The Batter: Short Story

Short Story

With over a hundred hours of batting practice this season, Paul planted his feet firmly against the soft dirt. He took a deep breath and readied himself for the pitch. The ball bolted towards the strike zone, and Paul started his swing. He swung his bat with perfection. In his head, Paul knew it would be the best hit of the year. “Strike three!” The umpire hollered. It took Paul all but a second to realize that he struck out for the tenth consecutive time, and that he caused the Mustangs to lose the championship game. He walked towards the dugout; his teammates stared at him with grudge.

Sergio stomped towards Paul and shouted, “Why did you swing at that? Are you blind? Now you made us lose the most important game of the year. You’re such a loser.” Those words pierced the heart of Paul. Paul had worked so hard for this moment, and it seemed as if all that hard work had gone to waste.

Back at the Mustang’s training facility, Coach Eduardo walked towards Paul. “Paul, I need to have a word with you. Come to my office.” Paul tagged along behind Coach Eduardo. As they approached the office, Paul wondered what his coach would say, and feared that he would have to leave the team. They went inside the soundproof office with an entrance that barely allowed Eduardo in. Coach slammed the door and in a dimming tone he said, "Son, your skills have grown over the years.” Paul felt a small sense of relief, but became tense again when Eduardo said; “However, it’s not enough to keep you on this team, and you don't belong here. I want you to get out of here now!" Those were the last words that Paul heard from Coach Eduardo before leaving the Mustangs. Paul strode out of the Mustangs' baseball training facility i...

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...after strike one. History would soon repeat itself in the most devastating form for Paul if he receives another strike. As the ball traveled in the air for the third time, Paul began to doubt himself. He barely managed to make contact with the ball and fouled it off for another chance at bat. Paul refocused for the next pitch. The ball went upper left hand corner, where Paul wanted it. He took the biggest, most forceful swing he ever made, sending the ball beyond everyone’s sight. Sergio was enraged. He could not understand the stupidity of the pitcher who threw the losing pitch.

Paul ran around the bases with joy. As he approached home plate, he looked at Sergio and said, “I guess not.” This startled Sergio and left him speechless. His teammates surrounded him and thrust him up into the air. The Thunderbirds finally won the championship game against the Mustangs.