his attention to Nolan.

“Alright, let’s get out there and show our fans why they became fans in the first place!” Nolan shouts and while Carter rolls his eyes at me, I grin back at him as Nolan stumbles through the rest of his pep talk.

I make my way to the tunnel leading out into the dugout and drop down to my knees against the wall. I lift my camera up as I hear the chatter of the men approaching. I adjust the settings on my camera as I see them round the corner. Carter and Juan are leading the pack and I capture the banter between the two. The rest of the team follows close behind as everyone takes their time heading out to the dugout. I get a good shot of different groups and sit in the tunnel a few seconds after everyone has passed. Where is Nolan?

As soon as I ask myself that question, Nolan comes jogging around the corner. I snap a few pictures while he jogs past me. Nolan doesn’t even glance my way but that makes the picture look even better. I catch him midstride and the photo makes him look quite elegant. Once he jogs up the steps into the dugout, I stand up and stretch. Instead of going through the tunnel with the rest of them, I turn around and go back through the team locker room and out to find a new position in the stands. I want to get a few pictures of the team warming up, interacting with a few fans and just stretching before the game.

Before I leave the locker room, I grab the tripod and camera and shut off the video. I place everything in my little office then head out to find a place in the stadium. As I’m walking, I try to figure out the best time to set the tripod back up after the game. Obviously, the guys need some privacy in the locker room to change after the game but I also don’t want to miss any of the celebration.

“Hey, Scar!” Marcus’ voice booms down the hallway as I try to find the right elevator to get up into the stadium. I look up and grin when I see him heading my way.

“Marcus! Hey, how’s it going?” I meet him down the hallway and give him a quick hug, pulling my camera to the side so we don’t crush it.

“Great! It’s a beautiful day for a baseball game,” Marcus is bursting with pride.

“It sure is. I was just heading up to find a good spot in the stadium, are you free to join me?” I ask and Marcus obliges.

“Right this way, my dear,” Marcus gestures in the right direction and I’m glad because I could get lost down here.

I follow Marcus up into the stadium and he directs us to the spot he mentioned yesterday. Thankfully, the crowd parts when they see Marcus in his uniform. I follow closely behind him. The stadium is packed today and the sun is due to set within the hour. I want to find the perfect spot for sunset pictures on opening day.

“How does this spot look?” Marcus asks when we find a spot tucked away but with the perfect view. I lift my camera up and marvel at the view.

“This is perfect,” I say and then look around. “Are you sure I won’t be in anyone’s way?”

“Oh yeah, you’re fine here. You have your badge with you, don’t you?” Marcus looks at me and I fish for the badge in my fanny pack. I put the lanyard around my neck so it’s easier to see. “Yeah, keept that visible and you’ll be good to go. Did they give you a walkie?”

“No, I don’t think I’m that important,” I laugh and Marcus chuckles but unclips one of the walkies on his belt.

“Here you go, if you need anything or someone tries to kick you out of somewhere, just give me a shoutout and I’ll either come get you or I’ll vouch for you,” Marcus says and I nod, taking the walkie from him and clipping it onto my fanny pack.

“Thank you, Marcus. I doubt I’d be able to survive this job without you,” I say and Marcus laughs, feeling appreciated.

“Oh, don’t worry about it Ms. Scar. The more people you get to know, the easier this job gets. And right now, I know everybody. So if anyone gives you trouble, just tell them Marcus sent you,” Marcus winks at me. Then one of his other walkies goes off and he pats his hip. “Alright, I better get back to work. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Marcus. I’ll see you later,” I say and Marcus waves a goodbye before jogging off to aid whoever was on the other end of the call.

Once Marcus is gone, I perch myself on the ledge and take a lot of pictures as the sun goes down. The game starts off strong and my team looks great in the sunset. Carter is highlighted on the mound and I snap many pictures of him in different positions.

Toward the end of the game, there are people on first and third. Carter has been pulled out of the game and the closer is now in the game. I find Nolan along the first base line. He’s talking to the player currently on first base. I zoom in to get a closer shot of him. He’s got a sly grin on his face and it looks like he’s teasing the opponent. I capture a few pictures and while I’m looking through the lense, the crowd gets noisy. I see Nolan through the lense and he gets ready for a play. He jumps up high and catches the ball easily in his glove. I snap a lot of pictures, capturing each movement on a new frame. Then Nolan hurls the ball toward home plate. I snap pictures all the way into the catchers mitt.

“Out!” The umpire calls and the crowd goes wild. The game is officially over and my boys run out into the field to celebrate with the rest of their team. I take my time going back to the locker room, letting the boys enjoy their time before I barge in to record some of the private celebrations.

“Congratulations on your first win of the season, boys!” Mike shouts to get everyone’s attention. “As your manager, I take full credit for the win, of course.”

“So, how was your first Major League game?” Mark appears next to me, almost scaring me. Mike continues talking to his team as Mark talks to me. “Did you get enough pictures?”

“I took plenty of pictures and I have a few good videos as well. I got that last out perfectly. It was a great throw,” I say and Mark nods, looking over at Nolan who is halfway dressed in his street clothes and toweling off his wet hair.

“Alright, well I will let you all get dressed and out to your loved ones to celebrate the win. Don’t forget that we have practice tomorrow because we have another game in two days. So, what I am saying is, don’t go overboard tonight,” Mike comments and a couple of the guys jostle Carter, teasing him. “Congratulations and have fun tonight. And no, I won’t be joining you, so don’t ask.” With that Mike tips his cap to the group and leaves the locker room.

“I should probably go to give them some privacy here,” I say to Mark who nods in agreement.

“Yeah, I need to head back to the office. I’m normally out on the field but still have a desk just in case. And unfortunately, I do need it after the opening game. You going out with everyone tonight?” Mark asks as he digs in his pocket to find keys to the office.

“Um, yeah I think I will,” I say and Mark nods.

“Okay, maybe I’ll see you later,” Mark says and it’s my turn to nod. He hesitates for a second then heads back toward the elevator toward the offices in the stadium.

I make my way to my little office and shut myself in to work for a few minutes so I’m not the first one at the bar. I upload the footage from the tripod and fast forward through the video. I pause on Nolan’s pre game speech and watch at the normal speed. After a few minutes, there is a knock on the door to my office.

“Come in,” I say after a moment, wondering who it is.

“Hey,” Carter opens the door, coming fully into my little office. “Wow, your office is… well, you have a great view.” I laugh and lean back in my chair.

“Thank you, I quite agree. It is amazing,” I hold my arms out in a gesture to my four walls with zero windows. “So, what can I help you with?”

“Just seeing if you were heading out any time soon?” Carter moves behind my desk, getting very close to me because of how small the room is. “I can drive us,” Carter offers as he looks through the things on my shelf.

“I actually want to get a few more things done while I’m here but I’ll definitely head over after. Let me know if y’all end up going anywhere else after the bar,” I say because I know they like to move around to other locations to party.

“Okay, will do,” Carter says then he starts to head toward the door again. “Oh, hey. I don’t think I actually have your number.”

“Oh right,” I scribble my number down on a piece of paper and hand it to him. “There you are. Now, I don’t go handing out my number to just anybody so you better not lose that or give it to anyone else.” I laugh, teasing him and he waves the piece of paper in the air.

“Oh, this is precious cargo. Don’t worry about that. I know all of the guys on the team would want it but I’ll keep this under lock and key,” Carter teases and I laugh. “Alright, I will leave you to it. Whatever ‘it’ is.”

“See you in a few, Carter,” I give him a little wave as he leaves my office and shuts the door behind him.