Force Out by Tim Green Read Free Book Online Page A

wasn’t certain where that notion came from. He didn’t see how the trophies could belong to anyone but the team that won them. He was so disappointed and enraged at his own failure, he nearly pointed out the absurdity of Coach Barrett’s statement. He thought better of it, though, knowing no good could come from being a wise guy and also knowing the blame for losing sat squarely on his own shoulders.
    â€œWe had it.” Butch Barrett apparently couldn’t help echoing his father’s words, and it was as if he’d delivered a stellar performance, when actually he hadn’t done much at all.
    Joey let his head drop.
    â€œIt’s not your fault.” Zach whispered—perfect in everything, even defeat—patting Joey’s back and wagging his head in personal disappointment. “We all screwed up.”
    â€œNot with the bases loaded, you didn’t.”
    The team broke up and headed for the dugout to gather their things.
    â€œYou saw him lick his lips, right?” Zach stood facing the infield with Joey looking toward the dugout, just the two of them now on the first base line.
    â€œI opened my stance and everything.” Joey looked over at home plate, the scene of the crime. “I hit it, just . . . on top of it. I don’t know. I had such a feeling .”
    â€œI get that, too.”
    â€œNo.” Joey shook his head. “Not a good feeling, a bad feeling. Bases loaded is supposed to make you excited about a grand slam, but all I could think about was the force-out they had at every base. I couldn’t shake it. It was like I wasn’t supposed to win. That’s how a loser thinks. I can’t believe I choked, and Leah was here and everything.”
    â€œHey, you’re no loser.” Zach poked him gently in the chest. “Look what you did just to help me get here. You’re the best. Don’t worry. We’ll both make the all-stars. There’s three slots the coaches vote on. I heard Coach Barrett talking to the Pirates coach about it. They meet tomorrow. I can make it on that way.”
    â€œYou? Coach Barrett’s gonna give our team’s slot to you. I’m the one who has to worry.”
    â€œI wouldn’t say that.” Zach looked at Joey, not only with sincerity but without jealousy or anger. “You had a monster season. You got twice the home runs I did.”
    â€œBut your batting average is a hundred points better than mine.”
    â€œLet’s not argue about it,” Zach said. “Forget it. We’ll both make it. I know we will. Hey, a lot of people are going to Gideon Falls this afternoon before the dance. You want to go?”
    â€œWe got finals all next week.” Another thing for Joey to worry about.
    Zach waved a hand in the air. “It’s the weekend. If you have to study, do it tomorrow night.”
    Joey shook his head. “I’ve got too much studying I have to do. I wouldn’t have any fun. If I get it done, I can go to the dance.”
    â€œLeah’s gonna be there.” Zach sang the words.
    â€œI can’t, Zach. Don’t torture me.”
    Behind the dugout, Joey saw his parents, along with Zach’s. Leah McClosky was nowhere to be seen. No surprise there.
    â€œI wish I could be like you.” Joey sighed. “I swear.”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œJust so . . . so relaxed.”
    â€œWell, just relax. It’s easy.”
    Joey was going to say that it wasn’t easy, but because of what he saw now behind the dugout, the words stuck in his throat.
    Mr. Kratz wore a red flannel shirt tucked into a big pair of jeans held up by two leather suspenders. The gleam of his sweaty forehead disappeared up under the brim of his floppy felt hat. The little round glasses he used to read hung from the tip of his nose, threatening a dive into the big fuzzy beard below to swim alongside what looked like toast crumbs from breakfast. His