(PRESH-er)
—
a force or influence that cannot be avoided
recruits
(ri-KROOTS)
—
newcomers to a group or field of activity
respective
(ri-SPEK-tiv)
—
not the same or shared
roster
(ROS-ter)
—
an orderly list of people belonging to some group
superstar
(SOO-per-stahr)
—
someone who is very talented in a craft, job, entertainment, or sport
tryout
(TRYE-out)
—
a test of the ability, such as with an athlete or an actor, to fill a part or meet standards
Discussion Questions
Why was Blake hesitant to try out for the Mega-Middies? What do you think was holding him back? Do you think he had a good reason to be nervous?
Austin was willing to help Blake during team tryouts. Why? Have you ever played a team sport where another teammate was willing to help a new player? Talk about how that person helped you or someone else.
Why was Kyle so upset when Coach Sweatt asked him to play third base during tryouts? Have you ever had to deal with a teammate you didn’t get along with? Talk about how you dealt with that person during practices or games.
Writing Prompts
When Blake makes the throw at the end of the game to help the Mega-Middies win, the team celebrates in victory. Have you ever had a winning moment like Blake’s? Write a paragraph about your experience and how it made you feel.
This story is told from Blake’s point of view, but there are times it’s useful to consider a story from another character’s perspective. Try rewriting Chapter 6 from Kyle’s point of view.
In Chapter 3, Coach Sweatt says his players need heart, hustle, determination, and proper conditioning to make the team. Why do you feel those four things are so important to him? Have you ever had a coach or teacher who had a certain of expectations? How did that make you feel?
Baseball Glossary
ball
(BAWL)
—
a pitch not swung at by the batter that fails to pass through the strike zone
catcher
(KACH-er)
—
