Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The Alternate
Here is a book I wrote:
The Bad News Giants
As the sun shone on Friday morning Jay woke up with the shout of his father, "It's a great day for baseball (Jay's father is also his baseball coach)." Jay woke up, rolled around a few times, and then got out of bed.
Jay came into the kitchen for breakfast and greeted his sister, Sally and his father. "Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," they both replied.
Usually after school on Fridays Jay has a baseball practice, but that day he had his first game of the season against "The Majors." Jay thinks his team is better than it was the year before. In the year before the team ended up last place with only one win.
As the game started Jay recognized some of the players who they had played the year before. The team was away so they went to the plate* first. Jay was hitting third and pitching*. Jay's best friend, Mike, came to the plate first. The first pitch came in really fast, but it was high. "Ball one," barked the ump*. The next pitch was slow and chest high, Mike knew it was his. He swung and pulled the ball to left center for a double*. Next batter struck out* swinging. Jay came to the plate confident. The first pitch was on the inside corner, he swung and missed. There was silence on the field. The pitcher wound up, Jay leaned back, the pitcher threw, Jay took a stride and swung, the ball went sailing over the pitcher's head into centerfield* for a single*. While mike was rounding third the throw came in from the outfield, Mike slid, the catcher tagged. "Safe," shouted the umpire. The crowd cheered like crazy. Meanwhile Jay went to second. "That's my kid," Jay's father cried.
Jay saw the signal to steal*, "steal?" he whispered to himself. Their catcher* is the best in the league. He didn't know what to do. Should he steal or should he not listen to the coach. It was too late do decide so he stole anyway. The catcher was surprised to see him stealing. He threw a straight throw right at the third baseman*. He caught it and put the tag on. Somehow the ball flew out of the glove and went into left field*. Jay went home*. The ball was thrown by the left fielder. The ball hit Jay's back and he fell down. Jay learnt something very important in baseball and every athlete has to know it, if you get hurt during any play, you first finish the play and then treat the pain. That's what he did and was called safe. Some more cheers were heard from the stands. They won the game 3-2.
They lost the next four because Jay was in a huge batting slump.
The Tryouts
Before every game Jay was convinced they were going to win, but they always lost.
On the way back home from one of the games he thought about what his father said at the beginning of the season. He said there will be an Israel National Team that would go to London to the European baseball championship. He thought he might have a chance at the team.
Everyday he asked his father if he got any information about the team. He always had the same answer, "no." Till one day, while his father was on the computer checking his email, he called Jay in and told him that he and another twenty four kids were accepted to go to the five tryout practices and out of the twenty five kids, fifteen will be chosen for the national team. Jay looked at the list of kids and didn't see his friend, Mike on it. There must have been a mistake, he thought, but deep inside he knew there was no mistake. He didn't know what to tell him.
The next day was really cold. Jay was walking silently, he was very sweaty. "Are you alright?" mike asked while jay's sweat fell on the floor and make a very loud noise. "I have something to tell you," he paused" last night my father gave me the list of kids who will go to the tryouts for the national team, I was on it," he paused again" and you're not. Jay broke a very long silence and said, "I couldn't believe it myself," jay said.
"Forget it," Mike replied.
The first tryout practice was lots of hard work. Jay got to know the kids just a little. Working in the batting cage was the best part. The coaches were very nice, but strict. We had a whole list of things to bring to every practice. Every practice was harde than the one before.
Here, we finally got to the last practice. We had a scrimmage in the cold weather.
"So guys," the coach said "I would want to explain to you what we're going to have during the practices of the team so you will be sure what we're doing and you'll decide if it's you hard for you; every practice will be harder than the one before," he kept talking on and on about how hard the practices are going to be.
"The first few practices are going to be in a training camp and you will sleep here for six nights. Now, this is the way we're going to tell you whether you're on the team or not; if you do not get in ," there was a bit of a pause, " we will call your parents and tell them; if you do get in you will be mailed."
"Well, at least I got lots of practice out of the tryouts if I don't get in," Jay told his parents.
The Longest Week of All
Here it's starting, the longest week of my life, Jay thought to himself. The teachers' lips moved so slowly and every lesson seemed like it was two hours. Jay couldn't concentrate on school; his mind only thought about the team.
He hoped knew that he gave his best and did everything to impress the coaches.
He was considered the best in his class in basketball, but during recess he was terrible. "You're falling off your feet," said Mike.
"Yeah, you got bags under your eyes," Daniel added.
"What's the matter?" Kenny asked.
"Nothing, really guys," Jay said.
"Yeah right," Mike whispered to himself.
"Okay, I'm just nervous about the tryout results," Jay said hesitantly with a few pauses.
"Oh, so that's it," they all said
"What was that voice: oh, so that's it .Aren't you going to cheer me up?" he was amazed.
"You have no chance of getting in, Jay," Mike replied.
"Yeah," they all agreed.
"This is the reason why I didn't tell you in the first place," he exclaimed and ran away.
This was the most annoying and long week in Jay's life.
The Message
It's Sunday, first of March 6:44 AM. Jay slept one hour that night. He always kept on doubting if he would get into the team; Well, I have another year if I don't make it, he thought. He kept on thinking, oh, I have no chance; and then, I'll get in for sure. He wondered all night. He was so nervous. He went into the kitchen to drink a cup of water a few times in order to fall asleep, but with no success. He tried to fall asleep watching TV, but he couldn't take the national team off his mind.
Beep, beep, beep, the alarm clock shrilled. He always used to snooze after the alarm clock went off, but this time he immediately got up. He almost collapsed. He took his clothes slowly out of the closet and got dressed. He went to eat with his father after getting dressed. He ate cheerios, one by one.
"What's the matter? Why do you have bags under your eyes?" his father asked.
"I couldn't manage to fall asleep for most of the night. I slept ONE HOUR," Jay replied.
"So that's the noise I heard last night,"
"Yeah, I tried to fall asleep listening to the TV," Jay said.
"I'm not surprised," his sister said jokingly.
Jay's father let him go to sleep for the whole day. He stayed home alone in front of the TV. Surprisingly he fell asleep.
At about two o'clock the phone rang. Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep… "Hello, you've reached the Taylor family, please leave a message after the tone," the message machine said loudly.
"Hello Jay, I know you think this is bad news, but I think it isn't," he paused," you were chosen to be the team's alternate. Now, that means you will practice with the team, but you will not go to London for the tournament, unless someone gets hurt or if someone quits. Please think about it strongly and call me to tell me if you want to do it or not," the coach said slowly.
Jay woke up at about three o'clock. A thick silence cut the air to the sound of little birds. Jay looked at his watch; his mouth and eyes were wide open. The coaches probably called or emailed me while I was sleeping, he thought. He took off his blanket quickly and ran through the hall to the computer. Jay is known for his fast typing on the computer; this time his hands were shaking and he typed a lot slower. Finally when he got into his inbox he read, "Zero unread messages." Well, at least I have next year, he thought. Maybe my email didn't work and they called and left a message. Jay's shaking hands hit the "play" button. After the message was heard Jay went into the kitchen and made himself a cup of hot chocolate. He didn't know what to do.
Training Camp
"It must be about thirty degrees outside," Jay said at breakfast.
"So wear shorts," his sister said.
"You don't ware shorts in baseball," Jay explained, "I'll go make holes in them," he said.
As they approached the field on their left Jay saw shirts and hats on a table. "Do you think I'll get a shirt and a hat?" Jay asked his mother.
"Of course, you're part of the team," his mother replied.
"Everybody take a seat please. You all know you are the fifteen best players for your age in Israel. Well, really sixteen," the coach said quickly. They all looked at each other. "Jay, please come here," the coach said. Jay walked to the coach feeling embarrassed while standing next to the coach and watching all the kids staring at him. "Jay will be our alternate. He will practice with us and will be treated like the rest of the team, but will not go to London with us unless somebody either quit or gets hurt," the coach explained, "you may take a seat."
"Everybody will take a hat and a shirt and we'll divide you up into rooms. When you get your rooms you will get dressed into the shirt and hat, get a bed, organize your things and be back here in twenty minutes," the second coach said.
Jay was so embarrassed when he walked into his room. All the kids were whispering to each other and staring at Jay. Some even laughed. Too bad no one from my team is on the team, Jay thought to himself. They had fielding practice first. Jay usually played shortstop* and he was really expecting that, but he ended up playing right field*. "This is for you, Jay," the coach called out. The ball flew slowly threw the air right at him. He closed his glove before the ball went in so the ball hit the glove and jumped out. The shortstop cried from laughter.
While taking his lunch from the table he saw those faces laughing and staring at him. He sat down at a table where no one was sitting. He ate very slowly. Even though it was crowded at other tables the kids just didn't want to sit next to Jay. Jay was starting to regret his decision and go to the team anyway.
Unexpected Sweat Revenge
The last practice was coming up. Jay's baseball condition and social condition got better every practice. There was one kid who hated Jay; he showed off so much and always made fun of Jay. He was like a dictator in the team.
"Are you ready for the last practice, son?"
"Sure," he replied.
At the end of the practice the coach called them all into a room. "We brought you here to have a little ceremony," the coach announced.
"With food?" Joe asked.
"No Joe. We will have a ceremony for Jay. As you know Jay's has been our alternate. He had a very hard decision to make. You probably wondered why you all signed that glove before hand. We are giving this glove to Jay and by that we thank him for practicing with us. Everyone was cheering for Jay and clapping their hands and calling his name. Only the show-off kid was sitting angrily on the side. Now he feels how it is to be treated like trash, Jay thought.
Team Leaves to London
The team's flight took of at three AM. Jay came to the airport to wish them luck. His father didn't let him go at the beginning, but Jay insisted. His father ended up letting him go.
Back at home, the next day Jay looked for the European baseball internet site and he followed the scores and standings. There were ten teams from around Europe, Israel was in fourth place.
Jay also emailed them at the time. That day he promised himself he'll treat next years alternate nicely and would be very good friends with him.
Glossary
Catcher- Player who stands behind home plate and catches the ball that the pitcher throws. See baseball field- next page.
Centerfield- Player who stands in the middle of the outfield. See baseball field-next page.
Double- When batter approaches second base after hit. See baseball field- next page.
Home- Also call home plate. Home is the target of the offensive team. When a runner runs around all the bases and touches home he scores a run. See baseball field- next page.
Pitcher- Stands between home and second base and between first and third base. Throws the ball to the catcher. See baseball field-next page.
Plate- See Home.
Right field- Stands in the right side of the outfield. See baseball field-next page.
Shortstop- Stands between second and third base. See baseball field- next page.
Single- When batter approaches first base after hit. See baseball field-next page.
Steal- When runner runs from a certain base to the next one while pitcher pitches the ball to the catcher.
Third baseman- Stands next to third base. See baseball field-next page.
Ump- Referee. Ump is short for umpire.
Permalink
The Bad News Giants
As the sun shone on Friday morning Jay woke up with the shout of his father, "It's a great day for baseball (Jay's father is also his baseball coach)." Jay woke up, rolled around a few times, and then got out of bed.
Jay came into the kitchen for breakfast and greeted his sister, Sally and his father. "Good morning," he said.
"Good morning," they both replied.
Usually after school on Fridays Jay has a baseball practice, but that day he had his first game of the season against "The Majors." Jay thinks his team is better than it was the year before. In the year before the team ended up last place with only one win.
As the game started Jay recognized some of the players who they had played the year before. The team was away so they went to the plate* first. Jay was hitting third and pitching*. Jay's best friend, Mike, came to the plate first. The first pitch came in really fast, but it was high. "Ball one," barked the ump*. The next pitch was slow and chest high, Mike knew it was his. He swung and pulled the ball to left center for a double*. Next batter struck out* swinging. Jay came to the plate confident. The first pitch was on the inside corner, he swung and missed. There was silence on the field. The pitcher wound up, Jay leaned back, the pitcher threw, Jay took a stride and swung, the ball went sailing over the pitcher's head into centerfield* for a single*. While mike was rounding third the throw came in from the outfield, Mike slid, the catcher tagged. "Safe," shouted the umpire. The crowd cheered like crazy. Meanwhile Jay went to second. "That's my kid," Jay's father cried.
Jay saw the signal to steal*, "steal?" he whispered to himself. Their catcher* is the best in the league. He didn't know what to do. Should he steal or should he not listen to the coach. It was too late do decide so he stole anyway. The catcher was surprised to see him stealing. He threw a straight throw right at the third baseman*. He caught it and put the tag on. Somehow the ball flew out of the glove and went into left field*. Jay went home*. The ball was thrown by the left fielder. The ball hit Jay's back and he fell down. Jay learnt something very important in baseball and every athlete has to know it, if you get hurt during any play, you first finish the play and then treat the pain. That's what he did and was called safe. Some more cheers were heard from the stands. They won the game 3-2.
They lost the next four because Jay was in a huge batting slump.
The Tryouts
Before every game Jay was convinced they were going to win, but they always lost.
On the way back home from one of the games he thought about what his father said at the beginning of the season. He said there will be an Israel National Team that would go to London to the European baseball championship. He thought he might have a chance at the team.
Everyday he asked his father if he got any information about the team. He always had the same answer, "no." Till one day, while his father was on the computer checking his email, he called Jay in and told him that he and another twenty four kids were accepted to go to the five tryout practices and out of the twenty five kids, fifteen will be chosen for the national team. Jay looked at the list of kids and didn't see his friend, Mike on it. There must have been a mistake, he thought, but deep inside he knew there was no mistake. He didn't know what to tell him.
The next day was really cold. Jay was walking silently, he was very sweaty. "Are you alright?" mike asked while jay's sweat fell on the floor and make a very loud noise. "I have something to tell you," he paused" last night my father gave me the list of kids who will go to the tryouts for the national team, I was on it," he paused again" and you're not. Jay broke a very long silence and said, "I couldn't believe it myself," jay said.
"Forget it," Mike replied.
The first tryout practice was lots of hard work. Jay got to know the kids just a little. Working in the batting cage was the best part. The coaches were very nice, but strict. We had a whole list of things to bring to every practice. Every practice was harde than the one before.
Here, we finally got to the last practice. We had a scrimmage in the cold weather.
"So guys," the coach said "I would want to explain to you what we're going to have during the practices of the team so you will be sure what we're doing and you'll decide if it's you hard for you; every practice will be harder than the one before," he kept talking on and on about how hard the practices are going to be.
"The first few practices are going to be in a training camp and you will sleep here for six nights. Now, this is the way we're going to tell you whether you're on the team or not; if you do not get in ," there was a bit of a pause, " we will call your parents and tell them; if you do get in you will be mailed."
"Well, at least I got lots of practice out of the tryouts if I don't get in," Jay told his parents.
The Longest Week of All
Here it's starting, the longest week of my life, Jay thought to himself. The teachers' lips moved so slowly and every lesson seemed like it was two hours. Jay couldn't concentrate on school; his mind only thought about the team.
He hoped knew that he gave his best and did everything to impress the coaches.
He was considered the best in his class in basketball, but during recess he was terrible. "You're falling off your feet," said Mike.
"Yeah, you got bags under your eyes," Daniel added.
"What's the matter?" Kenny asked.
"Nothing, really guys," Jay said.
"Yeah right," Mike whispered to himself.
"Okay, I'm just nervous about the tryout results," Jay said hesitantly with a few pauses.
"Oh, so that's it," they all said
"What was that voice: oh, so that's it .Aren't you going to cheer me up?" he was amazed.
"You have no chance of getting in, Jay," Mike replied.
"Yeah," they all agreed.
"This is the reason why I didn't tell you in the first place," he exclaimed and ran away.
This was the most annoying and long week in Jay's life.
The Message
It's Sunday, first of March 6:44 AM. Jay slept one hour that night. He always kept on doubting if he would get into the team; Well, I have another year if I don't make it, he thought. He kept on thinking, oh, I have no chance; and then, I'll get in for sure. He wondered all night. He was so nervous. He went into the kitchen to drink a cup of water a few times in order to fall asleep, but with no success. He tried to fall asleep watching TV, but he couldn't take the national team off his mind.
Beep, beep, beep, the alarm clock shrilled. He always used to snooze after the alarm clock went off, but this time he immediately got up. He almost collapsed. He took his clothes slowly out of the closet and got dressed. He went to eat with his father after getting dressed. He ate cheerios, one by one.
"What's the matter? Why do you have bags under your eyes?" his father asked.
"I couldn't manage to fall asleep for most of the night. I slept ONE HOUR," Jay replied.
"So that's the noise I heard last night,"
"Yeah, I tried to fall asleep listening to the TV," Jay said.
"I'm not surprised," his sister said jokingly.
Jay's father let him go to sleep for the whole day. He stayed home alone in front of the TV. Surprisingly he fell asleep.
At about two o'clock the phone rang. Beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep… "Hello, you've reached the Taylor family, please leave a message after the tone," the message machine said loudly.
"Hello Jay, I know you think this is bad news, but I think it isn't," he paused," you were chosen to be the team's alternate. Now, that means you will practice with the team, but you will not go to London for the tournament, unless someone gets hurt or if someone quits. Please think about it strongly and call me to tell me if you want to do it or not," the coach said slowly.
Jay woke up at about three o'clock. A thick silence cut the air to the sound of little birds. Jay looked at his watch; his mouth and eyes were wide open. The coaches probably called or emailed me while I was sleeping, he thought. He took off his blanket quickly and ran through the hall to the computer. Jay is known for his fast typing on the computer; this time his hands were shaking and he typed a lot slower. Finally when he got into his inbox he read, "Zero unread messages." Well, at least I have next year, he thought. Maybe my email didn't work and they called and left a message. Jay's shaking hands hit the "play" button. After the message was heard Jay went into the kitchen and made himself a cup of hot chocolate. He didn't know what to do.
Training Camp
"It must be about thirty degrees outside," Jay said at breakfast.
"So wear shorts," his sister said.
"You don't ware shorts in baseball," Jay explained, "I'll go make holes in them," he said.
As they approached the field on their left Jay saw shirts and hats on a table. "Do you think I'll get a shirt and a hat?" Jay asked his mother.
"Of course, you're part of the team," his mother replied.
"Everybody take a seat please. You all know you are the fifteen best players for your age in Israel. Well, really sixteen," the coach said quickly. They all looked at each other. "Jay, please come here," the coach said. Jay walked to the coach feeling embarrassed while standing next to the coach and watching all the kids staring at him. "Jay will be our alternate. He will practice with us and will be treated like the rest of the team, but will not go to London with us unless somebody either quit or gets hurt," the coach explained, "you may take a seat."
"Everybody will take a hat and a shirt and we'll divide you up into rooms. When you get your rooms you will get dressed into the shirt and hat, get a bed, organize your things and be back here in twenty minutes," the second coach said.
Jay was so embarrassed when he walked into his room. All the kids were whispering to each other and staring at Jay. Some even laughed. Too bad no one from my team is on the team, Jay thought to himself. They had fielding practice first. Jay usually played shortstop* and he was really expecting that, but he ended up playing right field*. "This is for you, Jay," the coach called out. The ball flew slowly threw the air right at him. He closed his glove before the ball went in so the ball hit the glove and jumped out. The shortstop cried from laughter.
While taking his lunch from the table he saw those faces laughing and staring at him. He sat down at a table where no one was sitting. He ate very slowly. Even though it was crowded at other tables the kids just didn't want to sit next to Jay. Jay was starting to regret his decision and go to the team anyway.
Unexpected Sweat Revenge
The last practice was coming up. Jay's baseball condition and social condition got better every practice. There was one kid who hated Jay; he showed off so much and always made fun of Jay. He was like a dictator in the team.
"Are you ready for the last practice, son?"
"Sure," he replied.
At the end of the practice the coach called them all into a room. "We brought you here to have a little ceremony," the coach announced.
"With food?" Joe asked.
"No Joe. We will have a ceremony for Jay. As you know Jay's has been our alternate. He had a very hard decision to make. You probably wondered why you all signed that glove before hand. We are giving this glove to Jay and by that we thank him for practicing with us. Everyone was cheering for Jay and clapping their hands and calling his name. Only the show-off kid was sitting angrily on the side. Now he feels how it is to be treated like trash, Jay thought.
Team Leaves to London
The team's flight took of at three AM. Jay came to the airport to wish them luck. His father didn't let him go at the beginning, but Jay insisted. His father ended up letting him go.
Back at home, the next day Jay looked for the European baseball internet site and he followed the scores and standings. There were ten teams from around Europe, Israel was in fourth place.
Jay also emailed them at the time. That day he promised himself he'll treat next years alternate nicely and would be very good friends with him.
Glossary
Catcher- Player who stands behind home plate and catches the ball that the pitcher throws. See baseball field- next page.
Centerfield- Player who stands in the middle of the outfield. See baseball field-next page.
Double- When batter approaches second base after hit. See baseball field- next page.
Home- Also call home plate. Home is the target of the offensive team. When a runner runs around all the bases and touches home he scores a run. See baseball field- next page.
Pitcher- Stands between home and second base and between first and third base. Throws the ball to the catcher. See baseball field-next page.
Plate- See Home.
Right field- Stands in the right side of the outfield. See baseball field-next page.
Shortstop- Stands between second and third base. See baseball field- next page.
Single- When batter approaches first base after hit. See baseball field-next page.
Steal- When runner runs from a certain base to the next one while pitcher pitches the ball to the catcher.
Third baseman- Stands next to third base. See baseball field-next page.
Ump- Referee. Ump is short for umpire.
Permalink
