Cheering's expansion team

The reality of performing on opening day is starting to dawn on the big men. Love laments every gaffe with a disapproving shudder and roll of the eyes. Thomas is so winded he heads for the men's room as soon as the team is off the field. But Gonzales dances off, grinning, oblivious to his less-coordinated colleagues' concern.

Ramos assumes the crowd will be laughing with them, not at them. Besides, he has an ulterior motive for his newfound exhibitionism: He's already sweated off the first few of the 50 pounds he gained while recuperating from injuries suffered in Iraq, and he hopes to lose enough to eventually be too thin for the squad.

Ramos looks forward to opening day with renewed confidence. He has improved his moves and made progress at home: His girlfriend, at first too embarrassed by his moonlighting, has agreed to accompany his mother to the game.

"She'll be there for opening day," Ramos says. "It'll probably be the last baseball game she ever goes to."

--

carol.williams@latimes.com