Before it All

You get there early, before anyone else.  You walk out on the field to get the feel of the dirt, to see if the chalk lines are perfectly white rows of powder.  You see if the bases are square, the dugouts cleaned.  To make sure that home plate is right there dusted off and ready to go.  The grass is green and no holes.  Your bag is hung, the bats out, your glove on the bench, and sunflower seeds stocked.  People start to arrive.  The rest of the team is there and you laugh and let loose ready to have fun and kick butt.  You warm up with you usual partner, the one that knows you so well that you both think the same thing when you stop throwing so your arm doesn't die.  You take a few swings, hear that crack, and look over to watch your opponents watch the ball as it soars.  You go back to the dugout, and your coach gives you the plan. 
PLAY BALL