Thread by @TheNatsBlog

Twas the night before Strasmas, when all through the clubhouse

Not a teammate was stirring, not even a mouse,

The jerseys were hung by the lockers with care,

In hopes that Stephen’s changeup would soon be there,

The lineup was nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of fat Verlander fastballs danced in their heads.

And Rizzo in his hoodie, and Davey in his cap,

Had just settled down for a pre-Game 6 nap.

When out in the bullpen arose such a clatter,

I sprang to the stands to see what was the matter,

The fastballs snapped into the catchers mitt with a flash,

And the curveballs snuck into the zone like a slash!

With a no wind-up delivery so direct and so quick,

I recognized in a moment that famous leg kick!

More rapid than racing presidents his teammates they came, and Stephen whistled and shouted and called them by name!

“Now Turner! Now Eaton! Now Soto and Ryan!

On Tony! On Victor! On Howie and even Matt Adams!

Hit it to the top of the stands right over the wall!

Let us all dance in the dugout once and for all!”

He was tall and stoic, a true No. 1 draft pick,

His pitches had power, and direction and were just oh so quick,

With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work,

He struck out batter after batter, even without the help of the umpire (that jerk!)

And with a nod after laying his glove to the bottom of his nose,

He delivered a fastball and Bregman he froze!!!

He jogged to his dugout and gave his jersey a tug,

Immediately ambushed by Sanchez and Parra for a big awkward hug,

But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

Let’s win this one for Max! Let’s #STAYINTHEFIGHT !!!