A new program introduced into the Major League Baseball (MLB) organization provided select high school teams near the Atlanta area with the opportunity to play on the notable Truist Field against exemplary athletes. Tuesday, March 25, the NC varsity baseball team (3-5) accepted the challenge and faced Georgia’s own Atlanta Braves.
Entering the game, the Braves did not feel intimidation by mere teenagers. Yet, throughout the match, the NC Warriors proved the professionals wrong. The first six innings displayed no action, as the Warriors kept up the fight and prevented the Braves from scoring. However, the MLB players showcased their undeniable talent in the field, with pitcher Spencer Strider (99) shutting out the first three NC hitters inning after inning.
After a tense match, with the score still 0-0, junior Chase Quaile (13) astounded the audience with a hit to turn around the game. Bombing the ball to left outfield, Quaile’s hit soared past Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic (24). Junior Jayden Bryant (16) continued the trend of successful hits with a double, leading Quaile to third base. Though the Braves almost reached redemption by outfielder Michael Harris II (23) catching the following fly ball, their catch of senior Aiden Vayen’s (8) ground ball and tag on first base allowed Bryant to reach second.
“I really came into this game and thought we were going to lose, but we showed up as a team. Cheering for each other and getting to play on Truist Field is a dream, and I was so proud of my teammates. This was just supposed to be a game to give us experience against high-level athletes, and I bet nobody expected us to actually score against them,” senior Patrick Sigerseth said.
With every viewer on the edge of their seat, senior Parker Bare (9) felt the brunt of the burden: this next hit balanced a Warrior win or an extra inning, furthering the Braves’ chance of scoring. After taking a deep breath and holding his bat, Bare prepared to swing with confidence. Strider geared up for the throw, and then the unthinkable happened. With the crack of the bat, Bare watched as the white leather flew over the wall, resulting in a triple home run. The NC team rushed onto the field, welcoming Bare as he rounded home base, with cheers erupting around the stadium. NC students, teachers and family rose with shouts and claps of acclamation, for their beloved team now had a chance of a win. Of course, Strider struck out junior Ben Barr, and the nerves rang high again as the Warriors prepared to take their places in the field.
Coming down to the bottom of the seventh, and last, inning, NC spirits remained high due to the 3-0 scores on the board. Varsity head coach Tom Callahan circled the team up and spoke heartfelt, encouraging words to the players before sending them out to their positions. Sigerseth shook out his nerves as third baseman Austin Riley (27) walked up to the plate. The palpable tension in the air caused anxious feelings among NC supporters and players alike. Yet, time after time, the Atlanta Braves choked under the pressure, reigning the NC Warriors as winners against the professional team. With heads held high and hearts proud, the NC team stormed the field, celebrating the momentous achievement.
April Fools, you fool!
XOXO,
The Chant
