1
THE TERRIBLE TAG
Rocky loved to play baseball. He was the best catcher in the league.
Whump!
The ball landed in his glove. Dead center. An easy catch.
In one motion, Rocky stepped onto the third-base line, leaned forward, and lowered his glove. He was ready to tag out the runner racing toward home plate.
The runner from third slid for home, kicking up dust and gravel. Two feet blasted into sight. The cleats aimed at Rocky.
The fans shouted, "Tag-him-tag-him-tag-him!"
Crack! Pain shot through Rocky's arm. Blazing pain.
Rocky saw a dazzling white light. His arm—limp.
Then, his whole world turned to darkness, loaded with stars.
That's how Rocky's season had ended. But now, a whole year had passed since the runner from third had broken Rocky's arm. A new baseball season was ready to start.
Rocky smacked his fist into his catcher's mitt. No pain. Not even a twinge. He couldn't wait to play again.
"Hey! Batter-batter-batter!" taunted Rocky's teammates from the dugout. His team, the Pirates, was playing the Astros.
Rocky squatted behind the batter. He wore his mask, chest protector, and leg guards. He held up his catcher's mitt. Ready for the pitch.
"Batter-batter-batter-swing!"
The batter swung hard at Henry's fastball.
Whoosh! Nothing but air.
Rocky caught it.
"Strike three!" called the umpire. He flipped his thumb up and away. "You're out!"
Rocky zinged the ball back to Henry on the pitcher's mound.
He couldn't help smiling—he was so happy to be playing ball again.
The next batter swung hard.
Crack!
The ball sailed deep into left field. The left fielder dropped the catch!
The runner crossed first base and streaked toward second.
The left fielder scrambled to pick up the ball. He bobbled it. The runner rounded second.
"Throw to third!" shouted Rocky's coach. The throw went wide. So wide, the third baseman lunged away from the base to catch it. Rocky watched the runner tag third and head for home.
He's crazy! thought Rocky. He'll never make it. I can tag him out so easy.
The third baseman hurled the ball, straight to Rocky.
Rocky reached forward. Ready.
Whump! He caught it.
Two legs slid toward Rocky. Gravel flying. Cleats coming at him.
The fans shouted, "Tag-him-tag-him-tag-him!"
Rocky jerked his arm out of the way.
"Safe!" cried the umpire.
Rocky stared at his glove.
The Pirates' fans groaned.
What had Rocky done?
Text copyright © 2009 by Betty Hicks