Diamond in the Rough
by
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Coach Milton Parker was his name. He wasn’t much on conversation, but he was good with the young kids on his team. Coach Parker threw the ball to Toby and he missed it. He threw the ball four times and each time Toby missed the ball. “Okay, okay, so you’re going to need a lot of practice on catching, so let’s see where you are on batting,” Coach Parker groaned. Toby grabbed the bat and held it like it weighed 75 pounds. The coach had to come up and show him how to hold the bat. Toby swung at the ball and twisted himself half way around. The coach yelled, “Keep your feet still, move only from your waist up!” Toby swung at the ball again. This time swinging all the way around. The coach - flushed in the face placed his hand on Toby’s shoulder and said, “Son hasn’t your father shown you anything about baseball?” Toby’s eyes dropped to the ground at his feet.
“No sir, my mother plays with me. My Dad lives out-of-town.” Coach Parker turned and walked off saying to himself, “I’ve got my work cut out for me on this one.”
He turned and said, “Okay Toby let’s try this again, but this time don’t move your feet.”
Toby, determined eager to learn, paid no attention to the laughter of the other boys in the dugout.
“I’m ready now Coach.” Toby said. Coach Parker threw the ball again. Toby swung at the ball so low that he picked up a patch of dirt. One of the boys from the dugout yelled, “This is baseball not golf!” Toby was upset, but this didn’t break his spirits. He had his bat up and ready to swing again when his coach howled, “Next batter up and Toby you go to the outfield.” He ran quickly to second base, the players motioned for him to go further back.
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About the Book
Toby Houser is a young boy age 7 whose parents have divorced. He’s faced with several conflicts and disappointments, but instead of dwelling on this he fights back through baseball. His father has moved away and his mother has moved to a neighborhood where there are no children his age. Toby knows nothing about baseball, but he can overcome these obstacles by believing in himself and holding on to his dreams. Toby is determined not to let the disappointments in his life take away his self-esteem. He defeats rejection by pouring his energy into baseball.
About the Author
Pattye Patterson Glosson is a native of Decatur, Alabama. She was educated at Wallace State Community College and Athens State University. At, present, she works as Director of Health Information Management in Alabama. She is the author of numerous short stories, one picture book and one stage play. She is the Director of the Young People's Division at her church. She has worked as a baseball Team Mom and Girl Scout leader. Her many years as a Y.P.D. Director have given her insight and understanding of young people.
She is a mother and grandmother. After traveling abroad, she now lives in Alabama.