Page 1 of Catching the Coach
CHAPTERONE
kessler
Thump,the sound of the ball hitting the backstop echoes through the cage.
“Shit,” I mutter under my breath.
I wait for the pitching machine to load up another ball. I set up my stance and take another swing as the ball leaves the machine. Anotherthumpsoundsas I swing and miss… again. The pulling in my shoulder is getting worse with each pitch. I hit the button to turn off the machine, probably harder than necessary, and roll my shoulder a few times trying to loosen the tightness that is setting in.
Two surgeries and the most intense physical therapy I’ve ever endured and I still can’t bat worth shit. I take off my batting gloves, grab my bat, and head out of the cage. Up ahead I spot the batting coach talking to one of the other players and make a beeline for the locker rooms. Any other day I would be happy to talk to him about my swing and what to work on, but today I just don’t want to hear it.
This was going to be the make-it-or-break-it year. I’m 36, not old by any means, even though my knees say otherwise most mornings, but in the world of baseball that is getting up there. I’m not ready to hang it up yet, but if I don’t figure shit out, I might not have a choice. I toss my bat and gloves in my locker and grab my phone. Unlocking it with my fingerprint I scroll through the texts that came in while I was in the cage.
Mom
Don’t forget Judy and her Daughter Claire are coming to the next Sunday dinner.
I roll my eyes. She mentioned it at family dinner yesterday. I don’t need a reminder this early. I don’t need a reminder at all actually. I told her yesterday I didn’t have the time to get involved with anyone, but my mother has been on a mission since my injury to get me married off.I’m not getting any younger, I want grandchildren and to know my boys are taken care of when I'm gone. She’s 56 and doesn't look or act her age.
Me
I already told you last night at dinner I don’t have the time.
Mom
You’re never going to have time, unless you make time Kessler. What’s going to happen when you do have to retire, and finally have time and have no family to spend it with?
Me
Then I’ll have the time to date. Plus I’ll have you and Dad and Judd
Mom
No ones going to want to date you. You’ll be too grouchy about not being able to play baseball anymore, then you’ll become a recluse and live in the mountains and have pet squirrels.
Ok, that makes me laugh. My mom can be a little overly dramatic, and the longer these rants go, the weirder they get. I better cut it off while I’m ahead.
Me
I’ll think about it ok. I have to go and stretch out my shoulder.
Mom
That’s all I ask. Good luck at your game honey.
Satisfied I delayed the crazy mom train, I click over to my brother’s text.
Me
You know she’d be pissed and probably double down her efforts at the next family meal.
My brother Judd is younger than me by four years. He plays for the Junction City Jackals a few cities away from here as their starting pitcher. He knows he’ll be in Mom’s matchmaking crosshairs soon. She means well. We know she does, but it's a part of our life we don’t need her meddling in.
Judd
Wanna ditch Sunday? Moms already texted me 3 times.
Judd
