12-11-2025, 03:29 PM
The tension was thick over the field and Ethan could feel the pressure to make a run, the weight of his teammates expectations were pressing down on his shoulders like lead weights. He settled the batting helmet onto his head and grabbed his bat as he walked out of the dugout. He stepped up to the plate and took a few practice swings with the aluminum bat. He firmed up his stance and held his bat at the ready, staring across the field at the opposing team's pitcher, blocking out the taunts from the opposing team and their fans.
He adjusted his grip as he watched the pitcher on the mound, looking for any signs that would indicate what pitch the boy would throw. The pitcher nodded his head at the catcher's signal and drew his arm back. The crowd in the stands had gone quiet, all eyes trained on Ethan, and the pitcher.The ball finally left the pitcher's hand, headed straight for Ethan. Ethan's eyes were glued to the ball as it hurtled toward him, things seemed to slow down as he timed the split second he would have to swing as the ball crossed the plate in front of him. The sun flashed off the aluminum bat as Ethan swung, the bat ringing as it slammed into the baseball in it's path. The ball reversed course, rocketing high into the air toward the outfield fence. Ethan dropped the bat and raced toward first base as his teammates surged to their feet, all shouting encouragement. The crowd of parents, friends, and relatives that filled the stands surged to their feet cheering as Ethan raced toward first base.
Adrenalin coursed through Ethan's body, his legs pumping, pushing off the ground as hard as they could go, propelling his slight form around the field, past first base, then second. The cheering reached a new crescendo, and Ethan couldn't resist looking over his shoulder. He saw the opposing team give up on trying to run after the ball; the ball falling well past the outfield fence. Ethan slowed his pace, sailing past third at a nice steady jog, a huge smile on his face. It was a huge rush stepping onto home plate and scoring the winning run for his team.
The other boys boiled out of the dugout and surrounded him, lifting his thin, slightly muscular form into the air as they chanted his name; the hero of the day.
The coach gathered the team together as their opponents disappeared into the crowd. “Good game boys. I'm buying lunch at the Dancing Pepperoni for anyone that wants to come.” The group of young teens shouted in approval, and the coach had to wait a few moments before he could continue. “Alright, alright, calm down. Does anyone need a ride?”
“I do, coach.” Said Ricky Swardson, one of the shorter players, with super pale, almost white, blond hair.
Me too, coach.” De'vaughn Williams, the only African-American kid on the team, said.
“Okay, anyone else?” Coach Micheals looked around at the boys. “Go find your parents, and we'll meet at the restaurant in twenty minutes.” the coach said gruffly, shooing the boys off. None of the boys were fooled by the man's gruff voice, the coach might have a mean bark, but he was actually a really nice guy that really cared for the boys on his team.
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Ethan walked down the school hallway, receiving scattered smiles, and high fives from his fellow teammates. Ethan reveled in the temporary stardom from Saturday's game, but he knew that it would only last for a day or two. He ducked into the classroom as the bell rang, one of the last to take his seat.
“Everyone open their books to chapter eleven.” Mr. Dickinson instructed from the front of the classroom. Ethan pulled the battered math book from his backpack with a sigh. He really didn't hate school, but he definitely didn't love it either. He wished that he could spend all of his time playing baseball, and hanging out with his friends. He opened the textbook, and settled back in his desk chair, preparing himself for another week of school.
“What's up dork?”
“Screw you.” Ethan said with a laugh, as his friend Kirby walked up to him. Kirby was a little over two inches shorter than Ethan was, and despite spending most of his time playing video games, had a thin, slightly muscular body.
“You wish, homo.” Kirby replied with a laugh of his own. “I hear that you like won the game this weekend, or something.”
“Yeah, I hit a home run, broke the tie in the last inning.” Ethan was unable to keep the pride out of his voice.