In April, Tommy sat in the dugout, thumbing through the latest sports news on his phone before his Newnan High players arrived for baseball practice. He came across a small headline: “Braves promote George Beavers from AAA.”
A smile flooded his face. “Welcome to The Show, Bucky,” he whispered to himself.
It was just two short years ago that Tommy had ridden the bush-league buses with Bucky, sharing their hopes, dreams, frustrations, and insecurities. Now his former catcher was getting a shot at stardom too.
Tommy’s first season coaching high-school baseball was a triumph as well. The Cougars stood 25–8 and were headed to the state playoffs.
“Coach Browning, can I pitch batting practice today?” asked Manny Diaz, the first player to arrive at practice.
Tommy hesitated upon hearing the r
