I've been writing poems for the Centus almost every Saturday, so I'll go with a story this time. It's based on the experience of a nephew of mine, one who was married recently and has a great life ahead. His wife is pretty great, too. All's well that ends well, I guess...and sometimes, taking a hit can put you in scoring position. (The prompt, as always, is in red.)
∞§∞
Curveball
©2012 Susan Noyes Anderson
©2012 Susan Noyes Anderson
On the best day of Brian’s life, the Giants drafted him. He was the closer to end all closers––minor league––prospects of a rapid push to the majors. The kid’s arm was golden, and every manager knew it. AT & T Park beckoned.
His curveball won the AAA championship, sending Brian to Arizona for spring training. This was his shot; he was pitching lights out. Right up until the UCL injury.
“You’ll come back stronger'n ever,” trainers said. “Tommy Johns did.”
Brian didn’t. The speed was gone; and before long, he was too. Closing the door for the last time, he looked around the locker room, memorized every detail.
You could have had it all, he whispered. You could have had it all.
∞§∞
You're still a great closer, Brian.
And now, you and your darling bride DO have it all.
You're still a great closer, Brian.
And now, you and your darling bride DO have it all.
27 comments:
One of the biggest trials of life is disappointment. But I have come to learn that many blessings of life come packaged as hardships...at least at first.
As a baseball and basketball fan, I really appreciated that one.
It sound like he found a new way to hit a home run!
Wow. All the best to your nephew.
Nicely written 106 words, Sue. The story was sad. But 'one door closes and another opens.' Good for your nephew. :)
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man that is a sad end...that is all too real and happens to many...they push and push and then the dream is done...
Such a hard disappointment for a young man. I am so glad Brian has a loving family and a darling bride which does make him have it all.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Love
Maggie
That's one of your best. I love that it's real, and how you manipulated the reader.
Storytelling at its best. Glad there was a happy end!
The best lessons are so hard at the time but it's great to know that his fairy tale is now coming true.
Although I'm sure his heart was broken at the time, he might have had an entirely different life than he does now. I mostly believe things happen for a reason. Hopefully, that has been his case. Great story.
I am so glad to know that he got a great wife. It was such a hard hit for him when he got injured. I know how important baseball was for him. I'm really curious to know what he does for a living now.
I love stories with happy endings and it sounds like he is happy now.
Super fantastic...I can feel the pain. Great job.
oh ugh...beautifully told.
Isn't it interesting what "it all" ends up being for most of us....something that we never dreamed it would be...but so much better!!
On to the next...I love that idea.
Yep disappointment is, at first, a trial. But when you look back on it, you usually realize that just exactly the right thing happened. How wonderful that your nephew found an alternative happy ending!
Oh, that's a bit sad...but it's true: whenever got closes a door, he opens a window. :)
Sad to hear that he lost his chance at baseball but it sounds like he hit a home run anyway.
Liked the music you picked for the piece.
~Naila Moon
http://writing-out-of-the-blue.blogspot.com/2012/06/having-it-alla-story-106-words-only.html
Great personal story to go with the prompt. I'm sorry an injury stalled his career but better things are in store. Sport careers are usually short due to age or injury so hopefully his back up plan will fill in the future.
How sad. But I agree with Grandma Honey!~Ames
I can really appreciate this one. I had a nephew too that was so close to the Majors. He was a great pitcher. He finally ended it himself due to not enjoying the environment he was in. I have a history of Baseball that runs in the family. I think he just made the best play ever by finding a sweet wife. Loved this story!
GO GIANTS!!! impressive story. it always seems like when things don't turn out right, they turn out right. you know?
With the music in the background, it just really completes this! I am a fan of your poetry, but this rocks way high above ....a glowing story!
Oh wow! I'm sorry he lost his chance. I know that had to hurt, but hopefully, he has recovered emotionally and gained from this loss. Good read. laurie @ http://dealingwithmyinnercritic.blogspot.com/
Sue, I feel well enough to crawl around in Blogger, and I though tof you first.
First, your story. It is poignant and gentle, just like you. In only a few lines, you take me from disappointment to happiness and more to come.
I like this one a lot!
Namaste..................cj
PS - Thanks so much for your concern and love for me at this
difficult time. I always hearing from you.
This was so touching, Sue.
I love your poignant writing.
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