A Day in San Antonio with Harry Doyle and Hong-Chih Lee
"Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome the newest star in Hardball Stitches, the man with the golden arm, the pride of Japan, and the first international signing in league history—Hong-Chih Lee! And who better to show him around than me, Harry Doyle? Fasten your seatbelt, Hong-Chih—it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. Especially on these San Antonio roads."
With his signature swagger, Harry revs up his convertible—a ride that looks like it’s seen more ballpark parking lots than car washes—and sets off to give Hong-Chih Lee, fresh off the plane, a tour of his new hometown.
Stop #1: Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
"First things first, let me introduce you to your new office—Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium! Or as the locals call it, The Wolff. A real gem in the Hardball Stitches league. Sure, it’s no Tokyo Dome, but it’s got charm. Plenty of parking, a loyal fan base, and the best churros this side of the Rio Grande. Don’t worry about the left-field wall—it’s not as close as it looks. Just kidding, it is. Hope you can keep those power hitters in check.”
Harry gestures dramatically to the stadium, where a small group of groundskeepers wave back. “And don’t forget, kid—this place is home to the Yo-Yo Bros Yo, the team with the most baffling name and the loudest mascot. You’ll love it here. Or at least tolerate it.”
Stop #2: The Alamo
"Now, here’s the Alamo. You might’ve read about it in history class, but let me give you the Harry Doyle version: brave Texans, bad odds, and a whole lot of yelling. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s kinda like pitching in this league. Just remember: nobody actually plays baseball here, so if anyone challenges you to a duel, just say you’re busy working on your slider.”
Hong-Chih listens intently, nodding as Harry points out the iconic building. “Pro tip: Don’t mention Santa Anna. Locals are still salty about that guy.”
Stop #3: River Walk
"Ah, the famous River Walk! This is where San Antonio comes alive. Restaurants, bars, and just enough water to keep it scenic without being Venice. You can grab a bite here after a game, though I’d recommend skipping the chimichangas unless you wanna feel like you’re pitching with a rock in your stomach. It’s also a great spot for autographs—if you’re into that sorta thing. But don’t let it go to your head, kid. The real stars here are the fajitas.”
Harry winks at a passing mariachi band and tosses a dollar in their tip jar. “And hey, if the Yo-Yos go on a losing streak, this is a good place to lay low. Just keep moving, and no one will notice you.”
Stop #4: Pearl District
"This is the Pearl District, where San Antonio gets fancy. You’ll find good coffee, great food, and the kind of people who ask way too many questions about your ERA. Don’t worry—they’ll love you. First international signing in Hardball Stitches? That’s big news. Plus, you’ve got the Yo-Yo name stitched on your chest. Can’t get more Texas than that.”
Hong-Chih looks around, taking in the upscale vibe. Harry leans over conspiratorially. “One more thing—if anyone invites you to a line-dancing class, just say no. Trust me.”
Stop #5: Lazy Lizard Saloon
"Last stop, every ballplayer’s favorite: a local bar. This here’s the Lazy Lizard Saloon, where you can celebrate a win, drown out a loss, or just enjoy some peace and quiet. Well, maybe not the quiet part. They’ve got karaoke on Fridays. You sing, Hong-Chih?”
Hong-Chih shakes his head, smiling shyly. Harry grins. “Good. Save your voice for the mound. Besides, no one wants to hear my rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ again.”
As the sun sets over San Antonio, Harry raises a glass of something amber-colored (Hong-Chih sticks with water) and gives the rookie a knowing smile.
"Hong-Chih Lee, you’re making history as the first international player in Hardball Stitches. This city’s got your back, the Yo-Yos have your front, and I’ve got enough bad jokes to last you the season. Welcome to San Antonio, kid. Let’s go win some ballgames—and maybe avoid a few cactus gardens along the way.”
Hong-Chih raises his glass, a genuine smile spreading across his face. With Harry Doyle as his guide, one thing’s for sure: life with the Yo-Yo Bros Yo is going to be anything but boring.
"Bottoms up, and go Yo-Yos!"
Hong-Chih adjusts his cap, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Ah, Mr. Doyle-san,” he says, bowing slightly, “San Antonio… how do you say… very big spirit! Like samurai city in cowboy hat!”
Harry chuckles, shaking his head. “Samurai city, huh? Well, partner, we’ve got our own kind of warriors here. They wield bats instead of swords, but hey, same principle.”
Hong-Chih nods earnestly, his hands mimicking a dramatic katana swing. “I will train like great master from samurai movie. Every pitch—precision, honor, victory!” He punctuates the statement by miming a slow, deliberate pitch, then finishes with another bow.
“Alright, Miyamoto Musashi, let’s save the honor speeches for the mound,” Harry laughs, revving the engine. “But if you’re looking for a place to channel that energy, the Lazy Lizard’s karaoke night might be your dojo.”
“Ah, karaoke! Like in American movie!” Hong-Chih’s face lights up. “But no singing. Only… how do you say… mysterious presence? Like ninja.”
Harry nearly doubles over, laughing. “Kid, if you go ninja on karaoke night, you’re gonna be the talk of the team. Let’s start with churros and sliders before you take over the town.”
Hong-Chih nods solemnly. “Yes. First churros, then honor.”
As the convertible weaves through San Antonio’s streets, Harry realizes he might have just met his match in personality—and maybe his new favorite rookie.