Lupe Throws Like A Girl

Lupe and Amelia found out right away what a perfectly matched pair they were. Lupe pitched and Amelia played shortstop. They had a chemistry that players sometimes take years to develop. Amelia could read what pitch Lupe was going to deliver and anticipate how the batter would respond.

There was one member of the team, at second base, who messed up more plays than anyone, Skippy Li. She was one of the players who had a low opinion of the school and thought she should be at some higher-ranking college. She was often out of position and had an annoying habit that earned her the nickname “Skippy.” For every ground ball she captured in her glove, she took a short skip before releasing her throw. Every time she caught a ball that bounced in the infield, her annoying skip preceded her throw. It drove Lupe crazy.

“Why does she do that? Does she think she’s being cute?” Lupe complained to Amelia on more than one occasion until one day she erupted during a game.

“Open those eyes, Li!” The minute she said it she knew there would be trouble. It was just an expression and nothing about her eyes, which were definitely almond shaped. Skippy began to scream at Lupe. Jenny Wong, in right field, joined her at the baseline. Amelia ran to stand between Lupe and the other two girls. Immediately all the players on the team took sides.

“Get it together, Coach.” The umpire halted play, waving in Coach Ferguson, who removed Lupe from the game and replaced her with another pitcher.

“You’ve seen what she does, Coach. She never gets the ball to first on time. All because of that stupid skip.” Lupe sulked on the bench.

“What did you call me?” Ferguson snapped back at Lupe.

“What do you mean? I only called you Coach.”

“Exactly, I am the coach. You are the pitcher—whenever I choose to put you in the game.” Coach Ferguson took a deep breath and shook her head from side to side. “I know her skip slows us down. I’ve talked to her about it. That’s my job, Lupe, not yours. Play your position.”