Aaron Hates Baseball

Aaron is just like any other five-year-old. He has a lot of friends, likes to watch TV, and loves to play video games.

His parents thought he liked to play these games a little too much.

After school, he would complete his homework and clean his room.

Both mom and dad always kept track of these things.

Aaron knew that if he did not perform the tasks correctly, then he wouldn't be able to play his video games.

He would refuse to go outside to play with his friends because he was playing a game.

If given the chance, he would play from morning till night.

He was becoming lazier, which worried his parents.

For him to play outside, they would have to throw him out. The majority of the time, he would go to his cousin's house next door and get right back to playing video games.

One day Aaron’s parents decided to enroll him in baseball.

Aaron felt as if everything had ended for him. He shouted, “I hate baseball!”

He ran into his room, slammed the door, and began to play his game.

As his parents sat on the couch, they stared at one another.

Aaron should at least try baseball, they agreed.

The next day, his father called his friend Coach Michel, who was a DareDevils coach, and the season had just begun.

Coach Michel said he would be honored to take Aaron this year, as he had room for one more kid.

After school, Aaron's dad met him at the door. Aaron's dad said, "We're going to buy a glove."

Aaron's face became red as he screamed, "I hate baseball!".

His father walked him into the car and buckled him in. A frown spread across his face as he crossed his arms and stared at the floor.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy it when you start." Aaron's dad spoke.

Aaron refused to say a word.

Finally, they pulled into the parking lot of a sports store. After getting out of the car, Aaron's dad walked up to his son's door, opening it up.

The store looked really cool. Aaron thought to himself.

He could see a rack full of fishing poles standing beside the Go Karts in front of the store. It made him wonder what else the store had to offer.

His father extended his hand and Aaron grasped it.

As they walked down the aisle, they looked at fishing poles, soccer balls, hockey sticks, and basketballs.

Aaron was finally taken over to the baseball gloves by his father.

He picked a glove that was comfortable for him.

His dad showed him how to hold his glove and then gently tossed a small ball at him, hitting him on the arm.

Aaron's smile faded as he looked up at his father. “I hate baseball,” he shouted at his dad.”

While his father was checking out, Aaron stood with his arms crossed again while he looked down at the floor.

The two again said nothing on the way home.

When they made it home Aaron ran into the house, slammed his bedroom door, and started his game again.

His parents discussed what had happened and again wondered about their decision but decided to stick with it.

They decided to get Aaron to do something other than play video games, they had to try something new.

They both agreed that he might like it.

One day remained until Aaron's first practice, and he was not looking forward to it.

He hid his glove and ball, but his mom found them under his bed.

Aaron snuck around the house after coming home from school the day of baseball practice.

He didn't see his parents anywhere in sight.

He crept around the corners of the house to his room.

Aaron threw his backpack to the ground, turning on his game. He lowered the volume of the TV, crept up close, and began playing.

Aaron's heart sank when he heard his dad walking up to the door. He lay his head on the pillow in front of him as his father opened the door and told him, “it’s time to go.”

"I hate baseball," Aaron shouted when he dropped his controller. I don’t want to play. Why won’t you just leave me alone.”

“I will wait in the car.” His father spoke firmly.

Aaron's father turned and walked away. Aaron immediately collapsed. There was no way out. So he grabbed the glove and ball that his mom had left on his bed.

On the way to the ballpark, neither one knew what to say.

Aaron's dad parked the car and turned it off. They gazed into the grassy field in front of them.

A tall man in an orange t-shirt and jeans was hitting a ball at a group of little kids running around chasing it.

Aaron looked at his father, and his father looked back at Aaron. “Are you ready?” He asked with a concerned look.

Aaron shook his head no. "There are too many people here," he murmured.

"You'll be fine, I'll be there with you, and you never know, you might like it."Aaron's father tried to reassure him.

He looked back up at the field filled with kids. Aaron whined, "I hate baseball and I don't want to try this. Can't we go home?".

You need this, your mom and I agreed. Let's go, it won't be that bad, and if you don't like it, we'll leave, OK?”

When Arron did not move, his dad got out of the car and walked over to the coach to speak with him.

"Aaron watched the coach look up at the truck and walk to the side door. Aaron looked around, but there was nowhere he could go. He slumped down in his seat.

The coach tapped the window twice.

When Aaron rolled down the window, Coach Mike reached out his hand and said, "Hello, my name is Mike, and I will be your coach. Are you excited? We are so excited to have you on the team. Grab your glove and we can see where you excel.”

Aaron was so shocked and surprised that before he knew it, the coach had already opened his door and was leading him to the field.

Aaron was soon up to bat and yelling with the other boys before he realized what was happening.

"We need a pitcher, not a belly itcher!” They all yelled from the dugout.

Aaron's dad was pleased to see a smile on his face.

As the day came to a close, a little boy named Josh and the coach walked Aaron back to the truck.

We have practice on Monday and Thursday, and we'll get our uniforms at our next practice. Now go home and rest up. Also, did you enjoy playing as a hind catcher?”

Aaron's eyes lit up with joy. “I really liked it!” Aaron smiled.

You'll be in this position from now on, and Jimmy will be your relief. You can play other positions if you like. You are really good at this. I'll see you next week, be ready.

Come on Josh, if we don't get home, your mom will send the army.

He walked to his small red car and said, "See you later.".

Dad asked, “So what do you think?”

“About what?”Aaron spoke.

What do you think about baseball? Would you like to play or continue to play video games?” Dad was having a hard time trying not to smile.

Aaron also had a hard time hiding his smile. "I guess I can play for a while. Josh said we would get trophies. So dad, have you ever had a trophy before?”

"No, I cannot say that I have. Is Josh Mike’s son?” Dad said as he rounded the corner before their house.

“Yeah, and did you know that he hated baseball too, but as soon as he got out there, he just couldn't wait till the next practice, just like me? His dad said you shouldn’t say you hate something before giving it a chance.”

Aaron's dad pulled into the driveway. "His dad sounds like a smart cookie."

Aaron smiled as he exited the car. His mom was standing in the doorway waiting for them.

“How was practice?” Mom asked

I enjoyed it a lot! A coach told me that I would make a great hind catcher. I got to hit the ball and throw it. It was so much fun!” Aaron could not keep his excitement hidden anymore.

While describing his time on the baseball field, he bounced around.

"It sounds like you had a good time. Will you go back again?” Mom smiled

"Yes, I cannot wait! I have practice and get some more gear? Mom, I'll even get a uniform and a trophy for winning!”

His mother called out to him, "Wash your hands, dinner is ready." Aaron quickly ran inside.

Mom and dad hugged and walked into the house.

Aaron yelled out, “What’s for dinner?”

“We are having fish and chips!” Mom called back.

There was silence as Mom and dad walked in to see Aaron looking at the plates that decorated the dining table.

Aaron looked up at his parents and said, “I don't know if I like fish and chips, but I’ll try it.”