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Mattymo · 11-06-2008, 08:56 PM

April 1 (continued)

"Hey Frank, can you come here a second?" yelled out Coach Wheeler, motioning towards the dugout, as most of the players headed off the field.

Francis walked down the steps and had a seat on the bench.

"This is Coach Gravel, the Bench Coach, Coach Morrison, the hitting coach and Coach Neil, the Pitching Coach," said Wheeler, as the three other nodded, "We liked what we saw from you today."

"Y-yes sir, thank you coach," replied an awe-struck Francis.

"You have a nice swing," piped up Coach Morrison, "it's a little raw, but I really see some potential there. That ball you hit over the left-fielder, we don't have too many guys who can hit the ball that far. And you're what? 150 pounds?"

"Yes sir, about that, but I've been working with Jacky to get a little stronger," said Francis.

"Jacky who? Guimond?," asked Wheeler.

"Yes sir," replied Francis.

Coach Wheeler nodded his head. "Interesting," he said, "Well look kid. There's not a ton of hitting up here in the Canadian League. Ernie Winchester led the league and he hit something like .244. You win in this league with defense and speed, and you got 'em both. Now I can't make any promises, especially since Hoff hasn't seen you play, but we want you to stick around during Spring Practice and we'll see what happens. Worse comes to worst, you head down to the Lower League to get some experience. How old are you anyway?"

"Umm...just turned 19 sir," answered a stunned Francis, "Hoff? As in Mr. Hoffman?"

"yeah kid, you know him?," asked Wheeler.

Francis nodded his head. "Well yes sir, I work at the bank with Jacky. Mr. Hoffman hired me."

The four coaches looked at each other and nodded.

"Alright kid, we'll see what you can do, I like what I saw. But remember, we'll have close to 45 guys up here battling for 20 spots, so nothing at all is promised. Plus we have some good looking rookies. But our first Spring Practice is tomorrow, you'll get your chance."

Francis nodded and shook each man's hand. Bounding up the steps and across the field, Francis couldn't believe it. He couldn't wait for the next day, for the chance to become a true ball player.

11-06-2008, 08:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mattymo All Star Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Colchester, CT Posts: 1,424	April 1 (continued) "Hey Frank, can you come here a second?" yelled out Coach Wheeler, motioning towards the dugout, as most of the players headed off the field. Francis walked down the steps and had a seat on the bench. "This is Coach Gravel, the Bench Coach, Coach Morrison, the hitting coach and Coach Neil, the Pitching Coach," said Wheeler, as the three other nodded, "We liked what we saw from you today." "Y-yes sir, thank you coach," replied an awe-struck Francis. "You have a nice swing," piped up Coach Morrison, "it's a little raw, but I really see some potential there. That ball you hit over the left-fielder, we don't have too many guys who can hit the ball that far. And you're what? 150 pounds?" "Yes sir, about that, but I've been working with Jacky to get a little stronger," said Francis. "Jacky who? Guimond?," asked Wheeler. "Yes sir," replied Francis. Coach Wheeler nodded his head. "Interesting," he said, "Well look kid. There's not a ton of hitting up here in the Canadian League. Ernie Winchester led the league and he hit something like .244. You win in this league with defense and speed, and you got 'em both. Now I can't make any promises, especially since Hoff hasn't seen you play, but we want you to stick around during Spring Practice and we'll see what happens. Worse comes to worst, you head down to the Lower League to get some experience. How old are you anyway?" "Umm...just turned 19 sir," answered a stunned Francis, "Hoff? As in Mr. Hoffman?" "yeah kid, you know him?," asked Wheeler. Francis nodded his head. "Well yes sir, I work at the bank with Jacky. Mr. Hoffman hired me." The four coaches looked at each other and nodded. "Alright kid, we'll see what you can do, I like what I saw. But remember, we'll have close to 45 guys up here battling for 20 spots, so nothing at all is promised. Plus we have some good looking rookies. But our first Spring Practice is tomorrow, you'll get your chance." Francis nodded and shook each man's hand. Bounding up the steps and across the field, Francis couldn't believe it. He couldn't wait for the next day, for the chance to become a true ball player.