It’s that time of year again. Headed into the home stretch. Some of our Seniors are at the plate with men on base, and the pressure is on. The crowd is going wild. They have already purchased their tickets to the big celebration, pictures have gone out, rings have been cut, and invitations have hit the mail. Local and national scouts have recruited our player, and their ability to play at the next level all depends on this next swing.

Senior Student steps to the plate, to face the number one rated pitcher in the land, TAKS Test. TAKS test has taken many a players down this year and has the lowest ERA in the league.

Follow up:

A quiet comes over the crowd, as TAKS winds up. The first pitch is right down the center of the plate. “Striiiiiiike!!!!!!!!” yells the umpire. Walking away from the plate Senior Student tries to gather themselves, hair still moving, mind blown away by the sheer heat of the first pitch. How could they hit that pitch? They weren’t even close! It clocked the radar at 109 miles per hour. Senior Student was literally swinging as the catcher was throwing the ball back to the mound.

Mustering up confidence, Senior Student digs in to the dirt, gives the bat a little waggle, stares down the picture, takes a deep breath, loosens up the grip, and braces themselves for what is sure to come.

Cameras flashing all over the place. Being on the other teams field, Senior Student was sure that the bulbs were flashing to catch his next failure on film and to immortalize him as the one who struck out. Blinded by the flashes, drowned by the noise of the crowd, he could barely make heads or tails of the many voices and the fear of hearing the ball hit the catcher’s mitt once more.

The wind up and the pitch. Senior Student could see the ball leaving the pitchers side towards the inside of the plate. He chocked up on the bat and leaned in, keeping his hands close to his body, and swung with all his might. Loosing his balance, Senior Student stumbled across the plate, as the umpire yelled, Ssssttrriiiiiiiiiiikkke 2. A curve just to the inside confused Senior Student and left him fearful of what could be his last pitch.

“Boo” he heard from the crowd. Some cheering, others yelling, some crying. Frustrated fans who once believed, now found themselves doubting that Senior Student would come through. Rally caps on, they sat on the edge of their seats, wondering what the future held for their player.

Would all of this be for nothing? All the training? All of the classes? All of the tournaments? All of the teaching? All of the struggle?

Could he some how protect the plate, and possibly draw a walk? Could he even the count? Would the crowd watch Senior Student fail? “Could it be that the invitations went out to invite all to see me fail”, Senior Student thought.

“Time”, the umpire yells, as Hitting Coach Creative Tutors runs out of the dug-out and onto the field. After a short meeting, Senior Student steps back into the batters box. They have adjusted their stance slightly, and looks to have chocked up on the bat a little more. The bat seems to be a little lower with less sway.

TAKS winds up and bears down with all his might. Senior Student watched the threads of the ball wind in a tight spiral to the plate. Senior releases his hands and swings through the pitch, “Crack”, the crowd heard. Leaning over the rails, watching the flight of the ball. TAKS could only watch, Coach Tutors mouth stood wide open, as his eyes tracked the ball deep into center field.

Senior Student dropped the bat and sprinted towards first base, “a deep shot” the announcer called, Coach Tutors waving the ball out, as Senior Student rounded first, “Back, Back, striding long into second, Senior hears the wind leave the crowed as though his exhale blew them quiet like the candles going out on a birthday cake.

“Home Run!” the announcer yells. His class runs to meet him at home plate. He slows his pace into third, holding his hands up high, enjoying the moment. He walks to home plate, posing for every picture, throwing his helmet into the air celebrating the accomplishment.

Hugs and kisses were everywhere. Senior Student was drowned in a sea of supporters, believers and those who had lost hope, had once again smiled because Senior Student had met their expectations. Senior Student had come through with it all on the line. The scouts made their marks and reported to the main campus, that Senior Student was ready for the next level.

After all the fan fair and interviews, there was one left to embrace Senior; Coach Tutors. “I knew you could do it”, Coach Tutors said. “Thank you for believing in me and taking the time to work with me” Senior said. “Senior, when you need me, I will be here for you. Enjoy life at the next level.”

Spiritual Sunglasses '10