CHAPTER 10
The first thing Coach had Haley do was run around the bases. Haley ran as fast as she could while Coach timed her and Eva and Becca cheered. Becca was surprised to see how fast Haley was, even though she was shorter than Eva.
After Haley was done running, Coach Jones said, “That was great. Now I’m going to have Becca pitch to you and see how hitting goes. Eva, you can catch.”
Haley grabbed a bat. She took a few practice swings before she stepped up to the plate. Becca wasn’t really a pitcher, but she knew how to do it. She wound up and fired the ball toward Eva’s glove.
Haley swung hard. The bat made a loud clang. The ball sailed into the outfield between first and second base. If they had been playing, Haley would have easily had a base hit.
Becca threw a few more pitches. Then Coach Jones gave them a few minutes to get drinks of water.
Becca asked Haley, “Why were you scared that you wouldn’t make the team? You’re awesome!”
Haley blushed and smiled. “Thanks,” she said. “I hope she lets me on the team.”
“Are you kidding?” asked Eva. “Of course she will!”
Haley’s tryout went on for about twenty more minutes. Finally, Coach Jones smiled and said, “Well, I’ve seen enough. You’re on the team.”
Haley grinned from ear to ear. “Thank you, Coach!” she said happily. “I promise you won’t regret it.”
“Great,” said Coach Jones. “Why don’t you guys go have some lunch before the game starts? I’ll see you back here in a little while.”
After the coach walked away, Haley said, “Thanks a lot, you guys. That was awesome. I feel great!”
“Hey, no problem,” Becca said. “After all, that’s what friends are for.”
Haley laughed. “You know, my mom kept saying I shouldn’t worry, that I’d make friends. I guess I could have picked an easier way to make them!”
Eva and Becca laughed. “Come on,” Eva said. “Let’s get some lunch. We have a game to win this afternoon!”
Arm in arm, the three friends walked across the street to Eva’s house.