EXTRACT FOR
Those Balls and Strikes Got Me
(Just Bae)

When your kid plays on a traveling baseball team, you tend to make a lot of sacrifices (no pun intended). Vacation time, personal time, and money all seem to get gobbled up during the course of a season. The benefits, however, greatly surpass the time and money you devote to your child's passion. Watching him grow and develop as a person and a player; visiting interesting new places; and meeting a diverse group of people who share your common interests, are all part of what make this time very, very special.



That's exactly how it was for Jeff Nelson. Mr. Nelson was a divorced father of 35, whose son Brian, 13, had just begun his first season of travel baseball. Being new to the whole experience, Jeff made a point of meeting the fellow parents, getting advice, and learning what to expect. Brian was Jeff's only child, as he and Jeff's mother had divorced before Brian had reached elementary school.



Pam Roberts, the recently divorced mother of Connor, was a youthful-looking 33, and a veteran of travel baseball, with a couple years of experience. Pam was the ultimate baseball mom, always doing whatever was necessary to help Connor and the team. If the team had a position for "Utility Mom," Pam was the all star in the lineup. Unfortunately, that devotion was a big reason for the breakup of her marriage.



Jeff had scheduled most of his time to be on the team's trips throughout the summer. The Scorpions were scheduled to play in tournaments around the Midwest, and Jeff was going to be there for Brian. He was looking forward to the season almost as much as Brian. Jeff really enjoyed seeing his son participate in something he loved so much.



For Pam, this summer was going to be all about freedom and the love of the game. Yes, she had been traveling with the team for a couple years, but this was the first summer she wouldn't be weighed down with the guilt and strife of recent years. As a teacher, her summer was once again open so she could accompany Connor on road trips. It was something she had been looking forward to ever since the end of the previous season.



When the Scorpions began practicing, Jeff got acquainted with the other parents at the first team meeting. Not sure what to expect, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he and Brian received. All the parents seemed to have a great interest in the team and a total commitment to the demands it placed on families.



It was there that Jeff first met Pam. Jeff felt an immediate attraction to her. He was not the only one to feel this way. With a warm smile and easy demeanor, Pam had a way of always making people feel comfortable.



Pam, still feeling the effects of a contentious divorce, was thrilled to get started with the new baseball season. Even though the games wouldn't start for a few weeks, the first meeting was always a sign of good things to come. It was a renewal or sorts, and something she felt she desperately needed this year. With the school year winding down and baseball starting up, her outlook was improving. The first meeting was a stepping off point to a new life, and she was excited to be back together with old friends and new faces. One new face in particular immediately caught her attention.



Jeff had a confident yet unassuming presence. He was handsome in a rugged sort of way but didn't appear to act or seem above anyone. From Pam's point of view, he was looking to fit in, learn what's expected of the parents, and eager to get started. From his build, he may have played some ball himself. Pam was looking forward to getting to know him.



As the first meeting came to a close, Jeff and Brian and Pam and Connor found themselves headed out the door at the same time. Brian and Connor knew each other from school and Connor was excitedly sharing stories of past glory with Brian.



"I'm so glad you and Brian will be with us this season," Pam said. "It's always good to see fresh faces."



"Thanks. We're pretty excited, everyone seems great," Jeff replied. He was a bit nervous but happy that Pam had taken the time to welcome them to the team. "I'm hoping I can learn about all this traveling stuff from veterans like you."



"I'm glad to help. Just let us know. My number and email is on the roster info if you need to get in touch."



"I'll probably take you up on that," Jeff replied. "I have a feeling I'm in for more than I bargained for but I think it's going to be a lot of fun."



"It's always fun, except when we lose, but even then it's better than being cooped up in a classroom all day," Pam said.



"I would imagine. As a writer, I'm chained to my computer for hours on end. It gets a bit tedious at times," Jeff replied. "I'm really looking forward to getting out and about this summer."



"Well, we're looking forward to having you with us," Pam said. "The team can use good parents and kids like you and Brian."



"Well, thanks, Pam. It was a pleasure meeting you and Connor," Jeff said. They had reached their car. "I'm-we're-really looking forward to getting started," he said. He corrected himself, not wanting to sound too personal.



"Us, too," she replied. She looked up into his eyes as they stood looking at each other for an awkward moment. Brian and Connor said, "See ya." Pam broke eye contact, looking briefly at her feet, then spun around to head to her car. As she and Connor walked away, she spun once again and smiled. "Take care, Jeff." Feeling herself blush, she walked backwards for a few steps before turning around again.



Jeff watched Pam; her petite, toned figure, clad in ripped blue jeans and a Scorpions sweatshirt, fading into the early evening darkness.