37. Chapter 36
Austin - The Present
Anticipation works its way through my body in the form of a shiver.
Starting in my neck and tumbling downward.
My walk-up song, “UP!” by Forrest Frank fades.
I squint my eyes and narrow in on the pitcher, who is finally entering his windup.
As much as I know pitchers hate the pitching clock, I like that it keeps them from making us batters wait forever.
A droplet of sweat clings to the end of my nose.
My hands itch with the urge to wipe it away.
It’s quite the distraction and it distorts my view of the pitcher’s mound.
Eyes on the ball. Focus. This could be home run number sixteen, I tell myself.
If it is home run number sixteen… I’d have the most home runs in Double-A all throughout the league.
I lower my shoulders and square up, settling into my stance, thinking only of the ball, and how far I can send it. I’m so focused that I can hear the groan the pitcher makes as he releases the pitch, his left leg settling back down on the mound.
Time moves, slow motion, as I shift. My arms moved forward, the bat swinging in a perfect angle. Then, time resumes its normal pace. The ball flies the opposite direction, having slammed into the bat and changed trajectory.
The bat dangles between my fingers, and I watch the ball soar. Over the head of the second baseman. The center fielder pumps his legs as fast as he can. I join in, my feet carrying me toward first base. Then second. I barely tap third base before flying across home plate.
Home run number sixteen in the bag. And not a fragment of pain in my shoulder. I knew it was nothing. I’m fine.
The air is charged, the sounds of the crowd mingle with the announcer's voice, telling the stadium that I’m now top in the Double-A league for home runs.
Jared and Josh are the first to greet me.
They’re jumping and shouting, and Jared throws his helmet on the ground before grabbing me up in a bear hug.
Before long, everyone is jumping around me, thumping me on the back, dumping water on me, smacking my backside, cheering me on.
For the rest of the game I float to and from the dugout. A renewed sense of energy flowing through my veins. I went two for four with that home run along with a double.
I lean back in my cubby in the clubhouse, watching all the guys around the room. We all get along well, but I’m closest with Jared and Josh, and now we have five to seven guys for each Bible study.
“Still riding that high from that zinger of a homerun?” Griff, our center fielder, asks from his cubby, two spots over from mine.
I prop my arms behind my head and lean back in my chair, doing my best to look the part of the leading home run player for the Double-A league. “I would say it’s a weird feeling, but I really don’t feel too different. I was definitely feeling charged up right after hitting it.”
Griff laughs. “Well, you deserve to feel like you’re the king with the best record.
” Griff stands up and addresses the whole team.
“Who’s up for celebrating Austin with a trip to The DugOut?
” He pauses, and one side of his mouth tips up and a conniving look enters his eyes.
The only way I can think to explain it is, maniacal.
Whatever that look is, Josh starts shaking his head.
Josh levels Griff with a glare. “Don’t even go there with this, Griff. You know some of us won’t step foot in that place.” The tension between the two is thick and hangs like humidity in the room.
“You just don’t know how to have fun.” Griff says with a roll of his eyes.
“We’re not going to fight over it.” I jump up, arms outstretched, palms facing the arguing parties.
“I don’t drink, so let's go someplace tame. A place suitable for a family. If Raegan lived close, I’d want her here, and I bet some of you guys would want your wife or girlfriend here if we were celebrating you. So keep it family friendly.”
“Fine, we’ll go to The EndZone.” Griff huffs, his eyes throwing daggers at Josh. Turning toward me, he smirks, “if you ever feel like living life instead of hanging with the prudes, I’ll take you to the best sports bar in Frisco, my treat.”
“I won’t be interested, but thanks for the offer.” I look at the rest of the guys. “We’ll meet at The EndZone in,” I glance at my watch, “say, forty-five minutes? That’ll give y’all enough time to primp.” I grin at Jared, knowing that his hair routine has to be done if he’s going out in public.
“Austin! League leader for home runs.” I can hear the smile in Raegan’s voice as it filters through my cab. I’m headed to the EndZone and just like I do with every other game, I call her on the way home.
“That would be me.” I feel my cheeks turn red, even though no one is watching.
“I’m so proud of you.” She says softly.
“Thanks Rae. I couldn’t do it without you supporting me.” It would be a lonely game if she weren’t there, cheering me on from the sidelines.
“You know it isn’t just me, Austin. You’ve had a ton of support, and God gave you all this talent.”
“Yeah, God is the anchor, holding me steady, but Raegan you’re right there beside Him, keeping me grounded as well.
” Being drafted right out of high school, and having a record this good could turn me into a very prideful person.
“If I’ve learned anything from the hardships I’ve gone through recently, it’s that God deserves all the praise. Not me.”
“I know it’s only been a few months since we got back together, but Austin… As hard as being a single mom was, talking with Ms. Rosa changed me so much. And I think Coach and Josh have rubbed off on you.”
I know we’ve both grown. Both changed. “Rae, I don’t want to jump anything…
But if I were to make it to the majors anytime soon…
Would that move our relationship forward?
Like, toward marriage?” I’m certain this would be better in person, but as one of the best in the minor leagues, I assume I’ll get called up soon. But I don’t want to get my hopes up.
“Are you proposing to me over the phone?” The question makes me a little nervous, but I can hear the laughter in her voice.
“I would never.” I know better than that. “When I do propose, Rae… You’ll know.”
“Tell me more.” I can see her waggling her eyebrows at me in my mind.
“I can’t. It’s a surprise. But don’t worry, I’ll talk to your dad first.”
After I hang up with Rae a plan begins to form in my mind. I tuck it away for later. I need the perfect moment to propose.
The majority of my Silver Spurs teammates are situated in a private room, some of the guys sipping beers; but Jared, Josh, and I have sweet teas instead.
Josh raises his glass, “To Austin’s league leading home run record.” The rest of the team raises their glasses, clinking them together before drinking to my new record.
I tip my chair back, filling my lungs with a deep breath. Josh and Jared are seated at the same table as me, along with three of our pitchers from the bullpen. Even though this isn’t The DugOut, Griff appears to be enjoying himself.
Servers come and go, bringing appetizers, taking orders for entrees. I’m munching on a cheese covered fry, something I haven’t had in a while since I’m trying to stick to a strict diet during the season.
Jared elbows my bicep. “So, what does it feel like, being a league leader? Bigger, or badder?” He chuckles.
“I feel like regular old Austin. I’m sure high-school-Austin, or before-Jesus-Austin would be celebrating differently, or feeling like a superhero. But who I am now…” I’m not the same guy I was a year ago, and definitely not who I was three years before.
“God’s done a lot for you, Austin. I haven’t known you long, but you’re a good man, and the growth is obvious.” Jared pats my shoulder, giving me a chin nod.
“Thanks, man.” I duck my head, praise isn’t always easy to accept. “You know I’ve struggled with my faith a little. But having you and Josh alongside me has made a difference. That whole iron-sharpening-iron thing, it’s definitely true.”
“I’m glad to be here for you, man. Just remember me when the majors call you up.” Jared clicks his tongue and shoots imaginary pistols at me.
“As if I could ever forget you.” Not with the gospel connection we share. Not when Jared has been there as I’ve figured out a lot of my faith. I wrap an arm around Jared’s shoulders. “We’re bros, even if baseball sends us to opposite sides of the country, I’ll still be checkin’ in on you.”
Jared grins, showing as many of his white teeth as he can. “I would say bros forever, but that sounds weird.” We both chuckle.
My mouth is full of a juicy bite of cheeseburger when my phone begins to vibrate in my pocket. I quickly wipe my hands on a napkin before grabbing the phone. Coach Scott’s contact info lights up the screen. My chair screeches on the tile floor, “excuse me one second guys, it’s Coach Scott.”
As I leave the room chatter about placing bets on a call to the majors starts to circulate. It couldn’t be, right? Just because I’m leading the league in home runs doesn’t mean that the Fort Worth Lariats would call me up to play with the big boys.
Pressing the phone to my ear, I greet Coach Scott.
“How’s it feel, leading the Double-A in home runs?” Andrew Scott asks, a smile infusing his voice with congratulatory cheer.
“Not much different than being tied for first as the homerun leader.” The sticky, humid, late August air of Frisco kisses my skin as I exit the doors of The EndZone and take a seat on the edge of the mostly empty patio.
“So, am I getting a raise now?” I know that’s not how it works in baseball, but it’s worth a shot, right?
“Well…” Andrew draws the word out. I freeze, my skin pebbling with goosebumps.
I force myself not to overthink Andrew’s words, or the fact that despite the occasional shoulder pain, I’ve had a phenomenal year.
But there’s no way they’re calling me up.
I’m too young. Too new. Too inexperienced.
I’m not ready. I’ve finally found my team.
I work well with Jared and Josh. Even on the field I mesh with Griff, even though we have differing lifestyles and views.
“Are you going to tell me what I think you are?” I manage to croak out.
Andrew clears his throat. “Austin, this is the call. You’ve been called up.
You’re a Fort Worth Lariat now. Your first game is on Wednesday.
You’ve got two days.” Andrew goes into further detail, explaining the new salary, and housing accommodations if I need them.
I’m allowed to keep living in Frisco if I want, since the two teams are in the same vicinity.
I hear all his words. My brain comprehends them. But my heart… What will this mean for Raegan and me? Will I have enough time to spend with her and Grace? She’s supposed to go to school now. If I stick with my idea, will I uproot her and take her from her family, the cafe, and her schooling?
“I don’t even know what to say, coach.” I weave my fingers through my hair, pulling at the now overly long curls.
“I’m sure it’s a bit of a shock, but this is what you were aiming for.
Only about ten percent of minor leaguers get called up, Austin.
So, the fact that you were drafted right after high school, and then got called up this soon…
” Andrew pauses. I let the timeline along with his words really sink in.
I’m living the dream. So many guys out there want this.
They play their best, just like I have, but they never get the phone call that I just got.
“Go call your girl, celebrate with the guys. We’ll touch base tomorrow. ”
I tap the end button a few seconds later. My feet are like cinder blocks as I head back inside. Josh notices the change in my demeanor first. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “That was the call, wasn’t it?” He asks. He’s grinning at me like a fool.
I fall into my seat, without really paying attention, and stare at the table. I finally look up. “Yeah, that was the call. Two days.” I glance between Josh and Jared, everyone else is busy chatting. “I’m a Lariat now.” I shake my head, disbelief still jumping around inside my brain.
Josh stands up, waving his arms until everyone gets quiet.
“I’d like your attention.” He claps his hands together, “Austin played an amazing game today. He took the spot as leader of home runs in the Double-A league. But he’s giving it up.
” Silence fully descends. “He’s giving up the claim as the leader, because…
” Josh turns towards me and smirks. “Boys, meet the newest player for the Fort Worth Lariats!”
Cheers, whoops, and applause fill the room.
My cheeks are on fire, and I duck my head at the praise.
Some of these guys have been there longer than I have, have put in more hours, worked just as hard, if not harder, trying to get called up.
It feels unfair. How is God blessing me with this chance, after I messed up and turned away from Him for a while?
It can only come down to God blessing me. Sure, I play a mean game on the field and in the batter’s box, but it’s not all me. There are other forces at play.
I’m calling Raegan on the way home, then my parents, then Coach Hernandez. I’m here because of all four of them, but most of all God. I just hope somehow, it brings God glory.
“Thanks, guys. I know we all want to make it to the majors, and I figured it would take way longer.” I stand up, hands in my pockets, looking around the room, resting my eyes on each of my teammates in turn.
“I feel bad, going on without y’all. But I’m honored to have played with y’all.
It’s been a real good time here with y’all. I won’t forget you.”
They all give me hugs, pats on the back, and a few fist bumps.
I don’t stay much longer. I’m ready to call it a night.
I need to talk with Raegan. Figure out the next steps in our relationship.
Maybe… maybe for my first appearance on the field, I can really make a statement. I’ve got a few phone calls to make.