When I played high school baseball, I wore 00. It was a small statement about...I don't know, numbers? I loved, and still love, the symmetry of the nothingness. One zero is deeply lonely. Two of them together, like eggs leaning against one another to stay upright, gives the gift of companionship in the void.
I didn't play much, but one day I did. There was an announcer at the game -- doubtless a volunteer -- which was a rarity in itself and he spoke in a drawl and relished the pleasure of his own voice. "Up next, numba double-naught...." That naught was an affirmation that has echoed in my skull ever after.
