OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

AZTarHeel · 06-04-2007, 01:51 PM

Fans in Dodgers Stadium cheered again when Zarzour lured the Cubs' second hitter of the game, Wilton Veras, into another harmless groundout. This time, second baseman Eric Young handled the routine play. Things were going well.

Of course, that brought Slammin' Sammy to the plate. Sammy Sosa, the Cubs' all-powerful right-fielder, came into town needing one more homer to reach 60 for the season, two more to catch Roger Marris' magical 61 and four more to tie Juan Gonzales for the all-time record.

Andrew Zarzour, an 18-year-old kid seemed like the perfect candidate to give up such an historic long ball — maybe two or three. Just a few months ago, Zarzour had been throwing to 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds, striking fear in their hearts just by his 7-foot-2 size. Now even the giant on the pitcher's mound was in awe of the gun-barrells-for-arms that Sosa brought to the plate.

Piazza and Sosa shared a few words as Sosa dug in. The Cubs' batter had a sly grin on his face, trying to stare down the teen-ager in front of him. Zarzour was truly nervous now and hoped he wouldn't be seeing Sosa do his familiar kiss to the sky routine after a homer. He focused on what his catcher had said. Just bring it full force, and if Sosa hits one 750 feet, then so be it.

Piazza called for the fastball, just a bit inside. Zarzour complied and Sammy missed everything with a hard swing that would have sent the ball to San Francisco had he made contact.

Piazza told Zarzour to come inside again, but this time Sosa checked out of the swing. Ball one.

On the third pitch, Zarzour threw a breaking ball off the other side of the plate. It was a little high, and Sosa poked at it. The ball rolled right to a charging Todd Zeile at third. Zeile delivered a long, perfect throw to first, and Sosa was out. Just like that, inning over.

Wow, a 1-2-3 start for Andrew Zarzour! He trotted off the field, getting plenty of pats on the head and back by teammates.

"Hey, only 24 more like that, and you've got yourself a perfect game," Piazza quipped. "Seriously, keep it up. You look great out there."

Zarzour made sure to thank Piazza for calling a great first inning and gave each of his infielders a high-five for a clean opening frame...

06-04-2007, 01:51 PM	#65
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,680	Fans in Dodgers Stadium cheered again when Zarzour lured the Cubs' second hitter of the game, Wilton Veras, into another harmless groundout. This time, second baseman Eric Young handled the routine play. Things were going well. Of course, that brought Slammin' Sammy to the plate. Sammy Sosa, the Cubs' all-powerful right-fielder, came into town needing one more homer to reach 60 for the season, two more to catch Roger Marris' magical 61 and four more to tie Juan Gonzales for the all-time record. Andrew Zarzour, an 18-year-old kid seemed like the perfect candidate to give up such an historic long ball — maybe two or three. Just a few months ago, Zarzour had been throwing to 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds, striking fear in their hearts just by his 7-foot-2 size. Now even the giant on the pitcher's mound was in awe of the gun-barrells-for-arms that Sosa brought to the plate. Piazza and Sosa shared a few words as Sosa dug in. The Cubs' batter had a sly grin on his face, trying to stare down the teen-ager in front of him. Zarzour was truly nervous now and hoped he wouldn't be seeing Sosa do his familiar kiss to the sky routine after a homer. He focused on what his catcher had said. Just bring it full force, and if Sosa hits one 750 feet, then so be it. Piazza called for the fastball, just a bit inside. Zarzour complied and Sammy missed everything with a hard swing that would have sent the ball to San Francisco had he made contact. Piazza told Zarzour to come inside again, but this time Sosa checked out of the swing. Ball one. On the third pitch, Zarzour threw a breaking ball off the other side of the plate. It was a little high, and Sosa poked at it. The ball rolled right to a charging Todd Zeile at third. Zeile delivered a long, perfect throw to first, and Sosa was out. Just like that, inning over. Wow, a 1-2-3 start for Andrew Zarzour! He trotted off the field, getting plenty of pats on the head and back by teammates. "Hey, only 24 more like that, and you've got yourself a perfect game," Piazza quipped. "Seriously, keep it up. You look great out there." Zarzour made sure to thank Piazza for calling a great first inning and gave each of his infielders a high-five for a clean opening frame... __________________ Current Dynasty Project The Tobacco State League: A Summer With the Red Springs Red Robins From the Way-Back Machine (WAY old dynasty stories): Tale Tales: The Andrew Zarzour Story The Steve Victory Story: Tournament Dreams College Basketball! Baseball In The Tar Heel State: A Fictional Experience The Arizona League: Real Players. Fictional Teams Last edited by AZTarHeel; 07-03-2007 at 03:25 PM.