Myst, Titan and the Outcasts

“Now go and get ‘em Red” Brandon called to Robby as he gave the red-headed baseball phenomenon a stern look of encouragement.

Robby grabbed his batting helmet and strutted out into the bullpen. He took a few practice swings and walked over to the plate where he took a few more warm up swings. The pitching coach knew this was going to be trouble. Robby was well known in the league, not only for his athletic conditioning, but also for the fact that he had never been struck out. He had never had a strike called on him. He would swing and connect with some of the most improbable pitches ever.  What irked this thirty something pitching coach little-league dad, was that his star pitcher was about to be out psyched by this five-year-old phenomenon.

Robby glanced at Derrick and gave him the thumbs up sign for a job well done.  He stared down the opposing team’s pitcher and concentrated as hard as he could. For some reason it was as if Robby could sense what the kid was going to throw at him. He allowed a wry smile to play across his lips, confident that he was about to best his opposing team’s best pitcher.

The ball was thrown rather hard by little league standards.  This kid really had a rocket-arm on his young frame.  That did not faze Robby McCloud.  He ground his heel into the dirt and swung the bat with devastating accuracy.

“HOME RUN!!!!”  The announcer yelled from the Little League press box.

“MOM, Robby did it!  He hit his first Homer of the game!” squealed Petey.

“ALRIGHT SON, WAY TO GO!”  Susan yelled her approvals to her son as he and Derrick rounded the bases.

“Way to go, Robby!” added Beth and Richard in unison.

“That’s my boy!” yelled Brandon. 

Brandon smiled, beaming with pride as he watched his best friend round the bases.  He scanned the ball field stands, noticing that everybody was on their feet for this young man.  Brandon’s pride originated from the time he spent teaching the finer points of baseball to Robby.  Brandon was so proud of Robby’s accomplishments.  He watched him grow as a player and a friend.

As Robby crossed home plate, the scorecard changed to two to zero, in favor of the Boston Bobcats. His entire team was waiting to heft the red headed bomber onto their shoulders in congratulations.

“Wow, what a great birthday so far” thought the fiery-headed youth.

The rest of the game, the Bobcats maintained a marginal lead. It was the last inning and the opposing team had caught up with the bobcats. Robby climbed out of the dugout and faced the pitcher. He knew that there was something inside him that would help him beat this person one last time. He smiled at the pitcher and looked back at Petey.

“This one is for you Petey, It's my birthday, but this is your home run,” Robby cheered confidently.

Robby knew that he was going to hit the home run he had just honored his cousin with the dedication.  It was as if he could read the thoughts of the opposing team’s pitcher.

“He is gonna throw a curve ball at me! How am I hearing this?” wondered the cardinal-haired youth.

The pitch was thrown, and just as Robby had known it would be; a curve ball. He was ready, and put the bat to the ball.

“ANOTHER HOME RUN FOR NUMBER 18 ROBBY MCCLOUD!!!” The announcer bellowed.

“HOLY COW ROBBY!!!! HOW DID YOU KNOW!!!” yelled Petey.

“WOW kid I never thought that you would have gotten this good!  Two homers in a row!” screamed Brandon.

The whole Bobcats dugout and fan section were on their feet cheering their hero. Little Robby McCloud had pulled out the win for the Bobcats.

Robby's mother, aunt and uncle, and Cousin Petey all stormed the field, hoisted the red headed baseball star onto their shoulders. They paraded him around the field as onlookers applauded the kid's effort. Brandon kept his distance as he stood in the shadows and watched his “little brother” enjoy his accolades.

Finally, the team cleared the field. Robby and his family made their way over to the picnic area of the ballpark. Robby sensed that something was up with his family.

“Hey, what is with the surprise party?” asked the inquisitive youth.

“How do you know that we were planning a surprise party for you Robby?” asked Susan.

“Just call it a hunch,” Robby grinned as he nudged his mother in the ribs. “Today is my birthday ya know?” Robby continued with a smile.

All the family and friends gathered around the table for the cake and ice cream. Robby was so happy, yet something was not right with him.

“Hey you alright little bro?” asked Brandon as he glanced at the red headed birthday boy.

Brandon, Robby, and Derrick could read each other like books.  Brandon, being the eldest of the three, knew something was not right with his “little brother”.  He kept a keen and concerned eye on Robby as he awaited his response.

“Just not feeling too well man” responded Robby wearily.

He looked around as if someone was talking to him. No one was directly speaking to him, but he could hear them talking about him. The “sound” was becoming more than he could handle.

While his mother was busy getting the cake and presents set up, Robby politely excused himself to the restroom. As he quickly made his way away from the crowd and rounded the corner, Robby doubled over in pain. He grabbed his head and fell to the ground.