Dropped Third Strike (Portland Pioneers #1) by Micah K Chaplin Page B
Authors: Micah K Chaplin
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her way to the lower levels where the fans were lined up to take a few pitches in the batting cages. Kids and adults alike were patiently waiting for their turn to feel like a big leaguer, even if only for just a few moments.
It was nice to see the ballpark occupied again. Pioneer Stadium was a gorgeous facility – the newest in the nation but designed with tradition and old school charm. She loved coming here every day. Even during the off-season, it was a beautiful place to work. It was even more special on days like today when the optimism and excitement about the team were likely the highest they’d be all season. There is nothing quite like the start of a new season. Everyone is undefeated and still a contender for the World Series. Sure, on paper there are always favorites, but in the time leading up to Opening Day, it feels like anything is possible and everyone has a chance. That optimism would begin to fade after game one, when only half of the teams in the leagues could still claim to be undefeated and the grind of a full season began to wear on everyone in the business. But for now, there was still hope.
Kate didn’t even try to contain her own smile as she took it all in. Days like today made the stressful offseason worth it, and they reminded her why she chose this career path. Being a GM required long hours, a thick skin, and a knowledge of stats and data that sometimes made her head hurt. Some would say she’d given up a lot for her job – romance, a family, and a home life – but, as she constantly stated, she wasn’t interested in those things anyway. Occasionally when she saw her sister’s children or kids at the ballpark, there were brief moments of wondering what her own children would be like. Then she remembered that her lifestyle didn’t even allow for a pet. Plants weren’t likely to survive her schedule either, so children were definitely out of the question.
Chapter Four
Kate was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice she was no longer standing alone. Well, she hadn’t technically been alone since she left her office, but she’d viewed everything from the perimeter, keeping to herself. She heard a throat clear a few feet away, and she shouldn’t have been surprised to look over to find Reid at her side. She should have sensed his proximity, but she didn’t, and she wondered how long he’d been standing there.
“Seems like a pretty good turnout,” he commented. “I’m used to New York crowds, but this is decent.”
She probably should have been slightly offended by his comparison, but she wasn’t. She was well-acquainted with the differences in fan counts among various franchises. She’d seen the good, the bad, and the ugly during her time in the business. The Pioneer fan base was steadily growing, but it was difficult with a new team, especially since Seattle was just three hours away. Many in the Pacific Northwest had adopted the Mariners when they were enfranchised in 1977. It was tough to break four decades of loyalty. Kate understood that and had encouraged stakeholders to be patient in drawing fans to the ballpark. Slowly, the Pioneers were attracting new fans and those seeking a team closer to home. Attendance went up a little with each passing season, and that’s all Kate could ask for at the moment.
“Maybe someday we’ll have New York crowds,” Kate said optimistically.
“That might be expecting a bit much given the population difference,” Reid said.
“Good point, but you can’t blame a girl for dreaming,” Kate said.
“It’s good to dream,” he agreed. “There are some great fans here anyway. I’ve had a lot of fun today.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” she said, smiling proudly. “I like to think we have the best fans in the majors.”
“They’re certainly the friendliest I’ve encountered in awhile,” Reid said. “None of them have cussed me out yet, so that’s a point in their favor.”
Even
It was nice to see the ballpark occupied again. Pioneer Stadium was a gorgeous facility – the newest in the nation but designed with tradition and old school charm. She loved coming here every day. Even during the off-season, it was a beautiful place to work. It was even more special on days like today when the optimism and excitement about the team were likely the highest they’d be all season. There is nothing quite like the start of a new season. Everyone is undefeated and still a contender for the World Series. Sure, on paper there are always favorites, but in the time leading up to Opening Day, it feels like anything is possible and everyone has a chance. That optimism would begin to fade after game one, when only half of the teams in the leagues could still claim to be undefeated and the grind of a full season began to wear on everyone in the business. But for now, there was still hope.
Kate didn’t even try to contain her own smile as she took it all in. Days like today made the stressful offseason worth it, and they reminded her why she chose this career path. Being a GM required long hours, a thick skin, and a knowledge of stats and data that sometimes made her head hurt. Some would say she’d given up a lot for her job – romance, a family, and a home life – but, as she constantly stated, she wasn’t interested in those things anyway. Occasionally when she saw her sister’s children or kids at the ballpark, there were brief moments of wondering what her own children would be like. Then she remembered that her lifestyle didn’t even allow for a pet. Plants weren’t likely to survive her schedule either, so children were definitely out of the question.
Chapter Four
Kate was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice she was no longer standing alone. Well, she hadn’t technically been alone since she left her office, but she’d viewed everything from the perimeter, keeping to herself. She heard a throat clear a few feet away, and she shouldn’t have been surprised to look over to find Reid at her side. She should have sensed his proximity, but she didn’t, and she wondered how long he’d been standing there.
“Seems like a pretty good turnout,” he commented. “I’m used to New York crowds, but this is decent.”
She probably should have been slightly offended by his comparison, but she wasn’t. She was well-acquainted with the differences in fan counts among various franchises. She’d seen the good, the bad, and the ugly during her time in the business. The Pioneer fan base was steadily growing, but it was difficult with a new team, especially since Seattle was just three hours away. Many in the Pacific Northwest had adopted the Mariners when they were enfranchised in 1977. It was tough to break four decades of loyalty. Kate understood that and had encouraged stakeholders to be patient in drawing fans to the ballpark. Slowly, the Pioneers were attracting new fans and those seeking a team closer to home. Attendance went up a little with each passing season, and that’s all Kate could ask for at the moment.
“Maybe someday we’ll have New York crowds,” Kate said optimistically.
“That might be expecting a bit much given the population difference,” Reid said.
“Good point, but you can’t blame a girl for dreaming,” Kate said.
“It’s good to dream,” he agreed. “There are some great fans here anyway. I’ve had a lot of fun today.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” she said, smiling proudly. “I like to think we have the best fans in the majors.”
“They’re certainly the friendliest I’ve encountered in awhile,” Reid said. “None of them have cussed me out yet, so that’s a point in their favor.”
Even
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