Maggie was perched on a bench near the dugout, preferring to bypass conversation with other parents on the bleachers. Little Tommy Baines was at bat and Doug Raymond was on deck. Maggie watched Kyle put his batting helmet on in the dugout. He would follow Doug.Kyle looked over at Maggie and she gave him a thumbs-up. He was one of the fastest runners on the team, but also one of the smallest, and one of the weakest batters. This was only his second year playing, and he had yet to master his batting stance.Maggie was focused on Tommy in the batter’s box and didn’t notice Bennett Boudreaux until he sat down next to her.“Hello, Maggie,” he said.“Mr. Boudreaux. How are you?”“I’m good, thank you. You?” Maggie nodded and looked back at the field as Tommy connected and made it to first. “My grandson was supposed to have a game on the other field, but the other team had to forfeit,” Boudreaux said. “What team does your grandson play for?” Maggie asked to be polite.“The Braves.”Maggie nodded again, then watched Kyle, now on deck outside the dugout and taking a few practice swings.“Kyle, keep that back foot down, baby,”
