[norva13x]

Bill Owen reported to spring workouts in Houston on March 18. During camp on the 25th his best friend Toyo woke him up hastily with exciting news, "I'm going to Texas!" He said.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Bill responded, half awake, "were already in Texas."
"No you idiot, the Texas Copperheads! I am going to the bigs!"
"Your full of ****."
"No man, I mean it, it's true! Jeffery Mason is out for a month, the first few weeks of the season, they want me to be the back up catcher until he gets back!"

Bill was happy for Toyo, but also a bit jealous. Toyo was his backup all last year but he was the one to be called up. Granted, Bill's offensive output last season left a lot to be desired, but still...
Toyo was a solid defensive catcher however, Bill thought, and despite much fewer plate appearances he did have a .216 batting average. While that wasn't high by any means, it was higher than Bill's.
The newness of being a pro player last year had worn off, and Bill was feeling the heat. In the bigs Jeffery Mason was one of the best catchers in baseball, and in the amateur draft Texas for one reason or another drafted yet another rookie. Paul Austin grew up in Seattle, not far at all from Bill. Was a year older with two years experience catching for the University of Washington Huskies. He started his sophomore season was successful there garnering all PAC-10 honors and was named to the 2nd team all NCAA.
Bill felt he was better though, he knew he was better defensively at the very least. But another poor offensive season and he worried he would be traded or relegated to the minors for the rest of his career.
Of course being a first round draft pick he had a lot more leeway then most. But the minors were a cut throat business, players giving their all for a chance to make it to the bigs. Of course many won't, and those that have a chance, like Bill, have their every move, hit or pitch scrutinized.
It was a tough life, but a good one Bill thought. He was a pro ball player, and he was going to prove he could play with the best of them. This year he was determined to show how good he could be.
But deep inside, he was scared...