Thread: Hitting a home run with the rookie (Charliesweb7 & Crusade)

Evan Long had done everything in his power to distance himself from the thought of the death of his brother. It had been years ago, but that night was still fresh in his mind. He could still remember getting the news. He could remember crying hysterically in the backseat of the car as his parents drove to the hospital. The only source of respite that came was in the form of the heart transplant that saved a young girl's life. The fact that even in death, Derek was a help to someone didn't surprise him. The kid was so kind-hearted, it made sense. Fast forward a couple of years and Evan started playing high school baseball. From the start, he was a star. With a fastball that most kids his age had never seen to a curveball that had such a drop that it looked like the ball was weighed down by some invisible force, he was a stud. He could still remember the bleachers being full of scouts on the days he pitched. He gave up only three runs in his four years of high school baseball. He was the definition of a phenom. And with a Sharpie, he wrote the initials 'DL' on every piece of clothing he had, from the brim of his cap to his jersey to his socks. His brother was forever with him and he did it all for him. When it came to college, Evan needed a change of scenery, so he packed up and moved cross country to attend USC, a school steeped in great tradition. Plus, it was in LA. It didn't get much better than that. After three years of dominating the Pac 12, Evan was drafted with the first pick in the draft by Boca Raton. At only 21, Evan was young to be in the majors, but the invite to spring training told him he had an outside shot of making the roster. He hoped so. It would be demoralizing starting in the minors where only a few thousand people showed up to the games. He wanted to compete and be a pro. No other option would be tolerated. So, back to Florida he went. His hometown not being too far away, Evan felt at ease in spring training. He knew if he mastered command of his two best pitches, he could make the team. All signs pointed to that after a great pitching performance in his first outing in spring training. His arm felt loose, his pitches had bite and he didn't lack for confidence at all. He absolutely dominated. A short practice commenced, but some guys hit the showers. Evan played a game of soft toss with a back up catcher named Stan. Hearing his name be called, Evan threw the ball and his glove to Stan before jogging over to the woman who spoke it. She was pretty hot. Evan adjusted his cap before reaching out to shake her hand. He didn't know where she was from or what she wanted, but he was always happy to help a pretty girl in need. I think I can handle that, he said, stretching his pitching arm out so he could shake her hand. Evan had done a handful of interviews after the team snatched him up, but for the most part, he was still new to the whole thing. He liked to think he was pretty friendly and that he got along with everyone. It was just when he was on the mound, look out. He had a totally different mindset. Crowd the plate? Talk shit? You're getting a fastball right in the fucking ear. What can I do for you? he asked.