The Adventures of Fred and Uno: Rita String Bean

Today was the start of spring practice for the Golden Knights. He looked everywhere. Under the bed, in his closet. “Mom.” Fred yelled frantically, “I can’t find my glove.” “Did you look under the bed,” she yelled back.” “Yes.” “I looked everywhere,” it’s gone.”

Fred heard his mom walking down the hall as she approached his room. She looked around his room and walked over to a shirt that had been thrown on the floor. She picked up the shirt and there was Fred’s glove.

Rita was very tall and skinny for her age and was often teased by the other kids. When the school pictures were made, she always stood out as not only the tallest girl, but the tallest kid. The kids would often call her Rita string bean, Rita Bonita, Rita Roni and numerous other names. She usually tried to laugh it off, but many times it hurt her feelings.

Rita had been encouraged by her mother to try out for the little league team. She had never played organized baseball but had always enjoyed playing the game with her father. He had taught her how to grip the bat and to crouch so she had the proper balance to hit the ball. They usually tossed the ball around at least once per week.

The coach threw a slow pitch to Rita, and she hit it hard and straight back at the coach. He had to quickly duck in order to not get hit. This time the coach threw his hardest pitch. Rita crushed it and sent it over the centerfield fence.