Story #10: "The Knuckleball Artist" (Chapter 23)

A prayer circle, Brother Phineas, Gene Hackman, the Almighty, "Bud" Selig, an ice cream cone and a gum bubble.

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This was one of the hardest chapters to get right. Lots coming together now. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

CHAPTER 23

4:59 PM, June 3rd, 2024

In a pre-game prayer circle assembled around the Iowa state flag pole, the Cougars lined up by batting average, and, well, the size of them! They were Canadian lumberjacks. Stand them up toe-to-head and they’d grown an extra player since they’d fallen out of first place.

Coming so close to prom night, they were all a little shy to kick off the pre-game prayer. So it was decided that it fell to the player with the worst batting average. All eyes turned to Phineas, who was batting .000.

“We don’t have all day. Go, loser. Start.”

The team captain said this softly so the Almighty wouldn’t hear.

Phineas cleared his throat. The awesome responsibility made him want to giggle. Since everyone’s eyes were tightly shut, he danced a quick hokey pokey for the Almighty.

He began.

“Heavenly Father, we know you’ve had your …