We'll Have The Best Time!
“Alright!” Tim claps as Blake runs past the home plate and skids to a stop. “That’s perfect! Do it just like that on Saturday and the Piranhas won’t know what hit ‘em!”
He high fives the kid, then rounds everybody up for the end of practice. There’s a group of parents standing by the fence, and he makes pleasant small talk as they pick their players up. He talks about everyone’s enthusiasm and the effort they’re putting in, and how much fun they’re all having, but stays away from any conversation about actual skill levels. They’re kids. There will be time enough in the future for them to worry about stats and skills and quantitative measures of success. For now, he just wants this to be something everyone can look forward to.
Finally, they’re down to the last few kids milling about; Tyler and Blake riding home with him, and Ethan’s mom who’s already called to let him know she’s stuck in traffic and will be a little bit late.
She pulls up, and Ethan runs off to meet the minivan with a wave and a ‘see ya, coach!’
“Hey, you guys did great today!” Tim waves his charges in from the outfield. “Seriously guys, that practice is really paying off.”
“Thanks!” Tyler grins at him. “Can we get ice cream on the way home?”
Read the rest on ao3 here!