March 11, 2026 #thecrossoverepisode

It was one of those nights where your brain decides it’s morning at 3:12 a.m.
So I gave up.
I moved Coco gently off the bed — which is never as easy as it sounds because he turns into ancestral tiger mode when he doesn’t want to cooperate — and walked to the kitchen for a glass of water.
As I turned into the room, Lionel appeared in the chair.
Joe appeared next, looking concerned.
Did we laugh too loud?
Sally floated in on cue.
Catalina dropped in upside down over the record player.
Donna followed, smiling quietly.
Lionel glanced at Joe.
Well… while we’re here.
Joe looked suspicious.
While we’re here what?
Lionel studied him for a moment.
I’ve been meaning to ask you something.
Joe froze.
Is this about scarves? Because I don’t own any.
Lionel laughed.
No. I’m curious about baseball.
Joe blinked.
You’re curious about baseball.
Yes.
Catalina gasped.
Oh my God this crossover episode.
Joe looked him over, slowly.
You want me to explain baseball to you?
Lionel nodded politely.
I’ve gathered it involves geometry, disappointment, and snacks.
Joe’s face lit up.
It absolutely involves snacks.
Donna leaned against the wall, amused.
Look at you two.
Sally folded her arms.
This should be educational.
Joe leaned forward like a professor.
Okay. So the pitcher--
Lionel raised a finger.
Is he the dramatic one or the athletic one?
Joe frowned.
Both?
Catalina whispered to Sally,
This is better than Netflix.
Joe kept going.
The pitcher throws the ball--
Aggressively? Lionel asked.
Sometimes.
Emotionally?
Joe paused.
Actually… yeah.
Lionel nodded thoughtfully.
I like him already.
Joe grinned.
And then if the batter hits it--
He runs.
Exactly.
Lionel considered this.
So the entire game is about someone trying to get home.
Joe stopped.
Looked at him.
Then nodded slowly.
Yeah… I guess it kind of is.
For a moment no one spoke.
Then Catalina clapped.
Okay that was unexpectedly deep.
Sally waved a hand.
Please. It’s still The Baseball.
Lionel stood and smoothed his scarf.
Thank you for the lesson.
Joe looked pleased with himself.
Anytime.
Lionel tilted his head.
Next time I’ll teach you fabrics.
Joe blinked.
Fabrics?
Emotional fabrics.
Joe sighed.
I’m gonna regret this.
Donna laughed.
Catalina whispered,
They’re best friends now.
Sally nodded.
I knew this would happen.
I looked at the two of them talking quietly and shook my head, giggling.
And back to bed I went.