Bases Loaded Read Online Free Page B

call.
    â€œWhat do you mean, out?” Gramps argued. “He was safe! What’s wrong with you? Did you even see the play?”
    â€œSir, the runner was out. Play ball!”
    Gramps said some things under his breath and returned to his spot by first base.
    I was up next and strolled to the plate confidently. I knew I could hit off this pitcher. I let the first pitch go by.
    â€œStrike one,” the ump called out.
    â€œAre you blind? That was in the dirt!” Gramps began again. “How much is this other team paying you to make calls like that?”
    â€œTime-out,” the umpire announced, raising his hands in the air. He walked up to Gramps and removed his mask. “Listen, sir,” he said, “please let me call the game, and let the kids have fun.”
    â€œHow can they have fun if you’re giving the game away to the other team?” Gramps shouted. By then Coach Parker had run up and pushed his big body between Gramps and the ump. I couldn’t tell what he said, but they all calmed down and went back to their spots. Now Gramps started hounding the pitcher. He said things like, “This guy can’t throw!” and “Who taught you to pitch, your grandma?” It must have worked, because the next four pitches were all balls.
    I walked to first base.
    â€œOkay, I want you to steal second on this pitch,” Gramps said. “Just listen for my signal. I’ll tell you when to run.”
    I took a couple of steps off first base and waited for Gramps’s signal. As the pitcher started his windup, I heard the loudest, most terrifying noise I have ever heard in my life. It was Gramps.
    â€œRUUUNNNN!!!” he screeched. His voice was cracking, and he sounded like he was being attacked by killer bees. It was so scary that I fell to the ground trying to get away. He kept screaming. “RUN! NOW! RUN!” I finally made it back to my feet and started running. The catcher threw the ball. I knew it would be close, so I slid.
    â€œOUT!” screamed the ump.
    â€œWhat? He was safe!” Gramps screamed back.
    The ump threw off his mask and ran up to Gramps. They both yelled at each other, and then the ump pointed to the bleachers. I couldn’t believe it. He had just kicked my grandpa out of the game. Gramps headed off the field. As he passed the bench he took off his hat and stuck it back on Kevin’s head. Then he found his spot back on the bleachers.
    â€œOooh, gross, old man sweat,” Kevin said. He took off the hat and wiped his head with his arm.
    Gramps sat back down next to my mom and dad. He was smiling and talking to the other parents. It was like nothing had even happened. Graham came and sat by me on the bench.
    â€œSee,” he said. “That was great! Your grandpa is the best!”
    I opened my Gatorade and took a swig. Just then Graham grabbed my shoulder to pull himself up, making me spill my Gatorade all over the front of my pants.
    â€œShe’s here!” Graham said. “Kelly’s here! And Heidi and Diane are walking up the sidewalk. This game is just getting better!”
    I could feel the cold Gatorade in my lap. “Hey, you made me spill my Gatorade all over my pants! And it’s bright yellow!”
    â€œOh, sorry, Raymond,” Graham said. “It was an accident—whoa, look at your pants.”
    â€œI know, I know. Everyone’s going to think I . . . you know,” I said.
    â€œNo, they won’t. No one will even notice. You’ll be fine,” Graham said. Heidi, Diane, and Kelly walked up to the fence.
    Graham tipped his hat to the girls like they do in cowboy movies. “Enjoying the game?” I turned my back to them so they wouldn’t see my pants.
    â€œHi, Raymond,” Heidi said.
    â€œOh, hey, Heidi,” I answered, hoping she wouldn’t think I was weird for not turning toward them.
    â€œHey, Raymond, don’t be weird. Come over here,” Graham