Short StoryWith over a hundred hours of batting practice this season, Paul has planted his feet firmly against the soft earth. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the field. The ball headed toward the strike zone and Paul began his swing. He swung his bat with perfection. In his head, Paul knew it would be the best hit of the year. “Three shots!” » The referee shouted. It only took Paul a second to realize he had struck out for the tenth straight time and had caused the Mustangs to lose the championship game. He headed towards the canoe; his teammates looked at him with resentment. Sergio stomped on Paul and shouted, “Why did you throw that? Are you blind? Now you made us lose the most important game of the year. You really are a loser. These words pierced Paul’s heart. Paul had worked so hard for this moment, and it seemed like all that hard work had been in vain. Back at the Mustang training center, Coach Eduardo walked over to Paul. “Paul, I need to talk to you. Come to my office. Paul followed coach Eduardo. As they approached the office, Paul wondered what his coach would say and feared he would have to leave the team. They entered the soundproof office with an entrance that barely let Eduardo in. The coach slammed the door and in a subdued tone he said, “Son, your skills have grown over the years.” Paul felt a slight relief, but became tense again when Eduardo said, "However, that's not enough to keep you on this team, and you don't belong here, I want you gone." here now!” Those were the last words Paul heard from Coach Eduardo before leaving the Mustangs. Paul strode out of the Mustangs baseball practice facility in the middle of a newspaper...after the first strike. History would soon repeat itself in the most devastating form for Paul if he received another strike. As the ball traveled through the air for the third time, Paul began to doubt himself. He barely made contact with the ball and fouled out for another chance at bat. Paul refocused for the next throw. The ball went to the top left corner, where Paul wanted it. He made the biggest, most powerful swing he had ever made, sending the ball out of sight. Sergio was furious. He couldn't understand the stupidity of the pitcher who threw the losing pitch. Paul was running around the bases with joy. As he approached home plate, he looked at Sergio and said, "I guess not." This surprised Sergio and left him speechless. His teammates surrounded him and pushed him into the air. The Thunderbirds ultimately won the championship game against the Mustangs.