~Matt Greco, Class of 2026

There wasn’t much joy in the Greenville air that day,

Though the sun was shining bright and the trees danced a slow sway.

The score showed 6-3, visitors, Greenville up to bat, 

and the last inning  to play

Wake was tagged at third and Boon out at first,

all the fans grimaced and sighed in dismay.

There were no gambles on the three next batsmen to hit 

the ball would surely smack right into any fielder’s mitt. 

But maybe, if the three men reach the bag’s safe, 

that would make the fans elate 

because mighty Chet would get the chance 

to step up to the plate.

The first batter up, to the astonishment of all, 

took a whack and smashed it way back to the wall. 

And the second hoping to keep the game alive,

succeeded and batted in a sweet line drive.

The third batter, could he get the bases full? 

Or would he just end the game feeling dull?

The fans stood up and cheered as he singled a ball 

right past second base.

Now this ballpark is a very loud place. 

It was the moment the fans had waited for all game, 

bases loaded and Chet in the box.

The fans all stand up and holler as he pauses and pulls up his socks. 

He then resumes, looking the pitcher in the eye

As fans move to the edge of their seats, 

waiting to see this ball good-by. 

The first pitch delivers and Chet doesn’t chase,

Though the ump says the ball went over the base.

Chet shakes his head and so do the fans

But it gets worse as Chet whiffs at the second with his own two hands.

Now everything is silent as the third pitch bullets in 

Can Chet get the win?

A fastball right down the middle to the pitchers expense

Chet thumps it right over the fence. 

Greenville wins, and the fans shout for more

But one asks,

“Why couldn’t Casey have done that many years before?”