“Alfie, I’d like you to meet Roberto Fernandez.” He paused for a moment. “Movie star.”
Alfie’s jaw dropped. “A movie star?” he exclaimed.
Roberti—no, Roberto—grinned. “Well, I have only been in a few films, so I am not a movie star yet,” he said. “But if the movie I am soon to act in is a success, then perhaps I will be!”
Coach Parker cleared his throat. “I was sworn to secrecy about Roberto and the movie business. But I bet you can guess what Roberto’s movie is about, can’t you, Alfie?”
Alfie looked at Roberto, who waggled his glove at him and tipped back his baseball cap.
“Baseball! The movie’s going to be about baseball!” Alfie guessed.
“That’s right. To be exact, it’s the life story of a famous baseball player. Roberto is going to play the main character as a boy,” Coach Parker told him.
“I will be in most of the first scenes,” Roberto added. Then he glanced up at Mr. Bannon. “Can I tell him now?”
Mr. Bannon nodded.
“I will be in most of the first scenes,” Roberto repeated. “And you will be in one!”
Alfie gasped. “What?” he squeaked.
“That’s right, Alfie,” his mother said, beaming. “If you want to be in the movie, your father and I have said it’s okay.”
“But I don’t know how to act!”
“I will teach you,” Roberto said. “Just like you taught me about baseball—and about sportsmanship, and about friendship. I would be honored to teach you about the movies if you would let me.”
“It’s—it’s a deal!”
Coach Parker thumped his clipboard. “Well, now that that’s settled, do you boys think we can get this game started?” As the Mudders came to attention, Mrs. Maples and Mr. Bannon moved off to the stands. “Here’s the lineup: left field, Barry McGee; center field, José Mendez; right field—”
“Roberto Fernandez!” Alfie cried. The other boys laughed as Coach Parker shot Alfie a look. Alfie spread his hands wide and looked innocent. “Hey, I’m not saying I’m giving up my position for all time, but we may never get another chance to play a baseball game and see a movie preview at the same time. Besides, Roberto here may still need some more pointers!”
The action-packed
Peach Street Mudders series
by Matt Christopher:
All-Star Fever
The Catcher’s Mask
Centerfield Ballhawk
The Hit-Away Kid
Man Out at First
Shadow Over Second
The Spy on Third Base
Stranger in Right Field
Zero’s Slider
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Right fielder Alfie Maples is mystified by the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders. As far as Alfie can see, Roberti Frantelli can barely catch a ball or hit. Then Coach Parker asks Alfie to show the newcomer the ropes. Alfie is flattered and teaches Roberti all he can - but begins to suspect that the coach plans to start Roberti in Alfie’s position in the next game! Who is this strange new player, and can Alfie continue to help him play his best?
Matt Christopher, the bestselling author of more than seventy-five sports novels for young readers, has written eight other books in the Peach Street Mudders series. For a complete list of these titles and information on joining the Matt Christopher Fan Club, please turn to the inside back cover of this book.
Stranger in Right Field Page 3