Lt. Robin Hopper: Coaching From The Sidelines
Robin Hopper
((Holodeck Recreation of Aldrin Arena Multi-Spot Stadium, Holodeck 2 – Amity Outpost))
As they received their snacks, Robin turned to John and raised her plastic cup in a little ‘cheers’ gesture – being careful not to spill it – and took a sip. As she did, a rousing song began to play indicating that play would be starting soon.
Hopper: Alright! Ready to root-root-root for the home team?! ::Grinning::
Carter: Absolutely:: Looking into the outfield:: Looks like everyone is warmed up. The fun is about to begin…
Robin set her hard iced tea down in the cupholder to her left, then stuck her paper-wrapped soft pretzel into the one on her right so she could clap her hands and holler enthusiastically.
Hopper: Wooo!!! Go Spacers! ::Grinning:: Alright, time to see what all the fuss is about!
She watched, intrigued, as a man in a black-and-blue outfit, who didn’t appear to be playing for either team – a referee perhaps? – walked up to the home base and dusted it off. He pointed to the pitcher, evidently signaling something, because the pitcher nodded back and got onto his pile of dirt in the middle of the diamond. The music began to ramp up, as did the roaring crowd.
Carter: Now, it begins…
Hopper: ::Chuckling:: Oh my god, I love how dramatic it is.
Behind the plate, although barely audible over the hubbub of the crowd, was the referee’s call of "play ball!" The batter stepped up to the base, taking a few swings at the air before stepping in...
Hopper: What’s he doing? Trying to psych out the pitcher?
Carter: Making sure he is good and loose before he swings…
Robin looked at John and nodded, sheepishly. Perhaps she’d been getting a little too into it.
Hopper: Right. Yeah. That makes sense.
She took another large sip of her iced tea. By the time she’d put it down, something had happened – and she’d missed it. The referee shouted “Steeerike one!” And she looked rapidly back-and-forth between John and the pitcher, as the catcher behind home base tossed the ball back to him.
Hopper: Wait. What? What happened?
Carter: He started out with a curve ball....
Hopper: How could you tell? ::Wide-eyed:: It was so fast.
Carter: His release and arm angle, plus his grip. Pitchers try to deceive the batter as to what pitch they were going to throw
She shook her head, baffled.
Hopper: Ho-ly… I’m gonna need to pay closer attention. ::Squinting:: So in theory he ought to do something different this time?
Carter: Response
As if cued by the counselor’s words, the pitcher quickly wound up and released another throw straight down the middle. The ball moved so fast, she could hardly see it – and the batter seemed to struggle similarly as well, getting his bat out only fast enough for the ball to glance off it with a little “krick” sound. The ball then bounced off the caging behind the home base.
This time, the referee didn’t say anything, but made some sort of gesture.
Hopper: Was that a strike? He hit it, didn’t he? And the pitcher – he threw a fastball that time, right?
Carter: Response
Hopper: ::Nodding along:: Gotcha…
There was a brief pause as the batter inspected his equipment, deciding to swap the bat for another one – perhaps that little ‘krick’ had damaged it. As they waited, another little ditty played over the stadium speakers. Robin took the opportunity to learn a little more about Carter – seeing as she really only knew him professionally.
Hopper: Hey, um, thanks for coming along and doing this. I wasn’t sure you’d agree.
Carter: Response
Hopper: Does it get weird? You know, making friends with the people you actively counsel? I can see how it would… Or maybe it’s better that way – you feel like you really get to know them properly. What’s your take?
Carter: Response
TBC
