Clydesdale

Confirming his release point with video from last night’s game, he ran his middle finger down the inside edge of the seam. Something still felt wrong with his retooled grip but he couldn’t argue with eight shutout innings. Ronny’s dream of making it to the Bigs had been stuck in limbo for reasons other than his performance. Selected as the starting pitcher in over a hundred minor league games, he was the default of an uneven powerhouse, too large for his temper yet too small for his appetites.

Continue reading

On the Shaming of the Astros

Sitting at a blackjack table inside the Chumash Casino, Alex realized by winning his next hand he could pay for a semester of his son’s tuition. He was up, way up, the perfect time to walk away. But ever since injury ended his career in 2020 he was cursed with the urge to win at all costs. He went all in, doubling down on a seven. The dealer pulled a ten of spades and a five of clubs. Alex went bust.

Continue reading