are we surprised I went for a baseball au? no, we are not.
@bucktommyweek day 3 prompt, sports au, 1.5k, rated: g, epistolary, told through the headlines
read below or on ao3
Veteran Pitcher Tommy Kinard DFA’ed by Longtime Team
Veteran pitcher Tommy Kinard has been DFA’ed, we’ve learned. If you’ve followed any baseball in last decade, his name has surely come up. From his record breaking debut as a 22 year old to his ten year playoff streak (though sadly, only one World Series win has graced the team), fans and analysts alike can’t stop talking about him. Whether you’re cheering for his team or against him, his presence has overwhelmed the field. So, what’s changed? Why was his team willing to DFA him and not seek out a trade?
Veteran Pitched Tommy Kinard Signed by Struggling NL Team
Going from a ten year streak in the playoffs to a team that has only made the playoffs twice in the same time frame must be a shock for the veteran pitcher. It seems like a hail Mary from a team that is currently 14.5 games back of a wild card position. And what does it mean for the current Rockies pitching lineup? While the rotation of Diaz, Han, Shore, Grant and Panikkar started strong, there have been stumbles. Could Shore or Grant’s recent promotions to the bigs be rescinded? Could the leadership of Kinard be what the struggling hitters need? And how is Kinard going to adjust to the National League?
Kinard’s Debut Plagued by Weak Bats and Errors
Fans eagerly awaited Kinard’s debut, scheduled for the first home game after the team picked him up. Manager Bobby Nash confirmed the club would work with a six man rotation for the time being. While Kinard gave a fairly strong showing on the mound, his appearances at the plate were less than stellar. He held the opposing team to only two runs, but the Rockie’s bats fell silent and they were blanked. Post game, Kinard was enthusiastic about his new teammates, praising their dedication and spirit, especially that of Buckley, his new catcher, who he only had a couple of chances to work with prior to his debut.
“This team, this clubhouse, it’s a really special place,” Kinard said. “The drive and the dedication these guys have is unreal. They definitely shouldn’t be counted out this season. I think they’re going to have some big surprises in store for fans.”
Six Man Rotation Becomes Five; Kinard on IL
After just four starts with his new team, Tommy Kinard has been placed on the IL for right arm inflammation.
“It’s really just a precaution,” Manager Nash said in a postgame interview. “Adjusting to the National League, pitching and hitting, while performing at his usual high level, has been tough. We want to make sure nothing gets in his way.”
Diaz and Panikkar have shown support for their teammate via social media posts. The three bonded quickly, dragging Kinard into their many social media trend and meme posts. Kinard mostly seems bemused by the activities, his lack of social media accounts a long time joke among teammates.
Evan Buckley, notoriously quiet on social media, reposted both of his teammates posts.
Grant Stellar in Pivotal Game; Kinard Looks to Return for the Next Series
Young pitcher Harry Grant had an absolutely stellar game against the Giants, the Rockie’s division rivals this weekend. The team has slowly overcome that 14.5 game deficit since signing Kinard, now only 3.5 games back of the wild card.
The game this weekend, where Grant blanked the opposing team over seven innings and led his team to victory, has secured a season win over their division rivals, even with one series between the two remaining. They now lead in season series against both the Giants and the Dodgers, their division rivals, putting them in a good position should a tie for the wild card spot come into play.
Double A teammate Denny Wilson has been blowing up his social media accounts with praise for Grant’s performance this weekend. The two were signed a year apart, and bonded quickly in the minors, rooming together in A and Double A ball before Grant’s promotion to the bigs in May. Wilson and Grant have had an ongoing ‘rivalry’ since, posting the meals the other one doesn’t get to enjoy now that they aren’t roommates. Fans are hoping for an off-season cooking show at this point.
Grant praised his teammates for their performance today; “We wouldn’t have been able to win this game without their incredible plays. I thought that ball in the sixth was definitely going out. Chavez’s jump to catch that needs to be play of the week.” He also credits second baseman Novak’s fancy footwork for a key double play.
“Maybe they’ll get him on Dancing with the Stars,” Grant joked.
Kinard Returns; Takes on Role in the Bullpen
After several long, long weeks, Tommy Kinard has returned to the roster — this time in the bullpen. He hasn’t pitched relief since a brief stint in his debut year.
“Listen, these guys in the rotation here, they know what they’re doing,” Kinard told reporters. “I’m here to help the team however I can, I’m not here to step on anyone’s toes.”
Albert Han, second in the rotation, has nothing but good things to say about the veteran. “Since the day he came in, he’s been 110% dedicated to making sure we do well. He’s done one-on-one training sessions with all of us starting pitchers, helping refine some of the technical aspects of our pitching.”
Ravi Panikkar agrees. “Tommy’s been amazing. He really has a team first mentality. His version of doing well that means that all of us are doing well.” He pauses. “And his motivational speeches are pretty epic.”
Evan Buckley, notoriously tight-lipped after the media disaster that was his debut season, “He’s a good guy.”
Could This Be The Year?
That 14.5 game deficit? Completely gone. With two weeks left in the season, the Rockies have taken sole possession of first place, eking out a 1.5 game lead. They have two series remaining against teams in their division, and look to win those series to hold onto their lead.
Kinard’s role in the bullpen has gone from middle reliever to closer, and he’s never been a brighter star. His post game interviews are full of enthusiasm for his teammates, and he rejects praise attributing wins to his work alone.
“This is a team sport,” he says, a frequent refrain in the media room. “I’m not winning these games on my own. We win together.”
#wewintogether has been sweeping social media. Teams dream of this kind of ground swell support from fans. The stadium is fuller than it’s ever been, shaking with the cheers of fans.
As excited as fans are, they know it’s not a done deal yet. There are sure to be plenty of nerves as we watch what happens in these final weeks.
THEY’VE DONE IT
Saturday night brought tears of joy to players and fans alike. A week away from the end of the season and the Rockies are locked in to the NLDS. No wild card spot needed after this wild and crazy season. The team celebrated in the clubhouse before coming back to the field to celebrate with fans, who still filled the stands. Champagne and beer flowed freely, the music couldn’t be heard over the fans’ cheers, and Manager Nash ever cracked a smile on the field.
Truly a historic night.
TEAM WINS WORLD SERIES; BUCKLEY AND KINARD MAKE HISTORY
A rollercoaster of a season has all led to this, a win in Game 6 of the World Series that takes the Rockies to their first World Series win in franchise history.
Veteran pitcher Kinard was called out to close the game with a two-run lead they didn’t want to lose. He got the first batter to foul out, struck out one, walked one, and struck out the final batter with three absolutely textbook pitches.
Catcher Buckley barely waited for the win confirmation before throwing off his helmet and legging it to the mound, slamming into Kinard full force. The two hugged as the rest of the team headed to join them, before Kinard dipped Buckley in a move that would make anyone swoon, kissing him deeply.
The other players whooped and hollered at the two, waiting for them separate before mobbing them. Diaz crammed World Series Champs hats onto both of them before outfielder Jeff Pickens blasted them off with champagne.
Neither Buckley or Kinard was available for media after the game; Manager Nash kept the questions focused on the game, and ignored all personal ones.
By the time the media scrum was over, a new Instagram account with Tommy Kinard’s name and baseball number had appeared, with one photo. It showed Kinard on one knee in the champagne soaked locker room, putting a ring on Buckley’s finger. The caption said simply “he said yes” and was immediately reposted by both the official team account and all of the players accounts, Diaz’s repost promising an “epic bacehlor [sic] party”, Panikkar’s post calling the position of best man, and Han’s thrill that he could finally tell people how disgustingly cute they are.
This marks the first time a World Series team has ever contained players who are an engaged couple.
Ok, I’m sure everybody knows who I hope the ‘familiar face’ is, but I also keep thinking ‘what if’ and brainstorming other people:
1. The one I keep thinking about the most is Jeff Pickens from the first earthquake ep 7.1 and also in Pay It Forward— the 118 seemed to have made a very positive impact on Jeff’s life in 7.1, an inference I make from his actions in Pay It Forward. What if, he recognizes Athena and Chim and apologizes for their loss??? Then goes on to explain what the 118’s actions meant to him and how they have impacted his life thus far.
2. What if it’s the sexy priest, and he becomes a mediator of sorts and try’s to help talk Athena and Chim through their grief.
Or
3. What if it’s Taylor Kelly and she has proof that Bobby’s still alive.
***Just because I can hypothesize it being another character doesn’t mean that I think Bobby’s truly gone, just maybe they’ll leave us on a cliff hanger or maybe he’s the unexpected NASH in NASHville—-I still don’t get killing off NASH and then basing the new show in NASHville—I feel like there’s a story there.
I honestly don’t know what to think anymore, but I still have hope!!!
i really want to know more about jeff tbh. like which university did he pick? hows his leg? does he still play basketball? hes been such a likeable character both times he showed up i just wanna knoooow
Jeff wants to be running, he wants to be on the court. He swears he can feel his leg stiffening as the coach drones on. He’s a basketball player, he belongs on the court, not huddled on the sidelines listening to another clearly poached movie monologue.
He mentally runs through his game day checklist, even though he knows he hasn’t forgotten anything. Even though it’s not technically a game today. He subtly stretches his leg again.
Finally, the coach splits them into teams for the preseason friendly. Jeff takes the offered pinny and joins his team.
This, this is where he belongs. This is what he’s meant to do.
