Diamond no Ace : Tsubayoshi Jiro

"STRIKE OUUTT!" The umpire said signalling the end of the game. We are in the middle of the qualifying round to know who's going to represent the National league in world series championship.

"That's it folks! Alexander Sanchez throws his signature high-speed forkball to sealed the game! Giving his team the ticket for the world series championship game!" The announcer said as we celebrated our victory.

"Hahahah we did it!"

"We beat those angels hahaha"

"See that angels guys?!"

We heard our team fans saying things with the crazed look at their faces. We just laughed it off. I don't know what I'm feeling right now I am happy for the team since we won the ticket for world series but I can't help but look at the mound that I once longed to stand at too, until now there's still part of me that covets the right to stand at that place.

I'm Tsunabayoshi Jiro, 30 years old and I'm the assistant coach for the Hornets team.

"Jiro we did it! Hahaha after 8 years we're finally going to step foot at world series field again" Our head coach said, Coach Anderson.

"Yes coach, congratulations. " I said looking at him then looking at the mound once more feeling mixed emotions inside holding my left shoulder.

"I don't know what you're feeling inside Jiro but if you want to talk about it I'm always here alright?" Coach Anderson said looking at me with a reassuring smile plastered on his face. I felt better after that since I know that he means it, Coach Anderson is like a father figure to me since I grow up as an orphan.

"Thank you coach but it's okay we should be happy today so don't mind me" I said to him as I smiled at him. He goes inside after that since he's needed their for the interview and I was left alone at our bench but after awhile I decided to go now too.

As I walk my way in the hallway towards the team thoughts like 'what if I didn't injure my shoulder can I stood there too?' is running inside my head. Regret and self pity took over me once again but I make sure to never display it in my facial expression in front of others as I see them packing their stuffs now.

After packing everything the team decided to head back to the hotel where we are staying but some decided not to board our bus as they have different plans which our coach give them consent but saying that they should return tomorrow morning in the hotel.

As we are about to board the bus I walk my way towards coach since I plan to be alone for now, I want to sort out my thoughts.

"Coach I won't be coming back with the team, I want to be alone for now" I said to him which he sent me a knowing look before giving me his consent.

"Okay Jiro"

"Thank you coach" I said to the old man and decided to wait for their bus to go away before walking to a park near here.

I found a vacant bench in the park where I decided to sit and look around to clear my mind but out of the corner of my eye I see a baseball rolling towards me and a blonde kid with clear blue eyes running for it.

I stand up and take the baseball waiting for the kid to give it back to him.

"Here kid, take it" I said handing him the ball he's about 9 years old base on his looks.

"Thank you Mr heheh" the kid said to me with a bright smile, as he was about to go back he suddenly stop and look back at me.

"Can we play catch Mr?"

"Sorry kid, I ca-"

"Pleaseee, I have no one to play with here" he said before I could decline him he cut me off showing a pitiful look on his face.

I chuckled, "Okay let's go"

I play with the kid until the sun is about to go down so I decided to tell him he should go home. We talked around and I learned that he live around the area.

"Goodbye Mr. , Thank you for today! I'll become the best pitcher in the world in the future so I'll appear on TV wait for it heheh" the kid said cheekily to me. I can't help but remember when I was his age since I'm blabbing things like that too in the past.

"Okay kid! I'll wait for you to appear on TV" I said to him as I see him run off laughing happily. I decided to head back to the hotel now since I've sorted out my thoughts already but I notice the kid baseball hat on the bench so I decided to pick it off and run after the kid.

I shouted at him but he didn't hear me. Damn this midget making me exhausted like this.

As I'm near him I saw him crossing the road alone there's no people at this area so he heard me this time since there's no more noise around.

As he stop on his tracks and look back at me, I showed him the hat and look of realization dawned on his cute face.

I walk towards him but I notice a very fast red Lamborghini car approaching the kid.

"Ohh no" I mumbled as I run as fast as I can pushing the kid away and I saw the look of shock on his face before I felt a strong impact hit me which sent me stumbling and left my mind blank.

I swear I saw my whole life flashed between my eyes or mind is it? I don't know what happened anymore but after awhile I saw a kid crying while shaking me I can't hear what he's trying to say to me. I see people rushing at me too shouting but I can't hear them as I can only hear a buzzing sound at my head.

Am I going to die here? It all sink in to me what happened when that thought cross my mind. As I slowly close my eyes I can't help but think about baseball, my passion, an unfulfilled dream of mine.

Darkness took over me.

If only I could held a baseball again, If only I could experience standing on that mound again. Why can I still think of these things? Didn't I die? I don't know the reason nor I have explanation for this.

I don't know how long I stayed like that, Consumed by darkness around me, I can't seem to move or do anything as I can only think in my mind.

Time passed just like that I've gotten used to it, not seeing anything. Not until I felt someone trying to pull me, I panic because of it.

There I saw or feel it, A blinding light. I'm being pulled towards it.

"Uwahhhhhhhh" WHAT THE HELL!!!? I can feel myself.

"It's a healthy baby boy, congratulations!" Someone said and I feel his touch which is new to me since I haven't feel it for awhile.

I tried to move around but I can't seem to control my own fcking body!? What is this? Everything doesn't sink in on me yet. As I tried to look at my arms what I've saw shock the hell out of me, It's a baby arm.

"Uwahhhhhhhhhhh"

WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!!??