Fans(4)

He turns around and sighs, "That was the first time I met him, and the second time we met, he told me a great story I'd ever heard." Leo turns back to Dan and tells him what the boy said to him; It was an ordinary day for baseball, Leo was playing for the Fighters as the leadoff man in Baku. During that day he hit a leadoff homerun to take the lead and a walk off double to win the game for his team; it was one of the best days in his life. The boy said to Leo it was also a meaningful day to him, because it was the first FBL game he ever attended, his grandfather took him to the ballpark to watch his first game as his birthday present, and he loved it. Unfortunately, it was his first game and the last game he could watch a ball game with his grandfather, who passed away a year after the game. On that day, he was touched by Leo's performance and his spirit of winning which he would never forget. "I got to say," says Leo, "I never thought I would have done something special, but the truth is, I could have, to someone."

Dan listens to the story and nods. "The boy…Are you still in touch?" Dan asks.

"Yeah, we are." Leo laughs, "You might not have noticed, there was a man in an orange jacket today, in the stand. He's a college boy now."

"I see. That's good." Dan nods.

"Even though I spend most of my career in Victoria, not in Baku, he never stops believing in me. And I know I can't let him down." says Leo.

Dan hears it, "Good for you."

"Look," says Leo, "Every time when you're out there on the field, you have to give them your best, show them what you got. Understood?" Dan nods, Leo continues to speak, "Of course, we are human, we all have bad days and screw things up, it's ok if we suck sometimes, but, never say something mean to your fans, show them your spirit of winning. Ok?"

"Ok." says Dan.

Then he chuckles, "But, if you meet some fans who're really mean to you, that'd be a different story, but let's not talk about that right now." Leo glances at Dan. "That's really great. You know? When someone tells you that they want to be like you, and you realize you could actually change their life and give them hopes, that's the gift. Even though I'm not really a sports star, I never thought I was, and I don't think I've never done something remarkable, but I know that out there, someone is expecting me, and I can do something for those who believe in me. How great is that? That's why I love my job."

When Leo finishes his talking, Dan becomes quiet again and just looks ahead. Leo glances at Dan and sees no emotion on his face. He smiles again, he knows that Dan is thinking, and he will understand one day.

They arrive at the dormitory in just a few minutes. Leo stops his car in front of the front door. He turns to look at Dan. "Before you go, one last thing."

"Yes?"

Leo looks Dan in the eyes and goes, "You need to understand that, no matter where you are, people are watching you, whether you like it or not. You're not nobody anymore, especially when you are the first-round pick. Baseball fans in Victoria and Baku know you. Kids look up to you, and you should be their idol. With great power comes great responsibility. If you can't give them hopes and happiness, then you shouldn't be wearing the jersey."

Dan looks away and keeps his head down, "Sorry." he whispers.

"Don't say sorry." says Leo, "You just have to learn from this."

"I get it." says Dan. After listening to Leo's story, the boy realizes he might have done something inappropriate and hurt those who came to support him. "I know, I understand what you tried to tell me," he sighs, "but…I'm just so mad…I'm mad at myself." Dan looks at Leo, "It shouldn't have ended like that. It was my first game, and I somehow managed to fuck it up. I…I don't get it."

Leo listens to each word Dan says, before he responds, "I understand, that's tough, but you could have done it in a better way, and you chose the worst one." he take a breath, "If you have any problem or issue with your pitching motion, you can always talk to someone. The pitching coach, or even Ian. He'll definitely be happy to help you."

"I know."

"Don't let your emotions get the worst of you, kid." says Leo. He truly wants the boy to understand how to be a better person.

Dan sighs and gives Leo a nod to respond, then he opens the car door. Dan gets out of the car and is ready to leave. Leo watches him walking away, "Dan." his voice coming from behind, "Be nice to our fans. I know you're upset but you are here to give them dreams." Dan nods again and turns away.