Shay asked, “Do you think they’ll let me play?” Shay’s father knew that most of the
boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also
understood that if his son, mentally and physically disabled, were allowed to
play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence.
Shay’s
father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play,
not expecting much. The boy looked around and said, “We’re losing by six runs (分) and the game is in the eighth inning (局).I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the final inning.
Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his
father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in heart. The boys saw the father’s joy at his son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth
inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was
still behind by three. In the top of the final inning, Shay put on a glove and
played in the field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously joyful
just to be in the game and on the field. In the bottom of the final inning,
Shay’s team scored again. Now, Shay was scheduled
to be next at bat. Would they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win
the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the
bat. Everyone knew that a hit was almost impossible. The first pitch (投) came and Shay missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to throw the ball softly towards
Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball
right back to the pitcher.
The pitcher could have easily
thrown the ball to the first baseman and Shay would have been out and that
would have been the end of the game .Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right
over the head of the first baseman, beyond the reach of all teammates, The
audience and the players from both teams started screaming, “Shay, run to first! ” Never in his life had Shay ever
run that far but made it to first base, wide-eyed and shocked..
Everyone should, “Run to second!” Catching his breath, Shay
awkwardly ran towards second. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the
smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for
the first time, could have thrown the ball to the second baseman, but he
understood the pitcher’s intentions and he too
intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third baseman’s head.
All were screaming，“Shay，Shay，Shay，all the way Shay.” Shay reached third base when one opposing player ran to help him
and shouted, “Shay, run to third.” As Shay rounded third, all were on their feet, crying, “Shay, run home！”Shay ran to home, stepped on the home base and was cheered as
the hero who the who won the game for his team.
That day, the boys from both
teams helped bring a piece true love and humanity into this world. Shay didn’t make it to another summer and died that winter, having never
forgotten being the hero and making his father so happy and coming home and
seeing his mother tearfully hug her little hero of the day!
1.Not expecting much, Shay’s father still asked the boy if Shay could play, mainly because
the father _________.
A. noticed some of the boys on
the field were tired
B. guessed his presence would
affect the boy’s decision
C. learned some of the boys on
the field knew Shay well
D. understood Shay did need a
feeling of being accepted
2. In the bottom of the final inning Shay was
given the bat because the boys _________.
A. believed they were sure to win
the game B. would like to help Shay enjoy the game
C. found Shay was so eager to be
a winner D. fell forced to give Shay another
chance
3.The smallest boy threw the ball high and far
over the third baseman’s head, probably because that boy
________.
A. was obviously aware of the
pitcher’s purpose
B. looked forward to winning the
game for his team
C. failed to throw the ball to
the second baseman
D. saw that Shay already reached
second base
4.Which of the following has nothing to do
with Shay’s becoming the hero for his team?
A. The pitcher did not throw the
ball to the first baseman.
B. The audience and the players
from both teams cheered for him.
C. The opposing players failed to
stop his running to home.
D. One of the opposing players
ran to help him.
5.What to you think is the theme of the story?
A. True human nature could be
realized in the way we treat each other.
B. Everyone has his own strength
even if mentally or physically disabled.
C. Everyone can develop his team
spirit in sports and please his parents.
D.
The results of the game should not be the only concern of the players.
