So it was not impossible that I, Banished to the outfield and daydreaming Of water, or a hotel in the mountains, Would suddenly find myself in the path Of a ball stung by Joe Barone. I watched it closing in Clean and untouched, transfixed By its easy arc before it hit My forehead with a thud. This excerpt is part of the poem's exposition. rising action. falling action. resolution.

B). Rising action.

Explanation:

Rising action is described as the element of narrative that involves a chain of events taking the narrative towards the climax. It primarily functions to develop tension and interest in the narrative that builds the interest of the readers through the major decisions and characters' flaws.

In the given question, the excerpt from the poem exemplifies the 'rising action' as it involves significant thoughts of the protagonist 'Banished to the outfield and daydreaming Of water', 'Would suddenly ... Barone', etc. that takes the poem towards the climax ('transfixed by easy arc before it hit My forehead with a thud') and create tension, suspense, and interest in the narrative. Thus, option B is the correct answer.

B). Rising action.