Page 44 of Rounding Third

“Definitely.” Smithy smiles.

Chapter 19

Smithy

“Is that Liliana in the stands?” Cord asks as I reach first base. Every time I’ve gone up to bat, I’ve hit the ball into the outfield.

I’ve given the guys a run for their money. They’ve had to hustle to get to every ball. I’ve heard Covey, Holden, and Schmidt complaining about it every time I get around to second base.

“Yeah.” I smile up at her.

Macy is sitting on one side of her and Charlie is on the other. Owen’s sitting in the row behind them with another man next to him. He looks familiar, but I can't place him.

“What do you think your dad’s going to do about Danny’s position?”

“Eh, I have a feeling it’s already filled.” He nods towards Owen and the man. “He has a weird sixth sense about people. He always seems to know when they’re about to snap and when he’ll need to fire them. I swear it never takes him long to fill the positions.”

“Danny’s been a ticking time bomb since the preseason started.” I shake my head, thinking about how great of a coach he used to be.

“I know,” Cord sighs. “It’s a shame, but it was his own doing. I think this guy will be better though. I’ve overheard enough to know he’s pretty amazing.”

“That’s good. We need something positive after how this preseason has gone.”

“Before you all head into the gym, I’d like you to meet your new head coach. This is Levi Harrison. He used to be a pitcher for the Pit Bulls, long before I bought the team.”

“Holy shit,” murmurs go through the group of players.

Everyone knows who Levi Harrison is. I’m not sure how I didn’t recognize him earlier. He’s a legend. One of the best pitchers the league has ever known.

“Yeah, he was an ok player.” Owen smirks and Levi snorts with laughter.

“It’s nice to meet all of you. I know I'm coming in here when preseason is almost over, but I plan to work hard to get to know each of you. I want to know you as a person because you’re not just a player on this team.”

Murmurs spread through the group. Everyone’s happy to have him here and I think it will be a nice change to have a coach who actually cares. One who’s played the game and understands the stress we’re under.

“My office is always open for you to come in and talk to me. I don’t care if we’re talking baseball, women, or babies. I’ve dealt with all of it and I understand where you are in life. I’ve beenthere, done that. It wasn’t always easy, but I’ve learned tips and tricks I'm happy to share with you.”

“I think Levi is exactly what we need. I know there have been quite a few changes on this team already this season, but all of them are for the better.” Owen meets each of our gazes, making sure we’re comfortable with this shift.

“I want to meet with each of you one on one. I’d love to get to know you a little better and see if there’s anything you need from me. I won't treat you like children or like I'm superior to you in any way. I’ve dealt with bad and controlling coaches, I don’t plan to be either. I want to be your equal. Someone you can come to about anything. We can only play as a team if we feel like we’re a team.”

“Alright, you guys can start your strength training while I show Levi around a little bit more. I’ll bring him back in about an hour. Until then, get to work.”

We all head into the gym without arguing. I know as soon as we get in there, the guys will start talking. I can't wait to see what everyone has to say.

“Smithy!” Lils calls my name from the front row of the seats. She’s leaning over the railing, watching me.

“Hey, baby.” I grin up at her. “How are you?”

“I'm good. I was thinking of heading out. I have some things to take care of for work.”

“We drove together.” I frown. I don’t like the idea of her leaving.

“I know. I’ll just order a ride. I’ll go back to my place and you can text me when you get home.”

“Not a chance. Come to the locker room. You can take my car home. When I'm leaving, I’ll have one of the guys drop me off and you can come over.”

“I can order a ride, Travis.” She rolls her eyes.

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