Kid Coach Read Online Free PDF Page A

runners on the team.”
    “Can you print this stuff out for me?” Scott asked.
    “No problem.” After just a few clicks the printer started to hum and within seconds the Tigers stats started to roll out.
    Scott picked up the stats and realized that he was still holding Benny’s glove.
    “Here’s your glove,” he said, tossing the mitt to Benny. “Hey, what does the P stand for?”
    “Nothing,” Benny said, looking away. “My mom wrote that. I hate my middle name.”
    “Come on, tell me. I won’t tell anybody.”
    “Promise?” Benny gave Scott a suspicious look.
    “Promise.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Come on, tell me.”
    “All right … Peaches.”
    “Peaches? Like the fruit?” Scott blurted out. “What kind of name is that?”
    “I told you it was dumb. It’s an old family name. I really don’t need another nickname, so forget I told you.”
    “Don’t worry,” Scott said as he turned to leave. “I’ll keep your secret.”
    Scott stopped at the bedroom door and held up the stats.
    “Hey, thanks for the stats,” he said.
    “And don’t tell the team that I’m keeping stats, okay? They’ll think it’s weird,” said Benny.
    “They won’t think it’s weird,” Scott protested.
    “Drew will,” Benny said.
    “Yeah, you’re probably right,” Scott answered. “Well, see you tomorrow at practice … Benny.”

N INE
    S cott sat in the dugout before the Twins game and looked at the Tigers lineup one more time. He tapped the eraser end of his pencil against the paper, tempted to change the column of names. Finally, he stood up and called, “Bring it in, everybody.”
    The Tigers gathered around. Scott took a deep breath and said, “Listen up. I’m gonna make some changes. We’re up first, so here’s the lineup: Maggie’s leading off today and playing second.”
    Scott could feel the team stirring but he continued. “Nick’s gonna catch and hit second. Drew’s pitching. Danny will start at first and hit cleanup. I’m at short. Max,you’re in left batting sixth. Fran’s at third. Peter’s not here, so Eric will start in center. Benny’s in right batting ninth. All right, let’s get off to a good start and win one!”
    Scott stood at the edge of the dugout as the first Tiger batters picked out their favorite bats and helmets.
    “Come on, Maggie!” Scott shouted as she stepped to the plate. “Look ‘em over. Walk’s as good as a hit.”
    Drew stood with his hat and batting helmet next to Scott. “What gives?” he asked in a half whisper. “Why am I pitching today? I pitched last game.”
    “Don’t worry. I’m gonna pitch the last three innings,” Scott said.
    Drew’s face twisted into a question mark.
    “Just give it your best shot for three innings, okay?” Scott said, turning back to the game. “Come on, Maggie, be a hitter.”
    “And what’s the deal with Maggie leading off?” Drew asked.
    “I just figured we better try something different,” Scott said, smiling and looking toward Benny. But Benny didn’t see thesmile. He was scribbling in his notebook as Maggie fouled off a pitch. “Straighten it out, Maggie!” Scott shouted.
    “I sure hope you know what you’re doing, Coach,” Drew said as he took a practice swing.
    The new lineup looked good as Maggie worked a walk to lead off the inning. Nick hit a hard grounder that the Twins shortstop juggled. Maggie slid into second base just before the throw. The Tigers had runners on first and second. No outs.
    Drew hit a pop-up that was caught in short center field. But Danny and Scott both banged out clutch singles to give the Tigers a 2–0 lead.
    Drew took the mound next. He breezed through the first two innings, holding the Twins to one hit. In the bottom of the third inning, with the Tigers still leading 2–0, the Twins batter smacked a two-out single into center field.
    “Come on, Drew,” Scott chattered from shortstop. “Just one more out. Bear down, buddy.”
    The next Twins batter lofted a lazy