I was off to an excellent start, striking out the first two men. Then one of their big hitters bounced a hard ball in my direction. I fielded it to Eddie on first for the last out. Everyone clapped and cheered. Boy, did that feel great!

We picked up a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, and the other team came back strong, determined to score. Two men singled back to back, then a third hit a pop-up and we doubled up the man at second. Two outs. When I struck the next guy out, I walked off the mound with a sigh of relief. Three more outs and we had the game.

Only it didn't happen that way.

I did strike out the first man. Then walked the second. No big deal, I thought. But Big Bob, their strongest hitter, was up again at bat. He slammed the first ball I threw him over my head. The guy I walked was nearing second base. I turned and saw Jeremy waving his hands above his head like a crazy man.

"Go away, go away," he was shouting to the fifth graders running toward him. "I've got it. It's mine!"

He cupped his other hand to his mitt and the ball landed -- right at his feet.

"Dammit, Jeremy," I shouted.

One of the other fielders picked up the ball to throw it to Danny on third. But it was too late. Big Bog was reaching home plate.

"Who cares?" Jeremy said as he walked off the field. "It's only a game."

That did it! I jumped on his back and threw him to the ground, punching all the time. Eddie's father came and separated us. He sent Jeff in to pitch the rest of the game, and we lost 4-2.

©Copyright 2006-2007 Marilyn Levinson. All Rights Reserved.