They're lean, mean they're the pride of Stoneybrook. Who are they? They're Kristy's Krushers

Jackie was a disaster on the ball field, just like he was anywhere else, but he was determined to play. And he did hit the ball from time to time. He reminded me of David Michael. I really admired him.

While Jackie was getting the tennis ball, we heard a huge crash in the garage. Since I was tired of disasters, all I said was, "Whatever it is, pick it up, Jackie!"

"Okay!" he shouted back.

Jackie returned with the tennis ball.

"Anything broken in there?" I asked.

"Nope."

A miracle.

Jackie handed the ball to Shea, who pitched it to him.

"Keep your eye on the ball!" I called.

Whack! Jackie slammed the ball. "I hit it!" he yelled, and made a dash for first base.

Shea caught it on the fly, but Jackie kept running. He ran all the way around the yard to home plate, where he was met by Shea. Shea held the tennis ball in Archie's face. "Fly ball," he informed him. "You're out. Jackie, you will never be in Little League." He didn't have to add, "Because no one would want you," but that's what he meant, and we all knew it.

"Yes, I will," replied Jackie stubbornly. "I will be in Little League. I'll practice and practice. I'll get as good as you. I'll get better than you. I'll be the best player in the universe." Jackie punctuated his speech by tripping over his shoelace.

Sheesh. He's even worse than David Michael, I thought. But I was pretty sure I had a new member for my softball team. A few minutes late, I was positive. I noticed that the worse Jackie played, the harder he tried. He wouldn't give up. Maybe he just needed some confidence and coaching. Watson had said those things were very important. (Watson, by the way, had been extremely flattered when I'd gone to him about organizing a team.)

I told Jackie about my softball team. Jackie's face lit up like candles on a birthday cake. I kind of wished Watson could have seen that smile.

Kristy and the Walking Disaster
Published by Scholastic Inc. 1996
ISBN: 0590437224