I focused on my steps for hitting, took a deep breath, and blocked everything out except the pitcher. It was a warm night, and there was a trickle of sweat running down the side of the pitcher’s face. He was feeling the pressure of the situation. I remembered what Coach had said about the third baseman. If I could, I would try to hit it his way.
Their pitcher stepped onto the mound. He didn’t even bother going into the stretch because the bases were loaded. He nodded to the catcher to confirm the pitch and grunted as he tried to throw one by me. As the baseball left his hand, by the arm action and spin of the ball, I recognized it was a fastball. I expected it would rise in the zone and straightened my knees to allow me to use my normal swing. I heard the satisfying sound of a well-hit ball as it rocketed down the third base line.
Their third baseman lunged for the ball and got the tip of his glove on it, but only managed to knock it toward the fans down the line. I put my head down and sprinted as fast as I could, rounded first and picked up speed as I took second. As I approached second, I looked over at Coach Way at third, and he was waving me on. I took a line to give me the best speed rounding second and ran hard to third. Coach gave the two-handed sign with his palms down to tell me to slide.
While I’d been running around the bases, the ball had bounced off the third base line wall and come off at a funny angle. Their left fielder had played it for the corner, and it bounced off behind him, more towards center field. Their center fielder wasn’t paying attention and never moved from his spot until he saw the ball bounce towards him. He charged the ball once he figured out his mistake. The kid had a cannon for an arm and threw a rocket to third. I was easily safe but was almost able to score when their error-prone third baseman juggled the ball.
Nick was up next and hit a single to left field. I trotted in to score. Blake and Lucas had sharp eyes and earned themselves walks to load the bases again. Trent came up and hit the grand slam I had wanted to. We were up 8–0 when the inning ended.
Their next pitcher was better. I was up first in the next inning and hit a single to get on. I was more than a little shocked when Coach Kingwood put on the steal sign. Maybe this was his ‘thank you’ and gave me a chance to show off my skills on the basepath. No one in the park expected it, and when I took off, the catcher didn’t even try to throw me out.
Coach was true to his word and had each of our pitchers show their stuff. They didn’t disappoint since my pitching yesterday gave them an extra day’s rest. We ended up winning 10–2. I was proud that we acted like we expected to win and didn’t put on any theatrics when the last out was called.
After the game, the Baseball America TV crew wanted to ask Coach Kingwood and me some questions. He wasn’t happy when the team pelted him with their ice cream. Bob, my little spy, had given me the high sign, so I danced out of the way. I personally think they had tried to get me and Coach had just been standing next to me.
◊◊◊
After the game, USA Baseball had ordered pizza for everyone. I invited Halle to join us and was happy to see Fritz was with her. When we walked in, Bob came running up.
“All the coaches are meeting to decide on the top 40. We saved you a seat.”
“Bob, I’d like you to meet Halle James. She’s the star of
“Hi, I’m David’s host-brother,” Bob said.
Halle raised an eyebrow, but I just shrugged, so she smiled at Bob.
“It’s nice to meet you. Do you think you could introduce me to David’s teammates?” Halle asked.
Bob led the way and made the introductions while I grabbed some pizza. I looked around the room and noticed it was quiet for a group of teenagers this large. Then I realized they were all waiting to find out if they made the cut.
Bob ran up.
“Where’s Halle?” I asked to tease him about leaving his charge.
“They’re back,” he said, pointing at the coaches as they came in.
Moose and Coach Haskins grabbed some pizza and joined me. Halle sat across from me while we watched as the USA Baseball coaches would ask someone to join them and then disappear.
“Did I make it?” I asked.
“We can’t tell you,” Moose said.
“Then tell me,” Halle told them.
They looked at each other and then nodded to her. I hadn’t realized that I was worried until I felt the relief of knowing I’d made it.
I was the last one from our team to speak to Coach Kingwood.
“We did pretty well. We had nine make it.”
“Who didn’t make the cut?” I asked.
“Lucas, Blake, Kale, and Joe were cut. I was able to get everyone else from Pride on the Stars, which I’ll be coaching, and I’ve asked all my other coaches to come with us. It’s a good group, and I’d hate to break the team up.”
“I’d hoped we could get them all, but I’m sure you did your best.”
“I did. Allard asked that you be his roommate in Houston. Is that okay with you?”
