Page 12 of The Battery

Leo

C ody got his shot at redemption during game sixty-four against the Ottawa Diamonds. Once again, the coaches put him in during the fourth inning.

The day before, we had prepped with the comp notebook I filled up for him.

We loaded my SUV with all the swag I let him take and I drove him home.

Told him to get a good rest and not tinker too much with the fun new toys.

Today’s game would be one of the more important ones of his career.

It was during this game where we would get a shot at showing people that Cody could sustain the attitude he had in the minors.

We bumped fists as we hit the field together. I studied him as he moved. The hint of swagger in his shoulders. A leveled gaze that maybe he borrowed from me. A fierce determination emanated like a tiger before the pounce.

Too much , I realized as he walked toward the mound. I needed to loosen him up. Get him to have fun.

I neared home plate. I put a finger to the PitchCom remote. I alternated hitting Fastball and Curveball to a sustained beat.

Over the speakers stuffed in our hats, we heard, “ Fastball, fastball, cur-cur-curveball. Fastball, fastball, cur-cur-curveball ,” and so on.

Cody broke into raucous laughter. The other three players allowed to have speakers, the shortstop, second baseman, and good ol’ center fielder Romo, all smiled at the playfulness. I nodded my head to the beat I was creating with my fingers.

I stared Cody down while bobbing. Hadn’t put my mask down yet. Gave him a look. One he understood.

His big smile dimmed but didn’t disappear. He stared right back. Determination, with a hint of joy. Right where I wanted him.

We were gonna do this. He would help carry us to the pennant. I knew it in my bones.

“ Let’s do this ,” I mouthed. I slammed my mask down and sent the call for the first pitch.