The Batboy

Brian’s father is in town to scout Hank Bishop, who remains a “huge star” in Japan. Cole knows that Brian is the Tigers’ batboy because he received Brian’s letter. When Cole arrives, he gives Brian a high five instead of a hug. Cole looks the same as he always did, and he apologizes for leaving without communicating. He compares his departure from home to his exit from baseball. Brian tells Cole about his batting troubles, and Cole tells Brian about his craving for a burger.

Cole drives Brian to Comerica Park and goes into the clubhouse, where the players greet him with a mixture of warmth and playful teasing. The outfielder, Mary McBain, calls Brian the best batboy the Tigers have ever employed, and Cole shakes hands with Hank and vouches for his abilities. Brian stands aside and feels left out. During the game, he stares at his father, who sits with the other scouts. Distracted by his father’s presence, he doesn’t hear the home-plate umpire yelling at him to fetch water.

After the game, Cole promises to be more communicative and says that he might buy a laptop so that he and Brian can email each other.