Similar story, I was batting against BB Parvu - the absolute fastest pitcher one could face. He was one of those whose birthday fell just so he was a full grade ahead of everyone else, therefore, a full year more maturity. This was a lot in those days. I would of been a full three years less mature to him.
The bases were loaded, last inning. The count was full and I kept fouling off one ball after the other. Of course, I couldn't really even see them - just kinda stuck my bat in the right places. I would get oohs and aahs after every near miss. Looking back, I'd say that I fouled at least 8 or 10 off. Then, I just made up my mind I would let the next one go by. A number of the most recent pitches I had swung at were out of the strike zone.
I was ready to take first and score the winning run when I heard - STRIKE THREE! No real big loss, I think I set the second record for stike outs that season anyway and it wasn't the last out