JAYSON
RUNS AWAY FROM
THE CIRCUS
Stephen Pollard
WYNNEFIELD HEIGHTS, Philadelphia, PA. Late Spring, 1870
Out in the field a young man is throwing rocks up in the air and swing at them with a tree limbed carved into a bat making contact with each & every one that came back down, hitting each one a distance away.
Standing off in the distance was the dark, sinister figure of a circus carnival ring master who thought to himself “ that young’un, even though he’s growing up still has the attention span of a hummingbird and the energy of one to boot”. Landis Hawkins then thought to himself “from the story he has told me he should have listened to that grandmother of his and hung out with those baseball players instead of running off and joining up with my carnival troupe. Even though is a valuable member of my staff”.
Having a day off from chores at work Jayson was more than usually bored, so he decided to walk over to the baseball field over near the Belmont section of town. On arriving, Jayson sat down on the ground to watch the Philadelphia Diamonds of the new American Baseball Conference. The manager, Matthew Phillips recognized Jayson watching and realized that he was the same young man who had kept stopping by to watch. Having his interest piqued manager Phillips walked over to where Jayson was sitting and spoke to him saying “how are you doing son, are you enjoying watching me & my players practice”. Jayson’s reply was “yes, I find it very interesting”. With the baseball season already underway the Diamonds had already suffered some injuries and were short a few players. ‘So, how old are you son”, Jayson replied “16, sir”, “hmm”, the manager said out loud. “Well how would you like to try practicing with us, see what kind of skills that you may have”. “OK, I’ll give it a try” Jayson responded.
Manager Phillips said, “OK, come along with me and we will get you started”. Walking over to the bench, the manager motioned to Jayson to pick up a bat and take his place at home plate to take some swings. The manager called his players over to greet Jayson. “Ok, were going to take turns throwing to you and see how well you can hit”. Starting to throw first the manager threw his toughest pitches to Jayson who made contact with every pitch sending baseball’s whizzing all over the field, making it difficult for the fielders to even get close enough to even catch one. Then Paul Williamson took his turn, then Raul Glick, with the same results, just 16 years old the kid could hit & then some. Taking a break the manager met with the others to ask what they thought. With everyone in agreement, they had never seen a hitter the likes of this kid.
After the break Matthew Phillips said to Jayson, “son, now were going to try you at a few positions and see how well you can field at each spot. They began at first base, then second base, then on to third base. Then trotting to the outfield, first at left, then center, then on to right. The whole team was now in total awe of this 16 year old kid and his abilities.
Mathew Phillips expressed his astonishment of Jayson’s abilities saying to him, “son, I can honestly say that none of us have ever seen someone with the talent that you have, you’re only 16, so you can only get better”.
Matthew Phillips said, “we can definitely use you, I would like to be able to sign you up and,you can start playing on the team.” “Are you available to start playing soon.” Jayson replied, “well, I’ll have to inform the head ring master at the Gypsy Circus & Carnival where I work”. “Oh”, replied Matthew, kind of swallowing the lump in his throat, Landis Hawkins, “are you sure he will let you go’. “I guess that he will” responded Jayson weakly. “Well, maybe I will go with you and I will talk it over with him in case he gives you some problem over it” was Matthews reply.
Going through his belongings in his living quarters, Jayson was packing and trying not to forget anything and leave something important or valuable behind.
Matthew Phillips and Paul Williamson were not too far away, waiting in their horse drawn carriage for Jayson, hoping that there wouldn’t be a scene with Landis Hawkins.
When Jayson finally came out carrying a traveling bag in each hand the ring master came out of the shadows standing in Jayson’s way saying “this must be Déjà vu young’un, 6 years ago you left your grandmother to come here, well, now you’re leaving me and the circus, hmm, and where suppose are you going now’. Jayson, trying not to look frightened or scared said “my friends are here to pick me up”. About that time Matthew & Paul walked up to them, Landis spoke up saying “Ah, yes, your friends the baseball players, did you think that I didn’t know what was going on. So, first you run away from home to join up with the circus, after a few years you then run away from the circus to join of all things a baseball team, Grrr, did you really think that you could sneak off under my nose, uh young’in.”
“Hello Mr. Hawkins” Matthew Phillips greeted Landis Hawkins”, I am Mr. Phillips and this is Mr. Williamson”. “Ah, yes, yes, I know who you gentleman are, the baseball players”, replied Hawkins. Of course I know you’re part owner and manager and your colleague is also part owner”.
Matthew Phillips said, “I feel that Jayson could become a great player in our new baseball conference”. “Ah, yes, I will release him from his duties here with me” said Landis, and starting to shake his long boney finger at them he said “but you two will hear me out first so that you know exactly where I stand and your standing also.
The two, just standing there, just started rolling their eyes, knowing that a thorough lecture was going to be directed their way.
Still shaking his long, boney finger at them Landis Hawkins said “Oh, yes, your young friend here, I predict will be the shining star, a legend. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Williamson, the two of you will also be legends, your team will be the pinnacle of your new venture, all of you folks in your group will have success beyond anyone’s dreams, but, all of you will fall deep in the pit, although that will not last very long, for all of you will regain the fame. More so, all of you will meet your end perched at the top, the champions and those who succeed you in your place will follow in your successful footsteps and they too will meet their ends being on the pinnacle”.
All three stood, stunned, to hear this oratory of prophecy spoken by this seemingly all knowing dark sinister character.”
Landis, now twirling long boney finger into the air, spoke again, “now, go gentlemen, take the young’un who will be your shining star, may the glories of your success be showered upon you like the abundant manna from the heavens’.
All three in awestruck bewilderment and disbelief turned around and quietly walked toward the horse and carriage.
Jayson, about ready to board the carriage could hear Landis Hawkins speaking like a preacher saying “and your grandmother will be the happiest person in the world, glorious success be with you young’un.
Riding off in the carriage up the dirt road, Matthew Phillips finally said “oh my, I guess he said his peace, that will be enough to dwell on, contemplate or meditate on for awhile”. With no one saying anything a single word for awhile, Matthew broke the silence saying “ How does he know everyone & everything”. Then after another quiet space of time said “Well, I guess you heard the man”, to which Paul Williamson could only say “indeed”.
No one said anything else, they didn’t really want to say anything. Finally pulling up to Matthew’s house, Matthew said “OK, were here” and looking at Jayson he said, “OK young man, time to start the next chapter of your life”.
(C) 2016
