Then the moment. The ball, still flexing the muscles of the mighty McGwire, hits the back of Rick's wedding ring finger and bounces right out of his hands. He'll later show the small cut and the trace of blood under his ring as proof of history's cruel and unfeeling ways. The ball hits the concrete steps. The ball rolls around.
People fall all over each other in the jostling.
Rick is buried. He had his chance. The ball has taken on a life of its own and 50,000 cheering eyes watch the outcome. It's then that Nick Hinkley at 11 years of age springs into action in the fearless way kids do. Nick spots the ball, under a seat.