Page 98 of Leave It On The Field (Grand Slam 3)
“Yeah,” I say, nodding over to Alex. “It was Alex’s. He’s the brain, the heart, the everything of this team. He better get the MVP award.”
“I’ve got the scoop,” Ray whispers. “He’s getting it. I don’t think he knows that yet, so just between us.”
“I’ve got you.” I wave to Dottie who’s motioning me up to the stage they just erected behind second base. “I have to go, Ray, but I want to give you a story in the next few days if you promise not to publish until January 1.”
“That’s called an embargo,” he says, raising his eyebrows. “And I give you my word, just between you and me until January 1. Do you want to give me a preview?”
I look over my shoulder as I walk to the podium. “I’m guessing you already know what it is.”
He nods and smiles as he heads over to interview a few more players.
As I get up on the stage, the commissioner’s handing the championship trophy to Dottie. I jump over and help her hoist it over her head. She’s beaming underneath it as the crowd starts chanting her name.
“Take it from me, Seb,” she says, laughing as she looks up at me. “It’s too heavy and it’s more yours than mine anyway.”
I lift it over my head quickly and then hand it off to Alex and Manny. I take a look around the stadium and try to take it all in. The last ten years of my life flash through my mind. It’s been a good ride, but I’ve known for months that it’s time for the next chapter.
* * *
Alex walks off the podium after accepting the MVP award for the series. He shakes his head. “This should have gone to you.”
“No way, man,” I say, hugging him. “That trophy is all yours. You played out of your mind. The perfect way to end your career.”
“Yeah,” he says, nodding. “I’ll miss this, but I’m so excited for what’s next. I get to spend almost every day with Raine. Nothing’s better than that.”
“Totally agree. I can’t wait to get there myself.”
He pats my back as we walk toward the dugout together one last time. “You thinking next year is your last?”
“Not sure. Maybe this year.”
“What? You can’t quit now. You’re one of the best ever to play the game. You have to let the league give you a going away party. You know the fans across the country will want to give you love on your last year.”
I roll my eyes. “You know me better than anyone. What about me makes you think I would want a farewell tour?”
“Damn,” he says, shaking his head. “Are you a hundred percent on this?”
“Not yet. Let’s concentrate on celebrating this win. Plenty of time for the decision later.” I pull out the baseball I’ve been holding for him in my pocket. “This is the ball from the last out tonight. Put it next to your MVP trophy.”
“I thought I dropped it during the celebration,” he says, smiling as he takes it. “How did you get it?”
“I took it out of your glove when you rushed me. I know you can only concentrate on one thing at a time.”
“Fuck you,” he says, laughing. “And by the way, your throw to third was high.”
“My throw was perfect. Your glove was too low.”
* * *
