GARRY
Alright everyone, I posted the starting lineup on the fence.
JAXON
Let me guess, we’re all on it?
GARRY
You’ve pointed out before that we have no bench players.
BRAYDEN
Can you really be a player if you’re on the bench?
GARRY
Bench players are still players.
WESLEY
What about your old team?
GARRY
I’ve said it before, the Primitives were different. But for the most part, bench players play. Now what was I saying?
COOPER
Something about how you made the lineup and it’s probably going to be just like the last game’s.
GARRY
I didn’t say that last part!
COLTON
It is exactly like last game’s though.
SANTIAGO
Um...Coach Garry?
GARRY
Yes Santiago?
LANDON
You got someone’s name right!
GARRY
Landon, I’m talking to Santiago.
LANDON
I’m not talking to you, I’m talking at you.
GARRY
Huh?
SANTIAGO
This is important. My grandfather’s coming to the game today.
GARRY
Oh, congratulations! I’m sure he’ll be happy to see his grandson play. Now everyone—
SANTIAGO
You don’t understand. I told my grandfather I’m a pitcher.
GARRY
Well why would you tell him that?
SANTIAGO
To impress him.
GARRY
Don’t grandfathers have unconditional love for their grandchildren or something like that?
SANTIAGO
Not this one.
GARRY
Alright, just tell him you’re pitching another game.
SANTIAGO
Then he’ll show up to that one. Just have me pitch for one inning. What could go wrong?
GARRY
Have you seen a Primitives game where one of my guys comes in to pitch? A lot can go wrong.
SANTIAGO (looking disappointed)
I understand.
GARRY
But you know what? Whatever goes wrong, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before.
GARRY (yelling)
GAVIN! COME HERE!
GAVIN
I was like ten feet away from you. What?
GARRY
Santiago’s pitching the first inning.
SANTIAGO
Oh and also, my grandfather thinks I bat cleanup.
GARRY
Dear God. HUDSON! YOU’RE NOT CLEANUP TODAY!
HUDSON (from across the dugout)
OKAY!
GARRY
That was easier than I thought it’d be. Now everyone, get out on the field. Time to show Santiago’s grandfather what you’re made of.
LANDON
And the other team too, right?
GARRY
Yeah, them too.
SANTIAGO walks up to the mound to pitch. He throws a ball.
SANTIAGO’S GRANDFATHER
I DIDN’T PAY TO SEE YOU SUCK!
SANTIAGO throws another pitch. It’s a strike.
SANTIAGO’S GRANDFATHER
EVERYBODY, THAT’S MY PERFECT GRANDSON!
SANTIAGO’S GRANDFATHER continues to have extreme reactions throughout the inning. SANTIAGO’S teammates help stop the other team from scoring a run.
SANTIAGO
Thanks, Coach Garry.
GARRY
You’re welcome. Although I’m not sure if your grandfather loves you or hates you.
SANTIAGO
I think both? I don’t know.
GARRY
Well either way, you did a good job. And me changing the lineup for the sake of the family members is in my past now.