Tim Green - Grand Slam

BE A GENIUS!

READ THE SERIES.

Baseball Genius

Double Play

Grand Slam

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the authors imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ALADDIN

An imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division

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First Aladdin hardcover edition February 2021

Text copyright 2021 by Tim Green

Jacket illustration copyright 2021 by Tim Jessell

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction

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Jacket designed by Heather Palisi

Interior designed by Mike Rosamilia

Series designed by Jessica Handelman

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Green, Tim, 1963 author. | Jeter, Derek, 1974 author.

Title: Grand slam / by Derek Jeter and Tim Green.

Description: First Aladdin hardcover edition | New York : Aladdin, 2021.

Series: Baseball genius ; 3 | Audience: Ages 812 | Summary: Jalen DeLuca can analyze and predict almost exactly what a pitcher is going to pitch, but without the statistics he has on the pro players, Jalen finds success to be extremely challenging, especially with all the extra drama of his mom coming back into his life.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020018033 (print) | LCCN 2020018034 (ebook)

ISBN 9781534406711 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781534406735 (ebook)

Subjects: CYAC: BaseballFiction. | Mothers and sonsFiction.

Classification: LCC PZ7.G826357 Gr 2021 (print) | LCC PZ7.G826357 (ebook)

DDC [Fic]dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020018033

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020018034

JALEN WAS TOO AMPED UP from hitting the championship winning home run to leave the field of Harvard Stadium. Hed never experienced anything so thrilling. Could anything ever again be as exciting?

Then the answer appeared out of nowhere.

There she was, tall and upright, with skin as dark as those enormous eyes. She was elegant and majestic, wearing an electric-blue dress with an inky-black flower pattern. Her cheeks had lost some of the roundness hed seen in her picture so many thousands of times, but the thinner face made her cheekbones more pronounced, reminding Jalen of his best friend Cats mom.

He knew who she was. She didnt have to say it, even though she did, and the words were the sweetest sounds hed ever heard.

Hello, Jalen. Im your mother.

Jalens eyes darted between this amazing woman in the blue dress and the woman with her, Emery, the private detective hed hired. Stepping forward, Emery nodded. Meet your mom. Elizabeth.

Ever since he could remember, Jalen had longed for his mothers return. Now, this surprise reunion unleashed a million thoughts and feelings. His mind filled with questions, but his throat choked back any words.

He couldnt stop looking, comparing himself to her. He was almost as tall as she was. Suddenly his mother flung open her arms, reached out, and hugged him. He hugged her back fiercely, wanting to be sure this was real.

My baby, she said with her nose buried in the dark curly hair near his ear. I am so sorry.

Everythings okay, he said, overcome by her closeness and fighting not to lose it.

She squeezed him even tighter.

Did you see my hit? He pulled back, but she kept hold of his hand.

I did seea home run for the win. Its a good sign. She smiled, and her teeth sparkled in the late afternoon sun. The bright blue dress she wore reminded him of blue paint in the art room.

Sign? he asked.

For us. That it will be good. She glanced at everyone standing around them in silence. Your friends?

Yes. Jalen turned to them, gesturing with his free hand. JYJames Yager from the Yankees. Maybe you recognize him.

Im sorry that I dont, but Im glad to know you. Please call me Liz. She shook JYs hand. When Emery found me, she told me you were helping Jalen with his search.

Glad to, JY said.

This is Cat, my best friend, and her mom, Mrs. Hewlett, and Daniel, my other best friend.

His friends shook hands and Cats mom said, So very nice to meet you. You have a fine boy.

Fine. His mother sighed and looked at him with just the hint of a smile. I have a fine boy.

I think well give the two of you some time without us all gawking, Cats mom said.

Emery patted his back and said, Well talk later.

Jalens mom was still holding his hand, but then he pulled away, uncertain how he felt. Unsure how to act.

What about the team? The bus? he asked, feeling guilty that thoughts about the game and his dad were suddenly crowding his mind.

They can wait fifteen or twenty extra minutes, JY said. Ill text Coach Allen. Hell understand. My gosh, who wouldnt its your mom.

Cats mom began herding Cat and Daniel and JY and even Emery toward the parking lot.

Ill get your gear to the bus, amigo. Daniel headed to the dugout.

Thanks, Jalen called, turning back to his mom.

She reached out again for his hand. Beyond her Jalen could see the rows of seats so recently filled with fans and food and noise and celebration.

Jalen?

He knew that she wanted him to look at her, and so he did. Yes? Her big dark eyes glowed. A black band held her long curly hairso like hisoff her face.

At first I didnt let myself think about you. It hurt too much. And then I had a chance to come back to the States and perform. I have a weekend gig in Boston. When Emery first contacted me, I couldnt believe youd forgive me. I came to the games yesterday, too. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Im sorry to get all jumbled up. Im just so excited.

He could see how badly his mother wanted everything to be betterall at oncebut he shook his head. I dont get it, just not thinking enough about your own son. Not caring enough about me to call or write. Not ever.

She stretched out her other hand and touched Jalens arm, blinking back tears. I know. Im sorry. For everything.

The only response Jalen could muster was to listen to her words and nod, as his eyes searched her face.

Huh. Well. His mom forced a smile. Lets get you on that bus.

She turned, and he went with her, still feeling like it was unreal. Um, what happened? I mean, why did you go?

Didnt Fabio tell you?

Dad said you had a dream. He said you needed to go.

She relaxed a little. Yes. Thats right. Im a singer. I had an amazing opportunity. I thought it was worth everything. I believed I could make it big. I still do, but nothing is as easy as you dream it will be. Ive been so close, Jalen. Ive learned that anything worth having never comes easy.