The Bull in the Batter's Box

Maya's baseball cap sat crooked on her head as she crouched behind home plate, sweat dripping down her neck. Spring tryouts for the varsity team and her nerves were absolutely fried.

"You got this, M," said Jayden, tossing her a Gatorade from the dugout. "Don't let the bull get in your head."

The bull. That's what everyone called Coach Miller's son, Tyler—a senior with shoulders like a quarterback and a stare that could melt glass. He'd been pitching since kindergarten and owned the mound like he paid rent on it.

Maya adjusted her cleats, thinking about last night. Her dad had finally upgraded their cable package after months of her begging, and she'd stayed up until 2 AM watching old World Series highlights on ESPN. Her mom had caught her at 1:15 AM and given her That Look—the one that said 'we're discussing this later' but also 'I respect the hustle.'

Now, stepping into the batter's box, Maya's heart hammered against her ribs. Tyler wound up, his motion fluid and terrifying, and fired a fastball that practically hissed.

Strike one.

"Nice hack, rookie," Tyler smirked from the mound.

Maya tightened her grip on the bat. Second pitch—curveball, low and outside. She held her swing.

"You're not even gonna try?" Tyler called out.

Third pitch came screaming down the middle. Maya's bat connected with a satisfying *CRACK* that echoed across the field. The ball soared over the left fielder's head and kept going.

"She sent that cable into orbit!" someone shouted from the dugout.

Maya rounded first base, cheeks burning, grinning so hard it almost hurt. Tyler stood on the mound, jaw slightly dropped, actually tipping his cap.

"Alright then," he said. "Respect."

Later, as they gathered equipment, Tyler approached her. "Netflix has that documentary series about the '98 Yankees. You should check it—you've got swing mechanics like Jeter."

Maya nearly dropped her helmet. "You watch Netflix?"

"What, like I'm not allowed to chill?" Tyler actually laughed. "See you at practice tomorrow, rookie."

Jayden bumped Maya's shoulder as they walked to the parking lot. "The bull just gave you props. That's legendary."