The Big Upset
When I found out that I was going to be the starting pitcher in the playoff games, I was really excited. I had been playing ball all my life, but never had I gotten to start off an important series like that!
When I got home from practice, my mom had already been home for a couple of hours. I excitedly told her the news the second I came through the door. She was so happy for me! When I told her that I was the starting pitcher, she started crying and gave me the biggest hug. I couldn’t tell if that was vodka tonics talking or what, but she sounded genuinely happy for me. I posted the game schedule on the refrigerator and she promised to be there.
My mom always promised to see me play, but then she’d never show. Afterwards, I’d usually find her sleeping on the couch or in her bed, and she’d say “I’m so sorry Alex, I must have fallen asleep, it was a busy day today.” It sure looks like she had been busy, busy drinking. I swear there was an empty vodka bottle in the trash every other day. But she’s my mom and I love her, so I tried not to let it bother me. Since my dad left, it’s always been just her and me, and I know that it’s tough on her. No matter what though, she was always my biggest supporter and my biggest fan, even if she was a little flakey.
The night of the game I went up on the mound and began practice pitching. I looked into the crowd and saw where my friends were sitting. I thought I saw my mom walking around. The umpire called for the game to start and I couldn’t be happier! My mom had finally made it! Once the game got going, I tried not to focus on the crowd. I think it was the top of the 2nd inning when I looked over and saw an empty seat next to my friends. I figured my mom got up and went to the bathroom or something, and didn’t think much more about it. But then the bottom of the 2nd inning came and went, and the seat was still empty. Then the 3rd, 4th and 5th innings went by, and she still wasn’t back. I threw a fastball in the bottom of the 6th that popped out foul, and I watched it hit the visitors’ bleachers. That’s when I saw the woman I thought was my mom…It wasn’t her, she just resembled her.
I keep replaying the night in my head and think that maybe I wanted her to be there so bad, I made myself believe I saw her? And that’s why I thought the other lady was her. I dunno. You’d think by now I’d be used to her not coming. But I’m not. The only thing I do know for sure is that the disappointment never gets any easier.
Alex, 18, North Ridgeville