TJM18

The ballpark was particularly busy today, as Sam sat in the stands waiting for her interview with Shawn to begin. He had finished his practice & asked Sam if she could wait while he got a quick shower. She didn't mind waiting; Tommy was still practicing so she used the unplanned delay to watch him in the outfield. Casey was up to bat. Sam was feeling guilty last night that she spent all evening with the Metcalfs
when she returned to her hotel she called Casey to apologize. After he reassured her that it was fine, they talked a few minutes about their mom & dad & Casey let her go telling her he was exhausted. Sam suspected he was waiting for a call from Lindsay. Casey made contact with the first pitch knocking it back to Tommy in right field who caught the ball.

Shawn approached Sam as she was cheering for both her brother & Tommy Metcalf. "So which one are you cheering for?" chuckled Shawn.

Sam didn't give it a second thought. "Both! I am happy that Case hit the ball & I am proud of Tommy for catching it." Sam wiped her hands on the seat of her blue jean shorts. "This is going to be kind of weird, Shawn, because I have been listening to Case tell stories about you for the last 2 years, I feel like I already know you." Sam noticed that Shawn was far more attractive than he appeared during the televised games. His muscles were very defined under the red Indians, sleeveless T-shirt he was wearing.

Shawn nodded his head in agreement. "So what do you want to know? Why I left the Pirates after 2 years? What brought me to the Indians?" His attitude was pleasant, most of his teammates, past & present, resented being interviewed by a woman reporter. But Shawn knew from his friendship with Casey not to underestimate Samantha Bradshaw. She knew the game of baseball better than most men did in the business.

Sam asked the basic questions & plus a few that caused Shawn to stop & think. The interview was coming to a close when a commotion distracted them. Jeff Metcalf was surrounded by a large group of fans. Once the word got out that Jeff was in town to see his son, fans drove in from miles around.
Shawn smiled, "Now that is a legend, right there. Did you get a chance to meet Jeff Metcalf?" Sam nodded. "We all went out for dinner the other night & I was so awe-struck, I barely spoke a word. He is an incredible guy. I can see why Tommy turned out so well."

Sam smiled, she knew Tommy was an amazing guy but it made her feel great to hear that someone else thought so too.

**********

Jeff & Sam waited outside the locker room for Casey, Shawn & Tommy. The group was going out to dinner & then Tommy was taking Jeff to the airport to catch his late flight home. Shawn's wife, Ashley, was in Orlando visiting her parents. Sam learned during the interview that she had just gotten a job teaching 1st grade in Cleveland, he wanted to play for the Indians to be close to her during home games.

Tommy came running out of the locker room, "DAD! DAD!" He jumped up into his dad's arms. "I did it!! I made the team!!! OH MY GOD! Can you believe it?"

"That is so great son!" Jeff got a tear in his eye as he released his 23 year-old son from his arms.

"I am so excited!!" Tommy turned to Sam & lifted her up in his arms. "SAMI!! I AM A CLEVELAND INDIAN RIGHT FIELDER!!" He kissed her hard on the lips. "You are my good luck charm!!"

Sam was so excited for Tommy. She looked over & spotted Jeff drying tears of joy off his face. "We definitely have something to celebrate over dinner, don't we?" she said.

You could hear the pride in Jeff's voice, "You bet we do, but we have to call your mother, Tom!"