I smirk as Landon stomps off back to their dugout, knowing this is likely game over.
The crowd is going wild now. The towels are being whipped around, making it a sea of blue and orange.
A bittersweet feeling passes through me at the sight, knowing I’ll never see it from this point of view again.
I give Pauly a signal for a sinker, one the hitter makes a connection with, but sends it flying back into the stands, counting as a foul ball.
The crowd grows louder, making it so that I can’t even hear myself think. My entire body is vibrating from the energy, and when I release a changeup, the crowd goes silent as the ball is hit into center field.
I turn and watch in trepidation as the ball flies over me and my right fielder jumps to make the catch before it hits the ground.
Game over.
And the crowd goes wild.
I nearly black out as bodies slam into mine, the boys shouting and going nuts as they celebrate.
Once the dog pile disbands, I remain on the mound, soaking in the crowd for one last time.
I wave to fans around the stadium as they scream my name, saying my goodbye. On the mound for the last time, I take a bow.When I move back upright, the energy has changed. Instead of fans losing their mind over us winning, there’s a slow clap that’s started and everyone’s chanting my name.
I think they’ve caught on, and this is their send-off.
Putting my glove over my heart, I take it in as they cheer my name.
As I walk off the mound, I wave around to fans until I reach the dugout where I expect the guys to be getting rowdy with champagne. But I don’t. Instead, what I find is my teammates lined up, looking forlorn.
Coach Tran is the first to speak, having been the only person I told. “Hell of a last game.”
“Thank you, Coach, and for everything.”
He nods as he grips my shoulder.
“It’s been an honor to watch you play, Quentin. Thank you for what you’ve done for this team.” Coach Tran puts his hand out, and I shake it.
I make my way through the team, hugging and talking as I go down the line until I reach Pauly, Cole, Ryker, and Ian.
“What the fuck, Q? You wait until we win to tell us? Now I don’t even want to celebrate,” Cole whines, being dramatic.
“Well… I’m still going to party hard, but I am pissed off. Why didn’t you say anything?” Pauly grumbles.
“Yeah, what the fuck?” Ryker says as he crosses his arms.
Ian remains silent, waiting for me to respond.
“I didn’t want you guys to worry about anything but playing. No one else knew besides Teagan and Coach.”
“This is why kids ruin everything,” Cole mutters, earning a glare from Ryker and me. “I’m kidding, relax.” Cole throws his hands up.
“I’m proud of you, brother. That’s a hard choice to make, but if you feel like you’re done, then go out on your terms,” Ryker says, and his support means a lot.
“Yeah, Ryker’s got a point,” Pauly chimes in. “Let’s go get drunk now. We’ll be sad about Quentin leaving later,” he says to Cole, who agrees, and they make their way to the locker room.
Camille appears from the same hallway, running right into Ryker’s arms. “You did it!”
Ryker kisses her and I look away, giving them their moment.
And fuck I wish Teagan were here so I could do the same. But knowing she’s home and resting is almost better because her and the baby’s safety is everything to me.
