2063.12 A Modest Request, Denied

[Trebro]

"Oh what now?" McMonigal said aloud as he heard that Dong-po Thum wanted to see him.

Hunter was also coming due for a contract. McMonigal feared the worst.

"Come in," he said without enthusiasm. Thum entered, still looking like he could turn a double play.

"Mac, we need to talk," said Thum, sitting down in one of the comfortable chairs that overlooked the city of Yellow Springs. "I miss this," he said. gesturing to the world outside the window.

"You want to play again?" McMonigal could hardly believe his ears.

"Oh hell, no. I want to be the Nine's hitting coach. I've done a few years in Silver Springs. I'm ready! When do we get started? I have some ideas on increasing Don Anderson's ability to take a walk so he can be a true lead off man."

McMonigal didn't move from his desk.

"Hunter, we have a hitting coach up here. I need you at Silver Springs to ensure our guys can be strong hitters from an early age."

"Yes. But he's not me. Let him go on the road to all those stupid minor league towns. I'm tired of it. I deserve the right to be here, McMonigal."

"I can't do that."

"You absolutely can and will."

"No. I won't. Best I can do is Santa Cruz."

"You really will let a man with over 3,000 hits just walk? Bo won't like this. Look, I understand. But you have no idea how annoying these kids can be! They're all like my cousin. They think they know everything."

"But you've helped several of them already. They need your voice."

"And I need catering that isn't hot dogs bought in bulk."

"If that's how you feel, then so be it. Do you have a job in mind?"

"I'll find one."

"Good luck, Hunter."

"Good luck to you Mac. We haven't always seen eye to eye but you're a good man."

The two shook hands and a legend left. likely to never return.

"At least this situation can't get worse," McMonigal said, and started looking at possible replacements.