Coach Harris and Coach Sweatt carried Kyle off the field as the rest of the team looked on solemnly. The players and parents from the opposing team clapped as a sign of support. Moments later, Kyle’s father drove him to the hospital.
Next to Blake, Austin shuddered. “That looked really bad. I shouted for him to throw me the ball. I don’t know why he didn’t listen. We could’ve turned the double play and he wouldn’t be hurt.”
“You know how Kyle is,” said Ramon, shaking his head. “He never learns.”
Coach Sweatt returned to the field. “Well, you boys played a tough game today. I’m sure we’re all happy to have won, but I know I speak for everyone when I say I’m sad at how it ended. Hopefully, Kyle will be OK. I’ll let you know what I hear tomorrow. Bring it in.”
The team huddled in close and shouted, “MEGA-MIDDIES!” then trotted off the field.
“Hey, Blake,” Coach Sweatt said. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”
Blake turned as the other players headed toward the dugout to get their equipment. “Sure, Coach. What’s up?” he asked.
“Between you and me, Kyle’s ankle didn’t look good,” Coach said. “Depending on what the doctor says, I want you ready to take his place at second.”
Blake nodded, not knowing what to say. There’s a reason I was on the bench. I’m not ready to start! he thought. What if I make a mistake? What if Coach puts me back on the bench for the rest of the season?
Blake’s anxiety began to build. He’d wanted to be a starter, but not like this.
CHAPTER 7
FROM THE BENCH TO THE FIELD
The next day, the Mega-Middies sat in the dugout. They were all waiting for their next practice to begin. “Has anybody seen Kyle?” Blake asked.
Before anyone could answer, Coach Sweatt stepped into the dugout. “I’ve got some good news,” he said. He stepped away from the dugout opening as Kyle walked in.
The team cheered and surrounded their injured teammate. It took a minute for Blake to register that Kyle was wearing an Aircast boot.
“The doctor said I have a broken foot. I’ll be in this boot for most of the season,” Kyle said. “But the good news is I still get to travel with the team, even though I can’t play.”
“Blake, with Kyle out, you’re in at second base,” Coach said. “OK, guys, on the field.”
Before Blake could leave the dugout, Kyle pulled him aside. “Hey, listen,” he said. “I know I’ve given you a hard time since you first got here and . . . I’m sorry.”
Blake could feel the shock on his face. Kyle must have seen it too.
“I know you might not believe me,” he said, “but my dad gave me a pretty good lecture at the hospital yesterday. He made me realize I haven’t been a very good teammate. I only have myself to blame for trying to show off. I mean, look where it got me.” He motioned to his Aircast. “Don’t be dumb like I was. Play smart out there.”
Blake hesitated. Can I really trust Kyle? he wondered. But truthfully, he didn’t have much choice.
“Thanks, man,” Blake finally said.
The boys bumped fists. Then Blake ran out onto the diamond, ready to play second base.
“Let’s turn some double plays!” Coach Sweatt called. He hit the ball toward Corey at third base.
As Corey scooped up the ball, Blake hurried to cover second. He caught the throw from third and scrambled to get the ball to first. It wasn’t his best throw, but the ball made it there.
Before Coach Sweatt could hit the ball again, Kyle interrupted from the dugout. “Coach!” he shouted. “I think I see something that might help Blake.”
“All right, Kyle. What do you see?” Coach Sweatt asked.
Kyle stood up and made his way toward the field. “OK. Blake, you did a good job turning the double play, but you’re standing too close to the first baseman. You’re having to run farther to turn the play.”
“Really? Where should I be, then?” asked Blake.
“Take three steps to the right,” replied Kyle. “Only shift toward first if the coach signals the infield to shift left.”
Blake got into the proper position on the field. “Gotcha,” he said. “Coach, can we run the play again?” He wanted to see if Kyle’s suggestion would make a difference.
Coach Sweatt nodded and hit the ball again. This time, Blake didn’t feel as rushed. He made a perfect throw to Tracy at first base.
“Nice play, guys!” Austin called.
“That was a lot easier. Thanks for backing me up, Kyle!” Blake said.
“No problem,” Kyle said with a smile. “It’s what teammates do.”
CHAPTER 8
GAME TIME
As the Mega-Middies took the field to play their next game, against the Gate City Eagles, butterflies swirled in Blake’s stomach. He’d only had two practices with the team as their starting second baseman. They’d gone fairly well, but playing in an actual game was a lot of pressure.
Blake had talked to Franklin the night before, hoping to ease his nerves, but it had backfired. Franklin had announced that he and the rest of the Wiffle ball players were planning to be at the game, cheering on Blake.
