8 Watch the Ball

Watch the Ball written by Pam Holden illustrated by Pauline Whimp

After the winter, the children wanted to start playing summer sports. At practice, Coach Jones showed them the right way to hold the bat, and how they should stand. He told them the most important thing to remember — always watch the ball. The children met for throwing and catching practice before school. They played again every lunchtime, and after school they went to the park for batting practice.

Coach Jones thought of an exciting idea for a team competition. He decided that he would give a special prize to the player who could hit the ball further than anyone else. On Monday, he showed the children a brand new bat. "This bat will be the prize for the longest hit," he told them. "We'll have a competition at the park on Friday after school. I'll be the judge to decide who should get the prize."

All the children were excited about the competition. Every day, they met for practice before school, at lunchtime, and after school. Some people also did extra practice at home, because everyone was hoping to win that exciting prize. When Friday came, all the players were ready for the competition. Coach Jones met them at the park after school. "Here's the judge," said the children. "Let's find out who's the champion hitter."

Dan got ready first, and he swung the bat as hard as he could. The ball kept rolling and rolling until it stopped by the fence. Peter had the second turn. His ball flew all the way down the hill. The third batter was Mary, who sent the ball bouncing right past the gate.

John hit next, and he sent his ball flying away to the right. Amy's ball landed far off to the left beside a tall tree. Then Tom hit a good shot that was quite straight and long. "How will I judge the winner with such good hits?" asked Coach Jones. "I'm not sure which one is the longest. It will be quite hard to decide which player is the champion hitter."