Page 116 of Home Field Advantage
I stare out the front window of my Tahoe, look out at the barnyard, and smile. This wasn’t what I expected to happen when I got here, either. Now, I see a group of kids tossing the ball around with one another. Sage included, who jumped out of the car as soon as I put it in park a little bit ago.
Not just a makeshift diamond of dirt anymore.
It’s abaseballfield now.
Tonight is the first practice on a field I created for them over the weekend with a bit of help from Griffin.
We built an entire mini dugout for the kids with circle letters over the top that spell out HOME. The weeds have been picked, new benches installed, the wire fence behind the home platereplaced, and they now have real bases instead of cardboard pieces.
“I’m doing good. Keeping busy,” I answer honestly. “I have to get going, though. I’ll give you a call when I have a plan in place.”
“Sounds good. Remember what I said, no more strikeouts, only home runs.”
I hang up, tossing my phone into the cup holder and making my way to the field, where the kids are taking everything in.
“Would you look at this, coach?” Archie shouts. “It’s a new field.”
“And a whole dugout with nice new benches!” Ethan adds. “No more butt splinters.”
Tucker pulls up moments later with Nan in tow, making their way to the field with wide eyes, too. I didn’t tell anyone I was doing this. I wanted it to be a surprise for all the hard work these kids put in.
“The barnyard got a makeover, huh?” Nan says, knowing I had everything to do with this, but not saying it out loud. “Never thought I’d see the day this space got cleaned nice enough to look like the real deal.” She laughs before moving off to the side to take a phone call or something.
“Holy cannoli,” Tucker says. “This is so epic. Oh my god. Makes me want to win a championship.”
“Yeah!” all the kids shout in unison.
“When is the first game, coach?” Gabe asks. “I got my cannon arm locked and loaded to win.”
“The first one is scheduled for a few weeks from now. It’s coming up quickly, and I think we’re going to do amazing. And now that the weather is no longer below freezing, we can really enjoy the game.”
“Cold means nothing to us,” Austin chimes in. “Feels like summer.”
“Summer? It’s still in the thirties,” Ethan scoffs. “Meaning, I’m still cold.”
“Let’s warm up then, shall we?” I announce and toss the bag of equipment next to the bench.
They all spread out, gloves in hand, and partner up to toss the ball around.
Every week that passes, they surprise me more and more. At that very first practice, they couldn’t hit the water if they fell out of a boat. Shoulders slumped, eyes down, and some of them were afraid even to speak. I kept showing up for them as long as they showed up for me. Even on the coldest days, theystillshowed up.
And now? Now they move like a team that’s been doing this for years.
They aren’t just playing the game anymore. They’re living it.
I’m a little proud of myself, too, if I’m being honest.
After being told I was a shit coach, I shifted everything. Bringing myself to their level and adapting to whattheyneed versus what Ithinkthey need. Each and every one of them now believes in each other, themselves, andme.
I look to my left and see Tucker standing there. His legs are spread, his arms crossed over his chest, and he watches as all the kids warm up. I clasp a hand on his shoulder, startling him out of his daze.
“Oh, sorry, coach. I’m in awe of these kids and seeing them on a real baseball field. This is so cool. I wonder who did all of this.”
“I did.” He snaps his head in my direction with eyes wide, and I laugh. “I did it over the weekend with Griffin, but don’t tell them that.”
“First, I’d like it on record that I’m deeply offended I wasn’t asked to help. I literally work in construction, Dallas. I thought we were friends.” He rolls his eyes and then smiles. “Second, my lips are sealed.”
I can’t help but shake my head. “Let me ask you something before we get started on practice.”
