American Idioms

Professor Charles Bordogna

CHAPTER 8: At the Baseball Game

(Scene: Taro and his girlfriend Miyako sit with their friends Joe and Barbara at a professional baseball game).

Joe: What a great day for a baseball game! The weather is ideal! Not a cloud in the sky!

Taro: Joe, tell me. Did you ever want to be a professional baseball player?

Joe: I dreamed of playing pro ball as long as I can remember. But when I tried out for the baseball team in high school, the skills I had were common, strictly run-of-the-mill.

Barbara: Look! The runner from first base is trying to steal second!

Joe: The catcher threw him out by a mile! As I was saying, my abilities were nothing special. I didn't have what it takes. I practiced and practiced, but I never improved.

Miyako: Did you know that Taro played baseball in Japan?

Joe: No fooling?

Taro: As a teenager I played in a local league. I loved baseball but I could never hit a curve ball! . Are you a big fan of this team?

Joe: I used to be a fan before the baseball strike, which left a bad taste in my mouth. I still enjoy seeing a game once in a while.

Barbara: The trouble with this team is the manager. He lets his players get away with murder!

Joe: That's for certain. I'd like to see a new manager take over. One who would really lay down the law!

Barbara: I'm dead set against the salaries paid to some of the players. That pitcher is getting million dollars to play ball for one year!

Joe: Man, I just polished off those two hot dogs. Are any of you hungry for more?

Barbara: I'd like to get back to my point. Is this pitcher worth the money he's getting?

Joe: Not on your life! How can anyone with a straight face say that he deserves that much money?

Barbara: I'm glad we see eye to eye.

Taro: Who's coming in to pitch?

Joe: Stevens. He had been a fine starting pitcher, but as a reliever he's been no great shakes.

Miyako: Isn't McMillian still with this team?

Joe: They've had him on the bench since he hasn't been hitting. He hasn't seen any action in weeks.

Barbara: I think Stevens might still rise to the occasion. It's early in the season.

Joe: Can you believe in your right mind that he is still able to play? I think he's over the hill! Besides, when he walked out on strike, it was like he cut off his nose to spite his face! The guy was making five million and he went out on strike? Ever since then, I've taken a dim view of him and most of the other players.

Miyako: If you don't like the players, why do you still come to see games?

Joe: I just don't want to give up on something I've loved for a long time. That's it in a nutshell. I've got a sentimental attachment to this game. It's part of my youth and I don't want to let go of it. Come on! Let's get some more hot dogs!

Practice and Activities <--Mobile Compatible Version

Exercise 1   Exercise 2 <--Flash Required