"Behind him the noise escalated" Journal

Behind him the noise escalated. The announcer exclaimed his name and the crowd jumped to their feet and roared. He gave a slight acknowledgement to the stadium full of adoring fans as he started the walk from the on-deck circle to the the batter's box. The stadium lights were very bright and the spring air was crisp. He held his hand up to the umpire signaling that he wasn't ready for the at-bat to start yet. With his hand in the air, he shifted the dirt around in the batter's box and set his feet. He was taking deep breaths as he attempted to calm his nerves. His mind was racing with excitement. It was the first at-bat of the 2011 MLB season. He dug in his feet and looked to the pitcher. And here comes the pitch... The season has begun.