Page 91 of The Future Play

Jamie

“The questionfor tonight is will Jamie Henderson make it through this final inning with a no-hitter?”

I smile as I take the field. I never get tired of hearing Trevor announcing while I’m playing. Unless he’s giving me shit, but he tries to leave that to the other announcer. Not that there’s been much to say so far this season. I’ve been killing it, and so has the team.

It’s my second season with the Binghamton Knights. After I was drafted to the New York Metros, I ended up here with their AAA affiliate. They were originally going to send me to either their high A or AA team, but they sent me here first to get in some practice time with the team and see what I was capable of. I ended up staying. My path wasn’t common, but I’ve proved myself every step of the way.

Last year was part showing off my abilities and a lot of adjusting to the schedule of minor league baseball. Though I got called up for three Metros games, I only pitched in two. This year, my goal is toshow my growth, and if I’m lucky, get a call up for more Metros games, and prove I’m solid enough for the majors. If I set myself up right, my hope is to start next season playing for the Metros.

If I keep playing like this, they’d be crazy not to, but it’ll depend on what happens with the upcoming draft.

Either way, my focus has to be on right now, andright now, I’m in the top of the ninth looking at a no-hitter if I close this inning out strong.

Trevor rattles off some of my stats and a story he loves to tell about the combined no-hitter Aaron and I pitched together back in high school.

I dig in and focus on the ball in my hand and getting it straight to my catcher’s glove.

The wind teases my skin as the crowd cheers behind me.

That sweeping feeling of gratitude washes over me.

There’s not much in life I love more than this.

“Nice win,man. You were on fire tonight. Strikeout, strikeout, strikeout, baby. That’s how we do it at the Knights,” my teammate Archie says, smacking my butt as he walks by.

I laugh and shake my head. “It was a team game.”

“Dude, take the credit where it’s due. You kicked ass tonight. The rest of us didn’t have anything to do while you were on the field,” our first baseman says.

“Thanks, man.”

“So what are we thinking? Drinks to celebrate? I know plenty of people who won’t card the badass starting pitcher of the Binghamton Knights,” my catcher, Keltie, says.

I finish buttoning up my shirt, then pull my already-tied tie over my head. “Sorry, boys. I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“Lame!” one of the guys shouts.

“Seriously, you’re going to blow us off?” Keltie nags.

“Not blowing you off. I never said yes. I’ve got somewhere better to be. And no offense to any of you, but someone much hotter to be with.”

“I do take offense to that. Direct offense!” Archie yells.

“Ask me if I care,” I call over my shoulder as I walk out of the locker room.

I almost run into Jesse Wilkinson as I go.

“Tell me I don’t have to do any press.” In addition to being another former Ida kid and Joel’s brother, he’s the media and marketing manager for the Knights.

“Why? Got somewhere to be?”

“Probably a hot date,” Trev says, strolling up behind him. “Great game, man.”

“Thanks.”

“He’s right,” Jesse says. “Fantastic game. And no. No press right now, but I have an interview scheduled for you next week. The details are in your email.”

“Yes, sir.”

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