Run Ricky Run

          Jonathan toyed with his potatoes, thinking. After a time he said,
          “You know what? Maybe there is a way he could play again...”
          “Well, tell us,” said mom.
    “Dad, you’re going to coach again this year, right?” asked Jonathan.
    “Yes, I said I’d do it again,” said dad.
    “Are there any rules that say a handicapped person can’t play?”
    “Nope”
    “If Ricky could bat the ball, could someone else run the bases for him?”
    “I think we could accept that.” His father nodded, looking thoughtful. Jonathan smiled. A feeling of relief washed over him.
    “Thanks, dad - I’ll work on Ricky.” he said.
The next day, in school, Jonathan talked to Ricky about his idea. Ricky’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. “Jon, I don’t know if I can hit the ball in a wheelchair. What if the other guys don’t want me on the team?” asked Ricky.
    “Don’t worry about them, Ricky,” said Jonathan. “They’ll all just be glad to have you back. You practice hitting the ball, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
    Ricky shook his head. “What if the kids laugh at me, or if I fall out of the wheelchair when I swing? Or what if I cause the team to lose because I strike out three times? It would be because of my handicap!”
    “I think you’ll do fine, you’re a good hitter.“

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