Short StoryWith over one hundred hours of batting practice this season, Paul has planted his feet firmly on the soft earth. He took a deep breath and got ready for camp. The ball rocketed toward the strike zone and Paul began his swing. He swung the bat with perfection. In his head, Paul knew it would be the biggest hit of the year. "Strike three!" The referee shouted. It took Paul almost a second to realize that he was out for the tenth straight time and had caused the Mustangs to lose the championship game. He walked towards the bench; his teammates glared at him. Sergio approached Paul and shouted: “Why did you do this? Are you blind? Now you've made us lose the most important game of the year. You're such a loser." Those words pierced Paolo's heart. Paul had worked so hard for this moment, and it seemed like all that hard work had gone to waste. Back at the Mustang training facility, coach Eduardo approached Paul. “Paul, I need to talk to you. Come to my office.” Paul walked up behind Coach Eduardo. As they approached the office, Paul wondered what his coach would say and feared he would have to leave the team. They entered the soundproof office with an entrance that barely let Eduardo in. The coach slammed the door and in a dark tone said, “Son, your skills have grown over the years.” Paul felt a small sense of relief, but became tense again when Eduardo said, "Still, it's not enough to keep you on this team, and you don't belong here, I want you out of here now!" Those were the last words Paul heard from Coach Eduardo before leaving the Mustangs. Paul strode out of the Mustangs' baseball training facility... mid-paper... after the first strike. History would soon repeat itself in the most devastating form for Paul if he received another blow. As the ball flew into the air for the third time, Paul began to doubt himself. He barely made contact with the ball and fouled out for another serving chance. Paul refocused for the next shot. The ball went into the top left corner, where Paul wanted it. He took the biggest, most powerful swing he's ever taken, sending the ball beyond everyone's sight. Sergio was angry. He couldn't understand the stupidity of the pitcher throwing the losing pitch. Paul joyfully ran around the bases. As he approached home plate, he looked at Sergio and said, “I guess not.” This frightened Sergio and left him speechless. His teammates surrounded him and tossed him into the air. The Thunderbirds finally won the championship game against the Mustangs.