Episode 4 The All Star

Robert has success in baseball and in making his dad proud. Robert is proud of his dad too.,

In the summer of 1980, when Robert is fourteen, he plays Pony Colt League baseball.  Robert primarily plays center field on this team. The team is coached by a nice, middle aged man named Dave, and consists of a talented group of young men who are to see quite a bit of success over the season.   

Robert is known to have a 'gun' for a right arm, since he is often able to throw out runners trying to advance on base. Robert also is a better than average hitter, and he leads the league in stolen bases. At the end of the season Robert is thrilled to learn he has made the all star team.  

Robert is pleased to see that his dad  attends all the games, and even some of the practices.  Mel is proud of his son and watches carefully to give Robert whatever advice he feels he needs. Mel tells Robert that he thinks Robert is good enough to play professionally. When his dad says these things Robert is flattered, but tells his dad that thousands of other teenagers have that goal too, but few accomplish it.    

One time when his dad is telling Robert he could make millions as a baseball player, Robert says "Dad, I take after you. I'll probably need glasses in a few years."  Without pausing even for a second, Mel responds "Start reading upside down."

"What?"  Robert tries not to laugh.

"The best way to keep your vision sharp enough to see a fastball is to exercise your eyes."  His dad explains.  "Read the newspaper upside down. Ted Williams of the Red Sox used to do that."

Robert knows that his dad loves him.  He's happy that his dad thinks he's so good at baseball too.  But Robert is starting to tire of two to three hour ball practices several times per week, along with games and a season that will go into August again this year. He wants to find a job soon so he can afford to buy a car. He wants to start dating too, and that would be difficult without a car.

A few days later during practice, Robert notices he hasn't seen his dad yet that day.  Since Mel can only make some of the practices, Robert rides his 12 speed bike the two miles to practice.

As Robert is getting settled on his bike for the ride home, he overhears John and his dad talking.  John is the home run hitter on the team, and he and Robert are friends.  Robert is pretty sure he hears them talking about his dad, so he sets his stuff down and walks over to see what they are talking about. 

Before Robert reaches John and his dad, he hears John say, "Mel was there again last night?   Wow."

Robert asks the surprised pair, "You're talking about my dad?  What are you saying about him?"

Robert is dead serious and makes continual, serious eye contact with each of them.  He feels adrenaline surging inside him and his heart starts to pound.  John and his dad Kevin look away in surprise and don't answer right away. Robert asks again, "So what's up with my dad?"

Kevin calmly answers.  "It's maybe nothing Robert. But ever since your parents divorced your dad has been visiting the bars a lot. That's all."

Robert suddenly feels changes happening in his body.  His throat starts to feel different, his eyes seem more focussed, and he feels more aggressive.  

John is afraid. Robert has been his friend for years. But this person before him looks and seems like someone else. Robert seems to have become a different person in the past few seconds.  Soon, John will hear that Robert's voice is different too.  

When he addresses John and Kevin he is actually speaking to them as one with authority.  He says   "The way I see it is this.  My dad pays his child support and his other bills on time.  He's worked for the same accounting office for Data Control Corp for 12 years now. He has a clear criminal record and he loves his kids more than anything else. So, if he once in a while decides to unwind to a beer or two at the local bar then I have no problem with that."     

Then, to conclude his speech with some venom, Robert closes with, "And you two don't have a problem with it either. Do you."   With a forced grin Robert closes by breathing the following.  "We won't speak of this again, will we?  My dad is doing fine. And I don’t want this talked about with anyone else either."  Neither John nor his father are able to reply.

When Robert walks back to his bike he has already returned to regular Robert.  He says jovially to his friend John with an easy smile. "See you at school tomorrow man."   

Reviews

[Muse]

First off I have to ask: Are you Robert?
Not that it has any relevance. But I found myself reading this through your eyes, which is a compliment because I felt it. It also gave me a taste of nostalgia, forcing me to relive some of my own child hood experiences. And experiences felt as a parent, and as a spouse. The family circle is something that seems to evolve over time. How we see ourselves, our parents, grandparents, it’s as if you are viewing this person through a kaleidoscope, you know it’s the same person, yet it’s forever changing. You captured this feeling very well. That ability makes reading you a very wholesome experience.
My only constructive criticism. As I read the first 4 chapters, the transition from one chapter to the next could be more fluid. The first paragraph always had me at pause, because I had to ask myself, did we fast ford in time again? While the reader easily figures it out, it shouldn’t always be expected of the reader to just figure it out. When starting a new chapter, find something, anything from that previous chapter, last paragraph preferred, to inspire your growing canvas when beginning another new chapter. I’m not going to elaborate much more because a talented writer like yourself will understand. In doing this, you get rid of the choppiness.
What I like best. You are gritty and unapologetic with Robert’s thoughts, which also makes this story feel very human. I mean let’s admit it, none of us were that innocent as children, we all had those uncontrollable urges and outburst of anger that we lacked the proper skillset to control and/or ability to redirect that kind of energy. And even as adults, that struggle continues for some unfortunately. I hope that grittiness continues. I can’t wait to read more. Penn on my friend!

[Ballpark Frank]

Thanks my friend. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful review. I asked you to review since I know you're a skilled writer and would be helpful and an encouragement to me to continue. Thanks so much since you've done just that. I will try and remember to look this review over when making transitions to new chapters. Thanks again!

[Samuel Dickens]

It has been three years since I read chapters one, two, and three, so I skimmed them to refresh memory. So in this chapter, we see Robert making progress in the world, doing well with baseball, thinking of cars and, of course, girls. (How well I understand those needs) All of this and dealing with separated parents is all too familiar. His sudden transformation into an adult, authoritative figure is interesting, and perhaps a glimpse of who will be later on.

[Ballpark Frank]

Wow! What a wonderful, insightful review from a talented writer whomi respect! Thank you dear Sam. I'm flattered you took the time. I feel
Validated. I appreciate you very much.

[emmajoygreen]

Emotionally, character-wise, Robert is growing up - and how. His ability with the game, his thoughts about doing things other than focus on it and now, the defence of his father is moving the take into a different stage, an pre.adult stage when influences are not side-liners he can use because they are part him - yet, ready to be made use of. Robert's character is gradually coming to the fore and not due to others' influence. How it should be.. time to use self-awareness. Your language is becoming a little sharper but not in a negative way. Is that deliberate? The next stage, more adult, more confident.. more defiant?

[Ballpark Frank]

Things are building......

[emmajoygreen]

Late here in the UK.. will return as soon as I can. Need to know more.. and more!!!

[Ballpark Frank]

You are a treasure. Thank you so much. 💓

[emmajoygreen]

My pleasure, your book is well worth reading.
Good night, am worth my weight in 'yawns'.

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you so much Emma. 💓

[Ballpark Frank]

Sleep well. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement.

[Sara Mercury]

This kid has guts, I tell you! :)

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you. That's definitely what I was going for.

[AYVID N]

Robert is growing up fast now. Thinking of buying a car and getting a new job, and going dating. He is doing the growing up well. What's most wonderful to read is the way he stands up for his dad. Now that's something awesome and so loyal to do. I hope Mel is fine though. I really feel for the father and son in this story.

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you.my friend Divya. I appreciate your helpful feedback. Thanks again!

[AYVID N]

You are welcome dear Frankie. Cant wait to get to the next Chapter.

[Fictional Fabricator]

Hmm ever since his stint with the bully in the other chapter he seems to have gotten bolder.

[Ballpark Frank]

Yes! Very true. Sorry I didn't notice your review earlier. Take care.

[Unforgiven II]

Hmm. The way the chapter started, I was wondering if the new coach might try to molest Robert or something, lol

[Ballpark Frank]

Lol. Thank you for reading and commenting. So sorry for not seeing this review.

[Jennifer]

I like how you describe emotion in this. There is a really good description of him getting angry.

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you. He will develop into a more angry young man in time. Stay tuned.

[Azifwecare]

Haha that'll teach his friend and the father to be talking about something that's none of their damn business.
So I'm guessing Robert will have to have a talk with his father soon about how much baseball will be apart of his future seeing that he has other things he wants to accomplish. I wonder how his dad will take it.

[Ballpark Frank]

This story will continue. It will be tragic in time