Senior Year Box Set

I just let the applause wash over me as I reflected on what it had taken to get to this day. When I first went out for baseball, Moose had announced that freshmen couldn’t play varsity ball. I’d almost quit because I thought I was good enough to start and how unfair his arbitrary rule was. But I discovered that Moose had done us a favor. Our time on junior varsity allowed us to play the game for the fun of it instead of jumping into the competitive side of baseball.

Freshman-year baseball was where I’d acquired some of my fondest memories. It was also where we’d matured before we moved up to varsity for sophomore year. As a group, the seniors on stage with me had been the nucleus for a lot of success at Lincoln High. Three state football championships, and now our first-ever state baseball championship.

They should enjoy their moment in the sun.

We took our seats so Moose could continue.

“From the time I first became the head baseball coach, it has always been my goal to win state. I won’t say how many years ago that was, but I’d begun to worry I might never win one. When I saw this group come out for freshman ball, I began to hope again. Each year, I saw improvement, and each year, we got closer.

“Before the season started, I talked to our captain, David Dawson, and we talked about our goals for this season. He simply stated that we would win state. I still had some doubts in the back of my mind, but the way he said it, I started to believe.

“Then we began to win games as we came together as a team. By the time we started the regional playoffs, I thought we had a chance. Winning all those games back-to-back required taking down many top-notch teams. It took a Herculean effort, but this group never backed down or gave up. Whenever it looked like we were in trouble, they fought back. They embodied our mascot, the bulldog.

“Without further ado, let me introduce you to our newly minted state champions …” Moose said. Then he brought each of us up to tell something about each guy and how he contributed this year.

I was glad he kept it short. When he was done, Mrs. Sullivan stepped up to the microphone.

“I received a phone call from someone who will remain nameless. He told me a secret. He said Coach Haskins and Moose have decided to retire.”

The younger guys couldn’t decide if they should be upset or happy for our coaches. Their leaving would affect the underclassmen the most.

“We couldn’t let you two take off without recognizing what you’ve meant to the Lincoln High community.”

Both Moose and Coach Haskins joined her up front, and she handed them each a small box. They opened them and found they’d been given watches.

“There’s an inscription on the back,” Mrs. Sullivan said.

Moose read his inscription to the crowd.

“It says around the top, ‘Bulldogs.’ In the center, it has my name, and at the bottom, it says, ‘State Champion.’”

Then Coach Haskins looked at Moose.

“I wonder who told on us?”

They both looked at me, and I just shrugged. I wasn’t going to let them leave without getting some recognition for what they’d done for us. Moose had been a fixture here for nearly three decades. I’m not sure I could have put up with a bunch of high school baseball players for that many years. He deserved to go out on top.

As we got ready to leave, Destiny jumped on stage.

“I wanted to let everyone know that I’m having a pre-graduation party at my house tonight.”

Tim and Wolf looked at me and rolled their eyes. I knew I didn’t plan on going.

They’d set up tables at the entrance with our graduation gowns. I collected mine, emptied out both my lockers, and walked out a high school graduate.

◊◊◊

When I entered the office, I saw they had a deli platter with mini-sub sandwiches along with bags of chips and a tray of cookies.

Megan looked up from her desk.

“Mr. Dawson,” she said formally.

“Ma’am.”

“You’re the first to arrive. Please grab some food and head on back to the conference room. There are drinks in the fridge.”

I smiled at her, and she blushed. There was the Mouse I was used to. I knew she was trying to be in business mode, so I held my tongue and did as she suggested.

As soon as I’d taken my first bite, Scarlet and my dad came in.

“Mr. Dawson,” Scarlet said.

I began to wonder if I was being punked.

“Ms. White, Mr. Dawson,” I mimicked back.

Dad shook his head.

“I’m going to grab some food,” he said and left us.

“You all packed?” I asked.

“Almost. We should be ready by the time the movers get here.”

“When you see all those boxes stacked up, it makes it seem all too real, doesn’t it?”

“I agree. But I’m looking forward to the move. It’ll be good to have all the kids together. It makes me wish I had brothers and sisters growing up,” Scarlet said.

“What are we doing today?” I asked, getting back to business.

“We’re working out the logistics of everything associated with the move.”

That made sense.