CHAPTER SEVEN

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WHAT A WAY TO END THE SEASON

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The game started out the same as usual this year.

We were in the first base dugout facing the sun. It was hot, very hot. Even the parents moved to the other side of the field to get some shade. We were alone. Or should I say, I was alone. Both assistant coaches couldn't make the game.

We fell behind very quickly, 5-0. Mistakes were common place. Everyone on the team seemed to miss a ball. We didn't bend over for grounders, popups popped out, routine outs were anything but routine.

Not again I thought. We came to bat and scored a run, then another, and another. Before I knew it we were up 7-5. Okay, maybe it will be different this time. The other team was making the same mistakes. That in itself was unusal.

We go back on the field with a coach's usual reminder, "Hold 'em, three up, three down".

Three up and they had the bases loaded. A hit. Another hit. Kids running, ground balls going right between players legs. Next hit - missed by the short stop...oh no, missed by the left fielder too. The bases are cleared and we are again behind - this time 12-7.

"It's okay, we get to bat too you know," I tell the team as they enter the dugout. Being a positive influence for the kids is a coach's most important job. We got a run and followed it with an out.

Bickering in the dugout. I listen and players are blaming each other for the bad play in the field. Two more base runners, and a hit. I hear a player say it's her fault but if so and so would just move off the base to catch a ball... Another out. More runners on base. Their pitcher can't toss a strike. Then it happens - an out when we least need it. Score 12-10. Not enough this inning.

Back on the field we go. They hit the ball, we drop the ball. Bad throws to first. Come to think of it, bad throws everywhere. I move the first baseman to second, a line drive is hit right at her feet and it sailed on out to right field. The ball must have waved at the right fielder because she just waved at it has it sailed on to the fence. Players are making faces at each other. The grumbling starts in the field.

Run after run after run scores. A pop up just past the outstretched glove of our diving catcher. Another runner on base. The third baseman makes a routine catch in front of the bag and tosses to first. The ball bangs off the first base side dugout and heads out to right field. More runs score.

This was getting ugly. Players were starting to say things to each other. I called time, walked out and told them that we could save this game. We just had to give it our all. Make the plays they were capible of. We were home team, we could catch up!

Back at the dugout I watched us give up two more runs. Overthrows, underthrows, no throws, behind the runner throws, this was crazy. I called time, walked out to the catcher, told her I was sorry but I had to stop this.

I told the umpire to call ball game. She (Ump) looked at me in disbelief. I said, "Call ball game!"

Still she stood there. In my best umpire voice I shouted "BALL GAME!" and walked back to the dugout and packed my gear.

What a way to end a season.

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