Baseball Stories (2)

. . . “it all begins and ends right here,” he thought as he steps upon the field for the first day of spring training. Most of the players around him are barely aware of his presence as he greets the old and new alike while taking his familiar place on the field. Ever hopefuls see only the coach. Last year’s wonders see only themselves. Some veterans see only their pain from unconscious years of chasing a dream. Still Others have arrived to simply enjoy the grace of the game.

All is ready. The scorekeeper takes out a brand new pad. The first ball is thrown. Nothing is ever the same again . . .