The Big Leagues

“You’ve scene her highlights right? The kid has potential.”

Jax sat with his arms crossed not moving an inch. His eyes fixed on his Skipper as his words fell on deaf ears.

“Seriously? Ron this is ridiculous. I’m an All Star. I’ve been to a World Series. How the fuck do you expect me to sit here and believe any of this? I’m stuck sitting across from your ugly self and now I’m going to be sharing the field with a second mascot?” Jax said with absolute certainty. He knew exactly what it took to play this sport. He had dedicated his life to the game and had been to the mountain top. He knew exactly how this was going to end and would not entertain any of this nonsense.

Ron decided he was going to have a little fun at his star player’s expense. “Former All Star you mean… and you guys lost that World Series, Jax. I don’t think I’ve scene too many kids rocking the old ‘Jax Rooker’ jersey anymore.”

Jax couldn’t decide if he wanted to laugh or break the whiskey bottle Ron hid in his desk over the Skipper’s bald head.

“If I hadn’t gotten hurt we wouldn’t even be talking right now, Ron. I’d be in the conversation with the Greats and you know it, dick head.” Jax said with a slight grin and a look in his hazel eyes that would make any grown man back down. He wasn’t wrong. Jax had been on an absolute mission in only his second year in the Majors. His raw power and athleticism had made him a nightmare matchup for opposing pitchers. ‘The play’ still haunted him to this day. Why? Why did he have to be so close and lose everything.

Ron switched his approach. “Look Jax, I know you don’t like this. It’s not my call. We’re playing .500 ball right now. The last thing we need is a distraction and what we’re about to be in a goddamn circus.” The Skipper said struggling to stand up from his chair. Age was catching to the once bright prospect. He never made it to the Majors but he was a respected AAA pitcher. Ron knew how to navigate his players and was beloved by his team for being an outspoken shield for them.

“I promise you, Jax. This is not going to last long. The higher ups want their little publicity stunt to make it up to the Big Leagues to sell tickets and jerseys. This organization has never prioritized winning and we both know it. If they did you’d be up there and not down here annoying me in my office.” Ron said with a chuckle.

Jax sat stoically. His mind was elsewhere. Finally standing to meet his Skipper’s gaze. “I want to be switched to Right Field. I can handle it.” Jax said without even a shred of uncertainty.

Ron looked confused at his star. “Jax… your leg has been bothering you in Left Field…”

“Put me in Right. She plays 2nd Base right? I want to keep her in my sights the entire second half of the season. That means she bats second as well. Right before me.” Jax said taking full authority.

Ron looked confused and frankly, he had never scene this side of Jax. It was like a fire had been ignited within him. “Whatever you want, Jax. You know that pulling Miller from the two hole is not going to go over well…”

Jax smiled returned. “I’m counting on it.”