Brian Gotta

Below is an excerpt from my exciting youth sports novel, Hanging in There.

Ted waited for what seemed like half an hour for Coach Arnold

to come back. Finally, he heard him pick the phone back up.
“Here it is,” he said. I’ve got you with pretty high marks from yesterday. I wrote great glove, needs to work on hitting, but I gave you

a B+.”
“I can work on my hitting,” Ted interjected.
“Oh, I remember,” Coach said slowly. “You’re the kid who’s never played before, aren’t you?”
“I’ve played all my life,” Ted told him. “I’ve just never played on a team.”
“Well, that makes a big difference son,” the coach explained.

“If you’ve never played in a game situation there’s just too much to learn. I’m pretty sure that’s why you didn’t get picked.”

“Believe me,” Ted pleaded. “I know more about what to do on a baseball field than most of the kids who have played. And what I don’t know now, I’ll learn in five minutes if you give me a chance!”

“Mmmm.” Coach Arnold considered. “I’ve already asked three boys to be there tomorrow, and we only have two open spots.”

“All I’m asking for is a chance,” Ted said. “Please.”