“You….. you had a poster of that on your wall when we were kids. You always talked about that car.” Fiona exclaimed.
“Yep and now I have one. Or actually have had one for 3 years. Divorce present.” I said.
Fiona looked at me and just shook her head. Jess had already opened the door and climbed into the driver’s seat. I smiled at her before sticking my head in the driver’s window and was talking with Jess. I told her I was organising to have these all registered here and I wouldn’t be driving them until I did.
I looked across and could see Fiona looking at the other cars, so I got in with Jess and told her some of the details of the Ferrari. By the time we finished talking, I noticed Fiona had left the shed. Jess and I quickly put the covers back on the cars and jet ski’s before locking up. As we left the shed I called out and Fiona replied she was out near the barbecue.
The sun had faded from the sky, and night began to fall. Fiona was carrying things inside from the barbecue. I told her to leave those things.
“Why Adam? Do you have a maid to come and clean for you too?”
I shook my head. “No I don’t. I will clean those things up.” And smiled at her joke. Fiona had a strange look on her face.
We all chatted together in the kitchen for a while before Fiona piped up.
“I’m going to have to go to bed. It’s been a long day for me, I’ve been up since 4:30 this morning.”
Jess went and said goodnight to her mother and then I gave Fiona a hug and a kiss. She seemed strangely subdued as we hugged, before going to her room.
Jessica and I chatted together for another hour or so, as she wanted to see some of my playing memorabilia. After this she said goodnight I went to my room.
The next morning I was up early as usual and went for a run around my property as I did every day. Then I did some sprints around the improvised diamond I had in the far front corner of the property. When I finished these I walked back into the house through the garage.
Going into the kitchen I could see Fiona was already in there having a coffee. She looked across to me and gave a small smile. I went over and hugged her and she leant into the hug. I asked how she slept and she said not great as she was over tired and was thinking about work things from her meetings in Brisbane.
Just then Jessica came into the kitchen and I proceeded to fix breakfast for everyone. She asked what I was doing today and I replied I had little on until 4 pm when we had a team training and video session out at the field. Fiona said she had lots to do to be ready for work the following day and wanted to head home soon. We then arranged that I could take Jess back to University, allowing her to travel straight home.
We all said our goodbyes a short time later. Fiona hugged and kissed me, but she seemed somewhat distracted. Jessica and I waved goodbye from the front of the house as Fiona left.
“Mum’s acting very strange. Did you two have a fight or something?” Jess asked as we walked back inside.
“No we didn’t…… Come to think of it, she has been acting a little strange ever since we arrived here.”
“You’re right Adam. I wonder what’s wrong?”
“Perhaps she is just tired from the trip away and work.” I pondered out loud.
“I wouldn’t think so. She’s done that trip before….. I don’t know.” Jess replied.
A few hours later I took Jess back to University. She hugged me as she got out of the car.
“I’m off to the ballpark now. If you get the chance Jess please ring your Mum and see if you can find out what’s bothering her. I will ring her too later tonight.”
“Ok Adam. I will. Talk to you later.” She said before kissing me on the cheek and giving me a hug.
I travelled out to the ballpark and we had the video session and light workout. Our schedule for the week was announced, with another practice tomorrow afternoon, before a Tuesday morning flight to Melbourne, afternoon practice, Wednesday game at 4pm, them providing the game stayed to time, a 9pm flight back to Sydney that night to be ready for a Friday night game at home.
By the time I had arrived home it was after 8pm. I checked my phone and there was a message from Jess. She had spoken to Fiona who had insisted everything was alright. Fiona maintained she was just tired and overloaded with work stuff from her meetings. Jess still didn’t think her mother was being completely honest.
I rang Fiona shortly after and we chatted for a little while. She did sound very tired, but I still felt she was upset with me somehow. I asked her this and she said she wasn’t upset with me and everything between us was fine. I didn’t push the point.
**********
The next couple of days were busy for me with preparations for game 3 in Melbourne. We did message and chat a little when we could and Fiona still seemed to be somewhat distant from me as we spoke. Thoughts of why she was acting this way plagued my thoughts. Sitting in my hotel room on the Tuesday night in Melbourne I decided to ring her and find out once and for all what was going on.
Fiona answered and we chatted pleasantly for a couple of minutes. Fiona said she was fine, but ‘fine’ is never fine. I decided to come right out and say what was on my mind.
“Fiona, you’ve been acting strange ever since you came to my house. What’s going on?”
“Nothing….. I liked your house……”
“Well it feels like I have done something wrong. You aren’t talking to me or messaging me the way we were before you visited here…..”
“Adam….. Adam you’re different…. You’ve changed….”
This took me aback.
“How… How am I different?”
“You’ve changed……. I still see you…. As Adam from down the road. My friend from school who went and chased his dream…… Now you have this beautiful house, cars. You have a FERRARI Adam.”
I tried to reply, but no words would come out. I couldn’t believe what she was saying.
“You are different from the man I thought you were.” Fiona said quietly.
This totally threw me.
“So you think I’ve changed because of my house and my cars?”
“Yes…”
“But what about when I came to your house with Jess and I found out Jess was my daughter. Or when I took you out on our first real date? Or our second date? Am I different from when we spent that amazing night together Fiona?”
Fiona was quiet on the other end of the line.
“Yes I have a nice house and yes I do have a Ferrari. But I’m still the guy who went on those dates with you, who has an amazing time with you EVERTIME I see you. I get excited even when I get a message from you. You mean everything to me Fiona. You really do.”
“Oh Adam…..”
I took a breath. I realised this was Fiona’s hang up and not mine.
“Fiona, I’m me. I’m Adam, the guy you’ve known since you were 10 years old. Yes I’m older, but I’m still me. I’m still the guy who was your best friend, who went and saw you dance and play sport, who shared the most unbelievable experience with you before I left for college. It was an experience that thankfully brought me back to you all these years later. I’m still the guy who you wanted to go out with when we reconnected…. I’m the guy who is still mad about you….”
I sighed. I wished we were having this conversation face to face so I could see Fiona’s face, just to see if I was getting through to her.
“I think you need to think about this Fiona. I haven’t been this happy in a long time, having you as my girlfriend. I hope I can make you happy too.”
I could hear Fiona sniffling a little. Looking across at the clock it was now after midnight and I needed sleep.
“Fiona I will speak to you today later. I have to get some sleep. I have a big day today….. Goodnight Fiona.”
“Good night Adam.” She sniffled before we hung up.
I couldn’t believe she was hung up on my house and cars. I went and took a shower to clear my head before going to bed.
************
I woke the following morning after a less than perfect night’s sleep. I put my running shoes on to go for a short run to get the blood pumping and the body moving before the big day. I returned to my hotel room and had a shower. Changing to go down to breakfast I saw a message pop up on my phone. My heart raced when I saw it was from Fiona.
‘Hi Adam. I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting the last few days. You were right. It was my hang ups. I have never been happier than I have been with you. I want to keep seeing you. I won’t explain everything now, but I will when I see you in person. I will be watching this afternoon, wanting to see my bf win today, so I can see him and his team win the title in person on Saturday. Can’t wait to see you and be in your arms again Adam xxx’
Sitting back on the bed I was so relieved. Part of me thought Fiona was going to break up with me. Seeing that she still wanted to see me made my heart soar. I knew then it was going to be a good day.
That afternoon’s game was the toughest of the whole season. It was tight throughout. Runs were hard to come by, defence ruled the game. We led after scoring 2 runs in the fourth. Melbourne got one back in the fifth. Both pitchers were dominating and it was close.
By the bottom of the eighth it was still a one run game. Our starter Peterson had thrown long into this game but was now tiring. He allowed 2 hits on his first two pitches moving runners to first and second. Manager Tim came out to the mound and brought in our closer Rogers. Looking around I could see the tension on our players faces. The noise in the ballpark was rising as the crowd were getting into the game.
Their pitcher Ward was at bat, and the field moved in as he wasn’t a good hitter. Rogers pitched and the batter cracked a shot towards me. I moved to my right thinking I was a chance at a catch, but it bounced just before me. I scooped the ball and instinct took over. Lunging across I stepped on third base, turned and threw a good throw to second, right on the base. Our second baseman, Pete, stepped on the base in time then released the throw to first, beating out the batter scampering up the first base line. It was a classic ‘5-4-3’ triple play, getting us out of the inning with our slender lead intact.
This energised our team, and deflated the Victorians. The lower half of our order knocked in a couple of runs in the last before we sat their batters down in order to win 4-1. When the final out happened the team huddled up together. Even though it was a great win and we were all excited, to a man we were all focused on getting the one more win we needed to take the title.
We then raced off the field, showered and changed before catching the bus to the airport. We finished just before 7pm and were at the airport by 8pm for the 9pm flight home. I had messages from Fiona and Jess congratulating me on the win. Fiona asked me what time I was going to be home as she couldn’t wait to talk to me. I told her I was expecting to be home by 11pm.
Jess also congratulated me, not only on the win, but turning her mother around. She said Fiona seemed really happy today when they spoke. I replied that we had made up and Fiona wanted to talk to me more tonight.
By the time the flight arrived in Sydney and we bussed back to our ground to pick up our cars it was 10:40pm. I messaged Fiona and let her know I was nearly at my house and she said she couldn’t wait to talk to me.
As I approached home, the tiredness of the long day started to make its presence felt. Driving down my road the phone rang. It was Fiona.
“Adam are you nearly home? I can’t wait to talk with you properly.”
“Yes Fiona. I’m nearly there. I’m just coming around the bend in the road and…. Hang on a second. There is a car out the front of my place.”
The car flashed its headlights.
“Guess who?” Fiona said with a laugh.
As I pulled the car up at the front gate I asked “What are you doing here?” with excitement in my voice.
“I couldn’t wait to see you Adam.”
“Well come in.”
I drove down to the garage and Fiona followed me. As I parked my car and got out, Fiona pulled up outside the garage. She hopped out of her car and ran over to me. Her arms wrapped around me and mine around her. We kissed and held each other as close as we could. Fiona smothered me in kisses and I returned them with passion.
She moved her face back from mine and looked into my eyes.
“I couldn’t wait to see you Adam. I missed you so much.” Fiona said. She kissed me again and leant back. I moved her hair away from her face. Her gaze fell for a second before she looked back into my eyes. Her arms seemed to hold me a little tighter.
“I love you Adam.” She said clearly, with a little sigh afterwards.
“I love you too Fiona. So, so much.”
The smile on my face was wide, matching the one on Fiona’s face. We kissed again, relaxing into each other’s arms. This kiss was long, slow, and deeply connecting. When we came up for air Fiona looked into my eyes again.
“I think we should go inside Adam.”
“Oh yes… Do you want me to get your things?”
“The only thing I want is you Adam.”
I kissed Fiona again, our lips locking and tongues seeking the other. Fiona ground her hips against me and I grabbed her bum and pulled her even closer to me. She began to moan as we kissed. Moving apart slightly from the kiss I released my hold on her beautiful bum and took her hand. We then proceeded into my home.
We kissed our way right through the house, hands roaming over each other. We almost tripped many times, but neither wanted to let the other go. Somehow Fiona and I managed to stumble into my room and fall onto the bed. Lying beside each other on the bed only inflamed the situation. Our kisses and caresses somehow became even more urgent. Any tiredness I had felt driving home had now disappeared.
I was now extremely aroused and Fiona had her hand firmly gripping me over my jeans. My hands were full with her beautiful breasts, caressing her over her t-shirt. Love and lust built up inside me. I wanted the woman I loved more than ever. Fiona fumbled with the button at the top of my jeans but she managed to get this undone. I slithered out of these, still kissing her and she did the same, whipping her jeans off in a fluid motion.
I slipped my arm around her waist and pulled her tight against me. My erection was rubbing against the front of her panties, as we continued to kiss and cuddle. I slid my hand down her back, under her bottom of her t-shirt and into the back of her panties. I was caressing her beautiful bottom and kissing her neck. She had her hand down the front of my boxer shorts, stroking my rock hard erection.
Everything had become a bit more urgent. She was moaning and groaning, as I slipped my hand around to the front of her panties and began to gently caress between her legs. I slid my hand right down the front of her panties, and could feel the light covering of hair above her sex. Moving down a little further I could feel her clitoris was already hard, and very sensitive to my touch. She groaned loudly in my ear and held me tightly against her as I touched her.
I slid my hand down lower and gently slipped a finger inside her womanhood. She was very wet and I felt her kisses become more frantic as my finger slid inside her.
“Ohhh Adam, that is soooo good.” She panted in my ear. Her stroking of my excitement increased in intensity.
I moved up and kissed her, before moving my way down her body. She was now on her back and my fingers took hold of the sides of her panties. I began to remove them and Fiona arched her hips and lifted her bum, allowing them to come off. I put them on the floor and her legs fell open. She looked at me with arousal and love written all over her face.
Smiling at the love of my life I proceeded between her legs where I kissed my way up her inner thigh. Fiona immediately grabbed my head and pulled me to her sex. My tongue opened her slick lips, tracing all the way up before lavishing attention to her stimulated clit. Fiona’s hips bucked the instant I touched her. She moaned and groaned as I tasted and teased her excitement. She held my head, guiding me where she wanted me to excite her.
Just then she pushed against my head.
“Stop Adam. Stop a second.” She grunted.
With those words I lifted my head up and Fiona sat up. She threw off her t-shirt and quickly unfastened her bra. She released her gorgeous breasts from their confines. My hands reached out and felt her breasts. Her nipples were already hard and she squirmed with obvious pleasure as I firmly, but lovingly played with them.
I quickly followed her lead, taking off my boxer shorts and t-shirt. She grabbed my erection and continued to stroke it before rolling me onto my back. With a lustful look in her eye she lowered her mouth down and licked the tip of my erection. I throbbed in her hand as she toyed with the head. Moving her tongue a string of pre-cum stretched up to her lips. Fiona licked and put this inside her mouth with a smile.
She then licked from base to tip as I groaned my approval, before taking me in her mouth. Fiona teased and sucked on my impossibly hard member. I could feel every move she made and I couldn’t help but moan in absolute pleasure. Looking down I could see her free hand was moving between her legs. Seeing her enjoying this too only made me more excited. Fiona could tell I was getting close, so she slowly raised her mouth off me. Her grin filled her face.
I lay still as she manoeuvred herself so that she was straddling me. Her hand grasped my now throbbing cock to the entrance of her vagina. She slid me against her folds, up to her clitoris and all around her opening, smearing my pre-cum and her juices everywhere.
Fiona climbed onto me and her eyes never left mine. I slid most of the way inside her and she grunted and groaned loudly. She rose back up and adjusted her position slightly, before sliding all the way onto me. I groaned and began thrusting almost as soon as she was on me.
She leant forward and kissed me and I held her close to me. I stopped thrusting and kissed her deeply.
“Oh god I love you Fi.”
“I love you my Adam” she replied, as she managed to tighten herself around me
Our tongues intertwined as we kissed and I began to thrust again. Our movements became a bit more intense, a bit quicker. Her long caramel hair fell down over my face as she ground her hips against me, moving with the motions of my thrusting. I could feel her breasts rubbing against my chest, as she began to bite my neck in enjoyment.
It was passionate, frantic but loving. To share our love in this manner was so much more intense than I thought it would be. Our loins were slapping together with that satisfyingly squelchy sound. Fiona’s groans and movements encouraged my efforts.
It was all getting too much. The familiar rumblings were happening, and I knew I was going to cum soon.
“Ohhhh baby, I’m gonna cum, I’m gonna cum.”
“Muunnngh, yes Adam, yes. Cum inside me. I want you inside me.” She grunted in my ear.
That set me off. I came and came hard. Rope after rope surged out of me as I thrust into her. She groaned and started to buck her hips really fast. She sat up on me and squealed loudly, her eyes opening wide as she experienced her own orgasm.
“Ohhhh God Adammmmm….. cummmmmmingggg unrghhhhh”
We both continued thrusting and bucking as our orgasms took hold. I finished cumming what seemed like a never ending stream into her womanhood. Fiona’s face was contorted in pleasure as she continued to rock her hips on me, milking my orgasm and continuing hers. Shortly she collapsed forward onto me, her forehead resting against mine.
She was panting as her beautiful blue eyes looked into mine. I moved my hand and brushed her hair away from her face. We kissed and she wrapped her arms around my neck and head. My arms held her close. Intense didn’t even come close to explaining how close we felt. We lay there revelling in sharing our love, as my erection slowly subsided within her. I slipped out of her involuntarily, as we continued to kiss after our exertions.
As we came down from our orgasmic high, Fiona moved across and lay her head on my shoulder and chest. I wrapped an arm around her as I leant down and kissed her head. Fiona sighed and snuggled in a little closer.
“This is perfect Adam. I don’t think I want to move.”
“I don’t want you to move…… I don’t ever want you to be away from me.”
Fiona looked up and smiled.
“Me either. I love you so much Adam.”
“I love you too Fiona.”
Fiona turned her head back to its original spot and absent-mindedly traced her fingertips over my chest. We lay like this for seemingly a long time. I could have lay there like that forever. Fiona moved slightly against me.
“Adam…. I’m sorry for how I…… acted the other day.” She said quietly.
She looked back up at me and I leant down and kissed her on the lips.
“You definitely weren’t acting like yourself Fi.”
“I know………. I just couldn’t believe it when I saw you, my friend Adam who I’ve known since I was 10, in this beautiful house and with a Ferrari…… I still saw you as ‘Adam from up the street’ and not as a grown man who has a successful career…… It just threw me totally off course.”
“I could tell.” I replied, trying to be deadpan with my answer.
Fiona looked at me and laughed.
“But you said it yourself when we spoke on the phone. You are the same wonderful guy I’ve always known….. It was just me…. I don’t know if I was trying to deny my feelings….. Or if I was trying to protect myself……”
I was stroking Fiona’s back as she spoke, making sure we were close. I started to speak.
“Fiona you don’t need to protect yourself. I’m never going to let go of you again ever. I love you and I’m never going to leave you again.”
“And I’m never leaving you Adam. I love you.”
*************
Fiona stayed with me for the next 4 days. She wanted to see everything I did, wanting to know everything about my life as a professional baseball player. I trained, worked out, ran, did my own batting practice and she was there with me. Having her in my home made me realise that while my house was excellent, it was a home when she was there.
By the time she left to pick up Jess to watch game 4 on Friday, we were already talking about ways to merge our lives together permanently. She was trying to work out how to move down with me as we didn’t want to be apart any more.
I was on the field warming up when I saw Fiona and Jess arrive at the ground. They were both wearing my Blue Sox playing jersey’s, ones I had worn earlier in the season. I broke away from warm ups and went to greet them. Jess was so excited.
“Adam, Mum has been telling me all about your plans, that is so great, you two are so great together, I love you both.” She babbled quickly as we hugged. As she looked at me I could see tears in her eyes.
Fiona gave me a hug and kiss. She looked into my eyes as she moved her face back.
“Go and win that game today.” She said in a serious tone.
“Yes Sweetheart. I will.” I said with a wink.
We kissed again before I went and re-joined my teammates warming up. The mood amongst our team was focussed. Manager Tim spoke to us all individually as we warmed up, making sure our heads were in the right place.
We hit the field in the top of the first. The very parochial crowd were cheering our every move. We sat the top of the Victorians order down in order after only 7 pitches. Our starter Jacobs was on fire.
Our turn at the plate saw our two lead off batters both get on base, a hit and a walk. I came out in the 3 slot and after taking a ball and a strike I knocked a ball into the right field corner for a stand up double and 2 RBI’s. The crowd were cheering like mad. Looking across to our dugout I could see our team patting our batters on the back and clapping, but no exuberant celebrations. Just above the dugout I could see Fiona and Jess cheering and clapping. I smiled across at them, but kept my head in the game.
Jared came up next and cracked the first pitch into the Victorian’s bullpen for a home run. I gave a small fist pump as I saw the ball disappear over the fence. I waited at home plate for Jared to round the bases. We grabbed hands briefly and hugged.
“Keep going. No let up.” I yelled over the noise of the crowd.
“Fight till the end.” Jared yelled back, before we went to the dugout.
Before heading into the dugout to accept the pats on the back I looked up to Fiona and Jess. They were both cheering and clapping loudly. I gave them a wink before going to join my teammates. Fiona later said she had never seen me so intense while playing as at that moment.
The game itself was for all intents and purposes over by that stage. We had completely taken the wind out of the Victorian’s sails and they seemed to have lost their fight. Jacobs had only two hits off 7 and 1/3 innings pitched and no runs. Our defence seemed to be everywhere the Victorian’s hit the ball. The Victorian’s got on the board in the top of the 8th with a solo shot of our reliever Williams. By then the damage had already been done.
I ended up with 3 hits and a walk from 4 at bats, with 4 RBI’s, as we put 12 runs on the board to their solitary score.
Anticipation was trying to be kept in check in the top of the ninth. The bench were all up on the rail cheering us and the crowd were ready to erupt. Our closer Webb went to work and with a strike out and a shallow centre-field fly ball sat down the first two hitters quickly. Looking around I tried to take it all in. I could see my teammates all bouncing on edge. They were all willing the ball to come their way.
Webb put two strikes on the batter after two pitches. He threw the next pitch and everything seemed to go in slow motion. The hitter chopped the ball almost straight back to Webb. He grabbed the ball in his glove and ran towards first. The batter headed up the base line and Webb underarmed the ball to Raphael at first. With my arms raised above my head and I screamed “YES!!!” as Raphael caught the ball and touched the base. We did it.
The next few minutes were a blur. I ran cross to first and jumped on the pile of teammates that were already there. Hugs, handshakes, back slapping, high fives, heart felt congratulations. Some of my team were genuinely overcome and more than a few tears were shed. I sought out my closest mates on the team and our hugs meant so much. Manager Tim sought me out and we hugged. The boys then huddled up and we chanted our team song before spreading out and went to all corners of the ground, soaking in the excitement from our fans.
We made our way back to home plate and Manager Tim and I were presented with the Claxton Shield trophy for winning the ABL. As we held the trophy aloft the team joined us and showered us with champagne. It was truly a moment to savour.
The crowds began to head out of the ground but we weren’t going anywhere. Our family and friends came onto the field to share in our success. Fiona and I hugged and kissed and she said she was so proud of me. Jess hugged me and said she was proud of me too. My girls stayed there with me long into the night as we celebrated.
We celebrated as a team with our families and friends long into the night. I was still in my uniform as I hadn’t even wanted to change clothes. Sharing this moment with Fiona and Jess meant the world to me. As the night wore on I noticed Jess was over talking with Jared. She seemed really interested in what he was saying judging by how close she was standing to him. I turned Fiona’s attention to where Jess was.
“I don’t know if I want our daughter going out with a ball player.” I said, with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek.
Fiona put her arm around me and smiled before kissing me.
“Oh I don’t see why not. It turned out alright for me.”
************
August
My cleats made that wonderful ‘clickety-clack’ noise as I stepped out of the dugout. The sights were so familiar to me, but different at the same time. I had climbed those stairs many times at Fenway Park but today though was special. I was not wearing a Red Sox Jersey, nor that of any other MLB team. I was in my Sydney Blue-Sox jersey.
As a reward for our team winning the Australian Baseball League title, the owners had arranged for the team to fly to America to play against the AAA rated Worcester Red Sox in an Exhibition game at Fenway Park. This game was taking place early in the afternoon before the Red Sox played that night against the Orioles.
For the majority of the Blue Sox players this was the opportunity of a lifetime to play in a Major League Stadium. For me though it was that one final chance I never thought I’d have. It was a chance to share what my life had been like with my amazing girlfriend and my wonderful daughter.
In the preceding six months a lot had changed in my life. Fiona had moved in with me and we were living a wonderful life together. She organised a transfer of her work to a relatively close Sydney branch. With Jess living down here on campus for University there was nothing tying Fiona to living in Newcastle. Having her in my house made it home and we merged our households seamlessly. She truly was the love of my life.
Jess loved having her mother closer and our relationship grew and grew. She was a truly wonderful girl I was immensely proud of. She dated Jared for a little while, but that relationship fizzled out. Jess didn’t want to be tied down and wanted to live out her dreams. Fiona and Jess both made the trip over with the team to Boston and I loved showing them around the town I called home for nearly 2 years. I showed them where I lived, some of the places I liked to visit, restaurants I liked.
For me I thought the title winning game would be my last. I couldn’t think of ending my career on a better note. I arranged with the Blue Sox to join their coaching staff for the next 3 seasons. Baseball had been my life and to be able to share my knowledge with younger players was the least I could do to give back to my sport.
We played the game against Worcester, acquitting ourselves well against a clearly better team. We lost 6-3 but played well. I even managed to knock one off the ‘monster’ for a double which was very enjoyable. There were only a handful of fans there, as well as our family and friends who had travelled over with us to see us play. As the game was wrapping up a few of the big leaguers were sticking their heads out of the dugout to see what was happening. I said hello to many of them and introduced some of my Blue Sox teammates to them.
After the game finished, we showered and changed into fresh jerseys. We were all staying for the big league game afterwards as we were to be presented to the crowd before the game started. Our families were all in great seats near the Red Sox dug out and my team was taken down under the stands to the gateway beside the ‘Green Monster’ to wait to be presented. Standing altogether, everyone was chattering about how great it was to play here, how much fun we had experienced on the trip.
Someone from the Red Sox management came over and grabbed myself and Jared aside. We were asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the game. Instantly nerves hit me. Our manager Tim joined me. He had a Blue Sox Jersey over his Red Sox jersey, as he was coaching Third base in today’s game for the Red Sox.
The ground announcer came over the PA.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please turn your attention to the big screen. Last winter for the first time, the Boston Red Sox had a team in the Australian Baseball League. This team, the Sydney Blue Sox, played a great season, finishing the league on top, before defeating the Melbourne Victorians, to take the ABL title.” As the announcer was speaking highlights of our season were being shown on the screen.
“Today, we would like to welcome the Sydney Blue Sox to the Fenway Park. Carrying the Claxton Shield trophy are their manager, our Third Base coach Tim Beaufort and Captain, former Red Sox third baseman, Adam Maxwell.”
With that they opened the gates and the roar of the crowd hit us. We walked down the field, waving to the fans. I could see some of my teammates had their phones out and were filming our walk. Arriving at the diamond we shook hands with the Red Sox Owners and they presented us all with Championship rings, something we didn’t know was going to happen.
Jared and I then went and threw the first pitches out and thankfully mine hit the catcher’s glove with some force and was reasonably on target. We were all then shown to our seats. Fiona and Jess were so excited after seeing the ceremony and that I got to throw the first pitch. I gave the ball to Jess and kissed her on the cheek.
Sitting there I could finally relax as we chatted and watched the game. The girls truly enjoyed the experience of watching a big league game live for the first time. We ate hot dogs, booed, cheered, sang ‘Sweet Caroline’ and had a great time. The Sox won an easy game 9-2 over the Orioles. As the game was finishing an usher came and told us to stay in our seats after the game. I smiled as I knew what was going on.
When the game finished and the MLB players left the field, we were all shown out onto the field, Blue Sox players, families and friends. This was supposed to have happened after our game earlier, but our game ran a little late. We all gathered together and had pictures taken. Everyone was allowed to roam around the field for 15 minutes, just sharing in the experience. Players and families stood at home plate, on the bases, out in the outfield, sharing with their loved ones why we played the game. Everyone was doing their thing.
I took Fiona and Jess over to third base. I showed them where I stood, took pictures of them, of us together. Looking across at Jess I caught her eye and smiled. She grinned at me and lifted her phone. I went and took Fiona’s hand and went to third base. She looked at me wondering what I was doing, as I dropped to one knee on the third base, taking a ring box out of my pocket. Instantly she giggled and started to cry.
“Fiona I have loved you since I was 10 years old. You have been my best friend, my lover, mother of our daughter. Now I’m asking you to be something else, something I have wanted for longer than I realised. Fiona will you marry me?”
Fiona had her hand over her mouth and her face was scrunched up in tears. She was nodding her head vigorously, before her hand came away from her mouth.
“Yes Adam, yes.”
I stood up and we kissed and hugged. I could vaguely hear the cheers of everyone else there on the ground with us. Jess came over in tears too and we all hugged together.
Now we were truly a family.