The Mumbai Mirror
May 6, 2038
The Metro Stars Wednesday night celebrated recent awards won by third baseman Robbie Hart and starting pitcher Denilde Trovisquiera by parading the players atop elephants around the outfield of the Ballfield of Mumbai.
Although elephant rides have been a controversial practice in parts of India in recent years, team officials said they took pains to be sure the pachyderms were well treated.
Hart and Trovisquiera were feted after the Bancroft League named them batter and pitcher of the month for their performances in April. Hart slashed .347/.419/.613 with six home runs and 21 RBIs for the month, while Trovisquiera went 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
Afterwards, amused teammates pointed out that both players seemed uncomfortable perched atop the elephants.
“Hart’s afraid of heights, and he turned about as green as that ‘Shiva: Destroyer of Fastballs’ cartoon they ran on the scoreboard last year,” smirked infielder Garrett Barnett in the clubhouse afterwards.
“Actually, I think Shiva’s supposed to be blue,” rejoined outfielder Wilbur Green.
“Huh. That was supposed to be blue? Well, all I know is that Hart puked into his glove in the dugout afterwards,” said Barnett with a guffaw.
For their parts, both Hart and Trovisquiera were gracious about the celebration.
“It was really gratifying to be honored by the league, but especially nice to honored by our team and our city,” said Trovisquiera.
“Yeah, but should I ever win another of these things, I’d be happy with a nice fruit basket,” said Hart.
