“Steeerike two!”
The batter glared at the umpire with a mug shot that would go viral before the end of the day. His orange face contorted with rage.
The pitcher looked the runner back to first base. Then toed the rubber, reared back and fired again, low and outside.
The batter pumped his lead foot and took a mighty swing.
“Steeerike three!” The umpire faced the batter’s rage and did not waiver. He threw up a thumb, directing the scornful batter off the field.
Final score—thirty-four zip. Democracy wins.