Justin was on the fast track to the majors, but spent a spell in the minors so the Big Club could hold onto his contract a little longer.

That meant he experienced the same bus rides and late-night charter flights on contraptions that looked like it could be lifted higher by the team working together than get off the ground and fly.

OK, that was just one time. But still…

Anyway, the Billings owner knew exactly what they had and marketed Justin as such. He was close enough to the manager that the few starts Justin made in the Pioneer League were all at home to ensure a large gate.

But the manager was about winning games and utilized his side sessions and throwing routine to include the occasional road relief appearance.

So Justin came out for an inning and the first batter was this local guy. As he tells the story, Dude had walk-up music specific to him and the only louder cheer was when the home team scored enough runs for discount pizza.

Anyway, he starts him off with a fastball. Wasn’t anything too special, but it was 98.

”His head tracked the pitch about a second later and the size of his eyes were like golf balls.”

The next pitch was another fastball and he swung well after the ball was in the catcher’s mitt. You could hear a pin drop in that stadium as all of this guy’s friends and family were watching him fail at a massive level.

”So I throw the third pitch and before the umpire can even make a call, this guy’s already walking back towards the dugout, dragging the bat behind him like some sad Peanuts character. Worse thing about it was the pitch was about eye-high and the ump calls it a ball…but decides to show mercy and just called him out.

“I had that happen during my time in the minors. They saw some heat and just completely gave up their at-bat.”

And that’s what I’m truly envious of.