Two weeks before the inaugural baseball game, Coryans began to pour into Central City. The Jake and jake crew set up in a large square, which was cordoned off for the week before the game and entry tickets issued by lottery for each day. The entire planet tuned in to Jake and jake's broadcasts every morning, and anticipation had built to a fever pitch by the time game day rolled around.
For the three hours before game time, 100,000 Coryans entered the converted football venue through its dozens of entrances. Coryan fathers carried Coryan babies wearing tiny baseball caps and logoed shirts. Coryan boys and girls brought their brand-new gloves, and stood in line for autographs; and later for ice cream and soft drinks, chips and nuts.
A rumbling soundtrack played as the PA announcer called out the names of coaches and players. The teams stood on the baseline for the jet flyover and accompanying raucous applause; then one team broke for the field and the other for their dugout—and the game was on. The teams were the Dodgers, wearing white; and the Blue Wave, wearing blue. The Coryans didn't know what a dodger was, but accepted it that that was the name of the baseball team.
The first hit (after the first out) was a line drive smoked behind the pitcher and past second base, falling in shallow center field. The next play was a double play. The shortstop picked and flipped in one smooth motion; the second baseman caught and shot in another. The ball thwacked into the first baseman's glove, the umpire pumped his fist authoritatively, the Coryans gasped in amazement; and the Dodgers ran off the field while the Wave ran on.
Twenty-three Coryans acquired foul ball souvenirs that night. One got a home run—hit in the bottom of the fifth by a Dodger. The lone long ball plated three runs. The Dodgers won the game 5-3.
Urtthrian Baseball won a planet of fans. The entire planet had tuned in to the action. Jake and jake were down-to-cory and relatable. The game was explained graphically during its breaks. The rhythms and spatial aspects of the game appealed to Coryan sensibilities. The punctuation of the offense, the speed and grace of the defense—many Coryans fell asleep that night hearing and seeing these things in their heads. Others would see their laughing wife or husband; their glowing children; their alert and interested and then suddenly and snuggily zonked-out baby. They knew they would be back.
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