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Mattymo · 10-30-2008, 10:35 AM

February 12, 1911

As Francis knocked on the door, his heartbeat increased rapidly. Fear and anxiety crept into his mind.

"Nevermind," he thought to himself, turning to walk away. Just then the door opened.

"Frank?" said the deep voice behind him, "What do you want kid?"

"President Hoffman, h-hi," stumbled Francis, "I uh…I was wondering if I could get a moment of your time."

"Sure kid, but just a moment, I'm really busy here," responded Mr. Hoffman as he walked back to his desk, "shut the door."

Francis complied and sat down in a chair in front of Mr. Hoffman's desk. Hoffman stared at him, shaking his head as of to say "what do you want?"

"Yes sir, I was uh, talking to Jacky the other day," struggled Francis, "and he mentioned that you have a base ball team and uh…"

"Oh yeah, Jacky Guimond was quite a catcher in his day," responded Hoffman, "Past his prime now but solid nonetheless."

Mr. Hoffman stopped and got a puzzled look. "If you're looking to get involved, I guess you could wash uniforms or something. Maybe keep score if you're good at it."

"Umm, no sir, I want to play," responded Francis, staring down at the ground afraid to look up, "I just want a chance."

Silence.

"Are you serious?" asked a dumbfounded Mr. Hoffman, "Kid, this isn't schoolyard ball. These are the best players in Canada. This is professional base ball."

Francis' shoulders slumped and he looked at the large, indimidating man in front of him. "No offense sir, but I think you'd be surprised. If I'm no good, just tell me so. I've always loved the game and been pretty good at it."

President Hoffman smiled, as he was taken aback by the kid's candor and confidence. "Alright, look kid. We start practicing in about two months. On the first of April we'll hold a tryout with some of the local kids as well as some of the fellas in the Lower League. I won't be there, but all of the coaches will be. You're welcome to show up, but don't get your expectations high."

Francis smiled and nodded his head confidently.

"Ok get out of here kid, I told you I'm busy!" Mr. Hoffman yelled, pointing to the door.

With that, Francis got up and walked towards the door. He then turned. "I'll see you on April 2 Mr. Hoffman."

10-30-2008, 10:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mattymo All Star Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colchester, CT Posts: 1,443 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5x in 4 posts	February 12, 1911 As Francis knocked on the door, his heartbeat increased rapidly. Fear and anxiety crept into his mind. "Nevermind," he thought to himself, turning to walk away. Just then the door opened. "Frank?" said the deep voice behind him, "What do you want kid?" "President Hoffman, h-hi," stumbled Francis, "I uh…I was wondering if I could get a moment of your time." "Sure kid, but just a moment, I'm really busy here," responded Mr. Hoffman as he walked back to his desk, "shut the door." Francis complied and sat down in a chair in front of Mr. Hoffman's desk. Hoffman stared at him, shaking his head as of to say "what do you want?" "Yes sir, I was uh, talking to Jacky the other day," struggled Francis, "and he mentioned that you have a base ball team and uh…" "Oh yeah, Jacky Guimond was quite a catcher in his day," responded Hoffman, "Past his prime now but solid nonetheless." Mr. Hoffman stopped and got a puzzled look. "If you're looking to get involved, I guess you could wash uniforms or something. Maybe keep score if you're good at it." "Umm, no sir, I want to play," responded Francis, staring down at the ground afraid to look up, "I just want a chance." Silence. "Are you serious?" asked a dumbfounded Mr. Hoffman, "Kid, this isn't schoolyard ball. These are the best players in Canada. This is professional base ball." Francis' shoulders slumped and he looked at the large, indimidating man in front of him. "No offense sir, but I think you'd be surprised. If I'm no good, just tell me so. I've always loved the game and been pretty good at it." President Hoffman smiled, as he was taken aback by the kid's candor and confidence. "Alright, look kid. We start practicing in about two months. On the first of April we'll hold a tryout with some of the local kids as well as some of the fellas in the Lower League. I won't be there, but all of the coaches will be. You're welcome to show up, but don't get your expectations high." Francis smiled and nodded his head confidently. "Ok get out of here kid, I told you I'm busy!" Mr. Hoffman yelled, pointing to the door. With that, Francis got up and walked towards the door. He then turned. "I'll see you on April 2 Mr. Hoffman."