84 Game One: Villa Park 4 (1/2)

Mahki took the first pitch as a called strike and immediately looked at me. I looked around, confused on what to do. My foot was still on the bag...I didn't even lead off first because we never practiced this.

Some laughter came from the dugout. I looked and Zeke was talking to Coach Wilcox, while Noah was talking to the guys. Something must have happened.

I peeked at Coach Luis, who was shaking his head in disappointment. He caught me looking. He got close and lowered his voice so the first baseman couldn't hear. ”You missed the sign.”

What sign? I looked at Mr. Miller and squinted. Did he give the indicator sign? Was I supposed to do something? Mr. Miller made eye contact with me. He tapped his shoulder, ran two fingers across his chest, touched his belt, then touched his elbow. Okay the belt was when he has something for us to do. Was was the elbow touch..?

My jaw dropped. That was for a steal. I immediately shook my head no. I heard a burst of laughter come from the dugout. Dave and some other juniors were watching me. I felt my face heat up. Apparently this wasn't the first steal sign. I wasn't even comfortable with taking a lead, do I really have to do this? I looked at Zeke, hoping that he would help.

Zeke copied Mr. Millers signs. Why were they so adamant on this? I've never attempted a steal! I've never even practice sliding into a base. I looked at Coach Luis and didn't look happy with my response. I sighed. Fine. I could fake it.

I started to step off the base, taking a small lead, keeping my eyes on the pitcher. The pitcher was right-handed so he had his back to me. He peeked over and I hurried back to the bag.

The dugout laughed once more. A few shouts started to come from my team:

”C'mon Bambi!”

”You can't just stand on the bag the whole time.”

”You're not making the pitcher nervous at all, Bambi!”