The stands were full of fans, including Mr. and Mrs. Romez and many other players’ parents who weren’t usually at the games. It was the Fourth of July, which meant most people had the day off from work. A brass band played in the park, adding an air of festivity as both teams warmed up before the game. A few minutes before the game started, both teams walked out to the field. The Lions stood along the third-base line and the Royals along the first-base line. In front of them, standing near the mound, were the coaches of both teams. They all faced center field. Chico was about to ask Buddy what was going on when the brass band began to play “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The coaches and the players took off their caps and held them against their chests. A flag was slowly raised up a pole behind the center field fence. Chico watched it while the music filled the park. He wasn’t sure of all the words to the national anthem.
