Zero's Slider by Matt Christopher & Molly Delaney

Author:Matt Christopher & Molly Delaney [CHRISTOPHER, MATTHEW F]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780316094924
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2009-12-19T05:00:00+00:00

7

Wednesday afternoon shone bright and sunny. Zero arrived at the baseball field a little early for the Mudders’ game against the High Street Bunkers. But even so, someone was there before him. Chess was in the dugout organizing his catcher’s gear.

“Hey, Zero!” he called. Zero waved and jogged over to join him.

“Still got that bandage on, I see,” said Chess. “Are you going to tell the coach about the slider?”

That was the question Zero’d thought about all last night. He still didn’t know the answer. Luckily, more of the team showed up just then, so he didn’t have to answer Chess.

The stands started to fill with fans for both teams. Coach Parker called the Mudders together.

“Before I give the lineup, I should tell you I still haven’t found a substitute coach. If anyone has any ideas of someone to ask, I’d sure like to hear them.” Zero avoided the coach’s eyes. Coach sighed, then said, “Okay, we’ve still got a few days left. For now, here’s the lineup: First base, Turtleneck. Second base, Nicky. Bus, you take shortstop. Third base, T.V. Outfielders from left to right: Barry, José, and Alphie. Catcher, Rudy Calhoun. Sparrow, you’ll be on the mound. Chess, you be ready to sub in for Rudy in the fourth inning. And Zero — ” Coach stopped short. He was looking at Zero’s right hand. He frowned.

“What’s that, Zero?” he asked.

“I banged my finger up yesterday, Coach. I — I was going to tell you about it, but — ”

“No buts, Zero. You know the rule. But remember, just because you’ll be sitting on the bench doesn’t mean you can’t help your team out. I expect to hear you cheering for everyone loud and clear!”

“Yes, sir!” said Zero, nodding vigorously. He’d figured that he wasn’t going to start in today’s game, but he was disappointed he wasn’t going to be playing at all.

But it’s just as well, he thought. This way I can get the slider perfect before I use it in Friday’s game!

Just then he saw a familiar figure in the stands. Uncle Pete gave him a “thumbs up” sign, then made the sliding gesture with his arm.

Zero was surprised to see him there. He waved back weakly. Uncle Pete had made the time to come to the game. He was expecting to see Zero pitch the slider!

Zero felt about two feet tall when the Mudders took to the field. Then a voice called his name.

“Hey, Zero!” Zero looked up to see Chess standing in front of him. “Coach told me you could warm me up later on if you want. As long as you take it easy on that finger of yours.”

Zero nodded. Suddenly a thought struck him. If I can get the slider going while I’m warming Chess up, Uncle Pete is sure to notice! I bet he’ll come over to give me a few pointers, too. That’d be the perfect time to ask him about coaching next week!

With that happy thought in mind, Zero settled back to watch the game.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.