Keeping The Faith: Mad Popes Welcome Back Special Guest For Game 3 (2064.7)

[lordtoffee]

As the Mad Popes returned home after losing the first two games of their playoff series against the Bluebirds, the Mad Popes had announced their plans for their home games. Should there be a Game 4, Jesus Flores was announced as throwing out a first pitch. But for Game 3, there was a note on the press release indicating that a special guest would be doing the honors. The speculation was rife across Mad Popes social media, with some suggesting an active player, a former owner, or even someone who wasn't surprised. All that was said was that fans were encouraged to be in their seats to see a tribute video at 4:30 Pacific Time before the customary introductions of both teams and the national anthem.

At precisely 4:30, the public address announcer announced that it was time for a surprise guest to throw out a first pitch, and that there was a tribute video that would play. The video started with showing a press conference from 2039 announcing the hiring of a new GM for the California Crusaders, and showed highlights of players that said GM acquired, celebrations of division titles won, and the video ended with scenes from the 2053 BBA title parade held in downtown Sacramento with the GM holding up the trophy. "It is with great pleasure that the Mad Popes proudly welcome back to Northern California our former GM Shoeless Olmsted to throw out a first pitch." The crowd erupted and started chanting "Shoeless! Shoeless!" to sound their appreciation for all of the success that his hard work had brought the team. As it turned out, the Mad Popes had wanted to bring Shoeless back, and were able to arrange it with Cobble Hill. As Shoeless threw a perfect strike down the middle of the plate, the crowd cheered again as he walked off the mound and doffed his cap. All in all, it felt right that the current GM and the Mad Pope ownership salute Shoeless and give him a chance to get the cheers of the crowd. And as Shoeless looked on from the team's box, the Mad Popes were able to force a Game 4.


A huge thank you to Shoeless for giving me permission to include him.

[RonCo]

This was fun.