Travel Team

Richie is coming over for dinner, and Danny thinks it is a sign that he’s leaving town. When his dad arrives, Danny notices that both of his parents are dressed up. When they start to eat dinner, Richie announces that he’s going to stay in Middletown for a while because he plans to coach a second seventh-grade travel team. 

The Walkers discuss logistics, wondering how it will be possible for there to be two travel teams. They brainstorm boys who could play on the team.

When Danny goes up to bed, he sneaks down to listen to his parents. He hears his mom emphasize that Richie must follow through on this plan. Richie tells her that he plans to.

Danny and Will hang up flyers around both schools calling for tryouts. Eight kids show up, seven from St. Pat’s and one from Springs. A parent volunteers to help Richie coach. Richie tries to give them a pep talk, even though it’s out of his character. He also outlines three rules: “One, if you’re open, shoot. Two, if somebody has a better shot than you, pass the ball, let him shoot. Three? Have fun” (83).

After the first hour of practice, Danny is not optimistic.