[Carl Childress]

Here’s a play from a 5A high school game back in the day (May 7, 1985). The winner becomes the district champ. I’m at the plate. (I always have the plate.)

R1, R2. B1 singles to center. R2 tries to score. Throw to the plate, slide, cloud of dust, tag, eyelash play: “He’s out!” The catcher pops up and sees B1 heading for second. But his good throw is dropped by the second baseman. He retrieves the ball and sees R1 trying to score. Throw to the plate, slide, cloud of dust, tag, eyelash play: “He’s out!” F2 jumps up and sees B1 trying for third. His good throw is bobbled by the third baseman, and the ball rolls out toward short. B1, intent on his “inside-the-park home run,” heads for home. Throw to the plate, slide, cloud of dust, tag, eyelash play: “He’s out!” Bobby, the coach at third, runs to the plate. “Dammit, Carl!” he yells. “He was safe!” My equally loud response brought down the house: “Which one?”