Baseball Stories (11)

. . . it has been a long time since he has taken the field.  The old legs and arm just aren't coming around like they used to.  The winter rest has taken more of a toll than ever before.  The coach hasn't noticed yet and he's missed a few visits to the team doctor.  Nervous, one could guess, but he can't explain why.  There are so many players eager to take his place.  He sometimes wonders why he stays in the game that has served him so well.  It's not just the money.  His team mates, the crowd, the way of life.  Who can say.  Still, the bat has never failed him.  It will be called upon again later this year to work its magic, to bring them around.  To overlook the shadow of younger days.

A crisp, new wind whips through the stadium that his thoughts have overlooked, tossing caps and balls and last year's play book about in its wake.  It will return.  She will not go unnoticed . . .