Baseball Poem

"MIRACLE MAN": An Original Poem

    by  Holly Russcher

I started thinking up this poem the day after Robin's first game back after his injury. By styling it after "Casey at the Bat" I acknowledged not only one of baseball's best literary works but also the high expectations that Sox-fans had for Robin that night, much like those the Mudville crowd had for their great slugger, Casey.

Casey failed to come through for his team. What you are about to read is a different story....

That left-handed home run hitter with warm smile and matchless heart
Four Gold Gloves he'd won at third base with defense that looked like art
Nearly crippled in a freak mishap on March the twenty-first,
Now back eight days before schedule, flouting all talk of the Worst.

The Texas Rangers would oppose the Sox as Chitown twilight fell;
When the home team's lineup was announced there came a joyous yell.
Behind the plate the ump cried "Play ball!"; the game duly began
With disconcerting fashion: a hit for Texas' leadoff man.

 Doug Drabek was a-pitching, gold of hair and steel of eye,
A no-hitter was beyond his scope, but for shutout he would try.
He'd also pitched the night when Robin had been stricken down--
Did that memory now haunt him as he stood upon the mound?

 Nothing-nothing was the score when Robin first came to the plate
And received a standing ovation which for a full minute did not abate.
He acknowledged it with a smile and wave, which made the fans go wild;
So glad was he to play again that his face shone like a child's.

"We love you, Robin Ventura! We know you'll make us proud!"
Cried the matriarchs and lasses present in that evening's crowd.
Men, rarely so demonstrative, rose on their feet to say
"Come on, Robin!" But he grounded out, and walked--not limped--away.

 In the still-scoreless seventh inning, Rangers hurler Ken Hill tired.
With Frank Thomas on, he walked Albert Belle, and then his luck expired
For Harold Baines, the quiet DH, drove Frank home without a word.
The Sox led, but Robin had grounded out a second time...and third.

Matt Karchner came in next to pitch and gave up a home run.
A worried hush fell on the fans who knew the score'd been tied at one.
Already the eighth inning: did the Sox not have a chance?
Would this night of joy instead be one where Texas got to dance?

Dave Martinez ignored Hill's pitches, and at last he drew a walk.
Ozzie Guillen bunted him to second; announcer Ed Farmer began to talk.
"Durham next, then Ventura, who so far is oh-for-three."
Ray Durham hit into a groundout. What now would the Sox-fans see?

 Robin sauntered to his rightful place; this was his last at-bat.
Facing a dreadful situation, in his comeback game at that!
With one swing he could put the Sox ahead if things went well,
But if he was the last out? Such a disgraceful tale to tell!

Hill stood on the mound in silence, wound up and pitched the ball.
What occurred in the next instant was a shock to one and all.
Ed Farmer's voice broke in wonder as these words his lips did yield:
"Hill with the pitch...Ventura lines it, deep left center-field!"

 "It's gonna get down, and go to the warning track! Picked on a hop by Rusty Greer--
VENTURA DOUBLES IN MARTINEZ!!!!" And the crowd took up the cheer;
Praise for a valiant hero who'd won hearts across the land.
As Robin left the field in the ninth, he tossed his cap into the stands.

That night in other ballparks spoiled superstars had played,
Ignoring fans and only caring for how much they're paid.
And on the cheeks of their heartbroken fans, tears of loathing burned...
But happy tears flow at Comiskey, for Robin Ventura has returned.

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