Page 163 of The Perfect Love

“We wanted to make sure you know you’re an important part of our team,” Coach says.

“The team goes beyond who’s on the field. We all play a part in getting the players where they are, helping to build morale, and making the team what it is,” Aaron says.

“We all know how much you love the game, but we’ve seen how you love this team too,” Miles says.

“You’ve worked hard with a lot of the younger kids at practice, and being on the field with them, I’ve seen their improvement,” Joel adds.

“So, this is for you.” Coach hands me a box as the guys all smile at me.

I take it and pull the top off, revealing… a purple Finger Lakes Sea Dogs jersey.

“Thank you. This means a lot.”

“Turn it over,” Aaron says.

When I do, the air leaves my chest. I knew it wouldn’t be my number. One of the guys on the team wears the number twelve. No, the number staring back at me is my dad’s number. Six.

“How did you know?” I choke out.

“I asked Hyla,” Aaron says.

Fuck. I really don’t want to cry here, but it takes all my strength to keep the tears at bay.

“Thank you. All of you.” My voice is rough, but it’s the best I can do when I’m filled with so much emotion. “This means more than wearing my own number.”

“Thought you might feel that way. We’re glad to have you as a part of the team, kid.”

As more guys filter into the locker room, Coach smiles, then walks out and yells, “Game in thirty. Get your asses moving!”

We all laugh, then I look over at the guys. “Thank you for including me in this.”

“Hey, we’ve been on this roller coaster together for a long time. I have no idea what chaos you have up your sleeve today, but I’m glad you’re still here with us,” Joel says.

I glance at the time. “Speaking of which, I need to get out of here. But I’ll see you all after the game.” I pull the jersey over my head and smack Aaron on the shoulder. “Thank you all again. Kick ass out there.”

Then I turn and head for the exit so I can meet Kyle in the booth.

I get there a few minutes early, but it’s unlocked and set up already, so I set my water bottle down and get comfortable in one of the chairs. It’s not fancy, but the view of the field from here is insane.

“Hey, man. Ready for this?” Kyle asks when he walks into the booth.

“I think so. I don’t usually have a problem shutting up about baseball, so this should be fun.”

Despite how big a part of my life baseball has been, I’ve never been in any kind of commentating booth. From up behind home plate, we have a view of the field I’ve never experienced before, and it has me itching with anticipation for the game to start.

“Remember, roast the other team harder than you roast ours, but don’t be afraid to call out the guys when they do something dumb.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t have any problems with that.”

“The Finger Lakes Sea Dogs are fighting for the win, but Brockport is giving them a run for their money,” Kyle says.

“It doesn’t help that the Sea Dogs pitcher is starting to struggle on the mound.”

“Between innings, the Sea Dogs sent Aaron Cooper to warm up,” Kyle says. “This is his first game pitching in years. Trevor, what can we expect?”

I laugh confidently.

“You can expect a lesson on the skill and finesse of a pitcher. Look, I’ve been playing with him since I was old enough to hold a bat, and I can tell you, he knows his stuff. There’s a reason he became a pitching coach at nineteen. And it wasn’t desperation. He knows this game. He knows the mechanics of pitching. Hand injury or not, he has tremendous skill. Now that he’s back at the top of his game, any batter going up against him should be worried. He still holds the state title for most shutouts ever pitched.”

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