Foul Ball

It was a 96 mile an hour fastball Tyson Chambers had seen many times. He was just a split second late. The ball went slicing down the right field foul line curving past the extended protective screen. Frank Miller was watching the ball the whole way. His wife Helen was sitting to his right. Frank reached over around Helen’s shoulders, and pulled her head down toward his lap. As he turned his head to the right, he could see the blur. The ball hit him on the left temple. There was a loud thud. The ball ricocheted three rows to the right. Frank slumped forward. There was no blood. The side of his head started to swell on impact. The marks from the baseball’s stitches could be seen on his face. Helen sat up and cradled Frank in her arms as she screamed. Frank’s eyes were open, but they didn’t see.

Tyson was also watching the ball the whole way. He knew immediately it was bad. The crowd of over 5,000 at the Allentown Rockets ballpark gasped. Tyson could see the fans around Frank and Helen frantically waving for the stadium staff to get help. Several of them in yellow jackets were at the seats in seconds. Tyson didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t get back in the batter’s box. He looked at the home plate umpire who called time out. Tyson walked back toward the dugout, and kept watching. It took about eight minutes for the ambulance to arrive. Frank was put on a stretcher and carried up the aisle. Helen followed with a female stadium staffer who had her arm around Helen.

Once Frank and Helen were out of the stands, the umpire called out “Time in. Batter up.”

Tyson was completely distracted. He had hit hundreds of foul balls into the stands, and never gave them a second thought. Why should he? A lucky fan gets a souvenir. This is Triple A ball. Fans would wait for players after the game to get their foul ball autographed. He just wanted to get back in the dugout. He swung at the next pitch and grounded out to short.

Tyson was used to getting attention. He was the top prospect in the Phillies system. He was a star at Southern Cal. He was expected to be the Phillies starting second baseman on next season’s opening day. The Phillies planned to build the team around him. He was one of the purest hitters the scouts had ever seen. They thought he would hit .300 in the majors.

When the game was over, Manager Jackie Kiser came over to Tyson’s locker.

“Ty, you okay? That was a tough break for that fan. It was just a freak accident.”

Tyson said, “I was just a hair late. That’s a ball I hit to left center, easily. The guy I hit looked like an older guy. Those balls you hit the other way can get on top of you quickly. You just don’t expect them.”

Just then Tyson saw General Manager Tony Antonelli come into the clubhouse, and wave Jackie over to the manager’s office. Tyson saw them talking quietly just inside the office door. He could see Jackie look down at the floor and shake his head. Jackie then looked up, and started walking toward Ty.

“Ty, can you come to the office?”

Tyson followed Jackie across the clubhouse. He had a sick feeling. Antonelli was siting in one of the two chairs in front of Jackie’s desk. Jackie closed the door behind them.

Antonelli said, “Hi,Ty. Have a seat.”

Antonelli moved up to the edge of his chair to get closer to Ty.

He said, “Ty, I just got a call from the hospital. The head guy is a friend. The fan that got hit died. He never regained consciousness. They think he died instantly.”

Tyson’s eyes widened and he stammered.

“Oh shit! Really? I killed the guy? Jesus!”

Antonelli reached over and touched Ty’s knee.

“Ty, it was a terrible accident. It’s not your fault. It was a one in a million thing. The ball just missed the extended screen.”

Tyson could feel himself sweating.

“Who was the guy? He looked like an old guy. Was that his wife with him? What’s his name?”

Antonelli said, “We don’t know much yet. My friend did tell me the man was 70 years old. His name was Frank Miller. I’m going over to the hospital now to see the family and express our condolences, and see if there is anything the club can do.”

Tyson looked up and said, “I should go with you, and tell them how sorry I am.”

Antonelli looked up at Kiser, and said, “Ty, I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. You’re upset. The family is upset. It may be difficult for them to see you right now. I will tell them I’ve spoken with you, and tell them how sorry you are, but you didn’t want to intrude right now.”

Tyson said, “But, Jesus. I killed the guy. I guess they probably never want to see me. How could this happen? People shouldn’t die at baseball games.”

Antonelli said, “We are going to tell the team now, and the Jackie are I are going to the hospital.”

They walked out into the clubhouse and Jackie said, “Hey guys, I need your attention, Tony.”

“I have some bad news. The gentleman that was hit by that foul ball has died. Jackie and I are going to the hospital to give our condolences to the family. We should all pull together and say a prayer for them at this difficult time.”

Tyson walked over to his locker, and his teammates gathered around to tell them they were there for him. Kiser got dressed quickly, and he and Antonelli left for the hospital.

When they got to the hospital, they could see the funeral home’s hearse had just pulled up. They went to Antonelli’s friend’s office, the hospital administrator. He took them to the room where Helen was waiting. Her daughter Kim was with her.

The administrator knocked and walked in with Antonelli and Kiser.

He said, “Excuse me Mrs. Miller, this is Tony Antonelli the General Manager of the Rockets, and Manager Jackie Kiser.”
Antonelli said, “Mrs. Miller we are here to offer our sincerest condolences on behalf of the ball club. We can’t imagine the shock you are suffering. We don’t want to intrude, but we want you know how sorry we are. I’ve spoken with Tyson Chambers. He wanted me to tell you how sorry he is. If there is anything we can do to help your family, please just say the word.”

Helen’s voice cracked, “I know this was a terrible accident. I didn’t expect to go home today without my husband. I don’t know what I’ll do without him. But he loved baseball. He loved being at the ball park. He used to see himself out on the field.”

Helen started to cry, and Kim said, “Please, gentlemen. We appreciate you coming, but my mother is not in any shape to talk right now.
Antonelli said, “We understand. Again, we are very sorry for your father.”

Tyson called his father Henry in California after the game. He wasn’t sure the story would be on the news, and wanted his parents to hear it from him. Henry answered on the second ring.

“Ty, how you doing? Just checked on line, saw you guys won again.

Tyson paused for several seconds, “Hi Dad. Listen something happened at the game I need to tell you about. I hit a line drive foul down the right field line. It hit a fan, and he died.”

Henry was stunned. “Oh God Ty, are you okay? I can fly out tomorrow, and be there tomorrow night.”

Tyson said, “No Dad, you don’t have to do that. The team and Jackie, and Mr. Antonelli are being very supportive. I just wanted you to hear it from me. I know it was an accident, but I can’t help feeling awful. This man and his wife just came to the game to have a good time, and he gets killed.”

Tyson finally broke. He started to cry.

Henry said, “It’s okay, son. It was an accident. It was something you couldn’t control. Listen, I can be there tomorrow night, and we can talk some more.”

Tyson said, “No Dad, really you don’t have to come. I can handle it.”

Henry insisted, “I know you can. But everyone needs support to get through this kind of thing. I’ll be there tomorrow.”

Tyson didn’t have the strength to argue.

“Okay Dad. But you really don’t have to come.”

Henry said, “I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you, Ty.”

Tyson sighed, “Thanks, Dad. I love you too.”

Tyson had trouble sleeping that night. His roommates weren’t sure what to say. The next night, Jackie asked Tyson if he wanted the night off.

“Ty, if you want to sit out tonight, I understand. It might just take some pressure off.”

Tyson wasn’t sure what to do, but the thought of sitting on the bench thinking about it would make it worse.

Tyson said, “No Skip, I think I’d rather play, and keep myself busy.”

Henry landed in Philadelphia, and rented car and got to the Rockets ballpark in time for the game. He texted Ty that he would meet him after the game. Henry hadn’t eaten all day. He

got a hot dog and a beer, and had a seat about twelve rows behind the Rockets dugout. Ty could see him when he took his position at second base in the top of the first. It did feel good to see his father. The Rockets won the game. Tyson had two hits and scored a run.

Henry was waiting for Tyson outside the clubhouse door when he came out. They hugged.

Henry said, “How are you holding up?”

Tyson was glad to see him.

“I’m okay, Dad. I can’t stop thinking about it. Jackie asked me if I wanted to sit tonight. I told him I’d rather play and force myself to concentrate on something else.”

Henry asked if there was place they could go for a drink. Tyson suggested The Lehigh Sports Bar just a few blocks from the ball park. It wasn’t too crowded because it was 10 o’clock on a week night. They got a booth and ordered beers and some apps.

Tyson said, “I’ve replayed this over and over in my head. I keep thinking, a second one way or the other, and this never happens. I’m not late on the fastball. The foul ball catches the end of the screen, and the guy never gets hit, or he ducks a second earlier and the ball flies over his head.”

Henry could see Tyson looking for answers that weren’t there.

“Ty, you are going to make yourself crazy. Yes, this was a terrible accident. That guy didn’t deserve to die that way. It was no one’s fault. Life can be very random. Sometimes we have to accept there are things that happen that we can’t control. I know you feel responsible. You’re going to second guess everything that happened. But that won’t change anything.”

Tyson said, “I feel like I took a man’s life, and I don’t even know anything about him. Who was he? Did he have a family? How are they dealing with this? I want to know more about him. I wanted to go to the hospital with Jackie and Mr. Antonelli, but he told me it might too much for the family to see me.”

Henry said, “That was a good call. You and the family were not ready for that.”

“I’d like to go to the funeral to pay my respects,” Tyson pushed back.

Henry knew Ty had to do something.

He said, “I can arrange to stay a few more days and go with you.”

“Dad, you don’t have to do that. I know you’re busy at work. I’ll be okay.”

Henry answered, “It’s just a few days. I can get a lot done with my laptop and on the phone.”

They talked for another hour. Henry dropped Tyson off at the house he was renting, and went to the Marriott Courtyard nearby. Henry did get plenty of work done. He went to the games at night. He and Tyson did a lot of talking. Tyson seemed to be gradually accepting what happened. The funeral was held on Thursday of that week. It was the day before the team was leaving on a road trip.

St. Jerome’s Catholic Church was about three quarters full. Tyson and Henry sat in the back. Helen and her family were the last people to come up aisle the behind of the casket. She was surrounded by her two daughters, their husbands, and children. In a strange way, Helen seemed to be supporting her daughters. They appeared to have been crying.

One of Frank’s daughters, Kim, gave the eulogy. She spoke about what a caring, loving father Frank was. How he doted on his grandchildren. How he and Helen loved to travel in their retirement, and how much Frank loved baseball, and even played in the minors when he was young.

When the funeral mass was over, the family followed the casket up the aisle to the back of the church. Tyson and Henry were the only people sitting in the last pew. Helen turned her head and looked right at Tyson. She nodded slightly as if to acknowledge him. There was a reception line, but Henry and Tyson went out a side door. Tyson wanted to speak with Helen, but just knew this wasn’t the right time or place.

Henry had to catch a flight home. He dropped Tyson off at the ballpark where the team was getting ready to leave for the road trip.

“I know this has been brutal for you. I’m proud of the way you’re handling it.”

Tyson started opening the car door.

“Thanks for coming Dad. I really appreciate it. I think I’ll write Mrs. Miller a letter just to tell her how sorry I am and that I’m thinking of her.”

“That would be great Ty. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.

“Love you, Dad. Thanks.”

Henry pulled away. Tyson went to join the team getting ready to board the bus.

When Tyson returned from the road trip, he was convinced just sending a letter of condolence wasn’t enough. He felt Helen deserved to hear him say he was sorry. He managed to find the Miller’s address. He was a going to go the next afternoon.

He wore a tie and blazer. He pulled up in front of the modest ranch house. He wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to say, or if she would even want to listen. He felt a little selfish. Was he doing this more to ease his own mind, or make Helen feel better? He walked up the brick walkway, rang the bell, and took a deep breath. In just a few seconds, Helen opened the door.

“Hello, Mrs. Miller. I’m Tyson Chambers. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

Mary looked a little surprised and smiled slightly.

“I know who you are, Tyson. Please come in.”

They walked into a neat, warm living room with a fireplace and family pictures all around.

Helen said, “Please sit down.”

Tyson took a seat on the couch. Helen sat on one of two arm chairs across from him.

Tyson said, “I wanted to come and tell you how sorry I am for what happened to your husband. I feel so badly for your loss, and what you had to go through at the game. Everyone tells me it was an accident, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. I’m responsible. I understand if you can’t forgive me. I don’t expect you to. I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry.”

Helen could tell this was the toughest thing Tyson had ever had to deal with in his young life.

“Tyson, I really appreciate you coming to see me. You and I shared the worst day of our lives. I know it was very difficult to come here today. I did see you at the funeral. Was that your father with you? You look very much like him.”

Tyson said, “Yes, he came to see how I was doing.”

“He must be very proud of you. I know you’re a very good player, and you have a great career ahead of you. My husband and I had a wonderful life together, and I certainly didn’t expect it to end this way. Frank loved baseball. We went to the games often. Sometimes we took the grandchildren. Frank played minor league baseball fifty years ago, and dreamed of playing in the major leagues. But, like many dreams, it just didn’t come true. He followed you very closely since you came to the Rockets. He projected his dream onto you. You play his old position, second base. He even wore the number 2, just like you. He used to tell me how he wished he could have been you when he was a young man. He knew you were destined to be a great player. Frank was vibrant and active. He was even playing in an over 65 baseball league.

We were at the game last week because Frank didn’t know how many more games he would be able to attend after this season. No one else knows this, not even my daughters, we just were trying to figure out how to tell them. Frank was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors said in was inoperable. Frank was facing chemotherapy and radiation, but even with that, they only expected him to live a year. He was dreading it. I was dreading it. We had friends who had died of cancer, and went through a slow painful journey.

What happened at the game was awful. I will never get over it. But he loved being at the games. He would often say he wished he could get just one at bat against one of those big young pitchers. We believed there are reasons for things that happen in life, both good and bad. We may not understand why, but we have to accept it. Watching you play was a great joy for Frank. Life and death happen, sometimes when we least expect it. You’re a fine young man. I’ll always be grateful that came to see me.”

Tyson couldn’t moved. This felt like it wasn’t real.

Finally he said, “Mrs. Miller, I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry this has happened to you. I will never forget how you’ve treated me. You have been so gracious in accepting me into your home, and sharing these very private things.”

Helen got up and walked over as Tyson rose from the coach, and gave him a hug.

“Thank you, Tyson. Frank would be very proud of you.”

Tyson stepped back and said, “Thank you, Mrs. Miller. I will never forget you or your husband.”

Tyson walked out to his car relieved and grateful. He called Henry.

“Dad, I just went to see Mrs. Miller. So was so nice to me. She invited me in to the house, and you won’t believe what see told me. Mr. Miller had just been told by doctors he had a brain tumor and only had a year to live. She told me they were really worried about what they were going to have to go through. She only had a short time left with him, and I took it away from her. But she told me how grateful she was that I came to see her. I just never expected her to be so kind to me.”

Henry said, “She sounds like quiet a woman. It takes a lot of strength sometimes to deal the unexpected stuff life throws at you. You did the right thing, Ty. I’m sure Mrs.Miller appreciated it.”

Tyson said, “I’ll never forget her.”

The following April, Tyson was the starting second baseman for the Phillies at the home opener at Citizens Bank Park. As he took his position with the initials FM on the back of his spikes, he looked up into the stands behind home plate. He saw his parents and Helen and her daughter Kim in the box seats behind the Phillies dugout he reserved for them. Helen was looking right at him as he tipped his cap.