Where I'm From

Where I’m From

By: Cory York

I am from the red clay of Georgia,

            from cleated feet and green diamonds.

I am from rain, sun, and snow

            that fill my waking hours.

I am from Emerson, Cooperstown, New York, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Myrtle Beach

            that come with the sounds of curves, change-ups and sliders.

I am from the smell of pine tar, wood and leather

            that energize my every nerve.

I am from the ding of a bat, the clicking sound of metal cleats on concrete

            and the “thwump” of a ball hitting the inside of a glove.

I am from “toe it up”, “shorten it up” and “block it up”

            which ignite my inner competitive drive.

I am from bruises, sore muscles, broken nose, and aches and pains

            that remind me every day of who I am.

I am from shin guards, hockey mask, and chest protector

            that decrease the danger of my job.

I am from Gatorade, water, and frog togs

            which keep me hydrated or cool while playing America’s past time.  

I am who I am, me, a baseball player.