A/N: Even though it's already sixth grade and past summer break Benny still hasn't 'pickled' The Beast yet. Also, a few of these chapters may be short and I apologize. But I hope you guys enjoy! I do not own The Sandlot…or Benny. _
Kathleen POV:
It was the beginning of a new school year of sixth grade and a lot of girls (even a few guys) quickly took a liking for me. It was just a week into it and they already liked me? Pretty good start for a Yankees fan. During recess I sat on the grass field with my girls getting some sun. Sure it was pretty fun gossiping about guys I had no interest in and fashion, but what I really wanted to talk about was baseball. Baseball was pretty much the center of my life. Back in New York I used to play everyday with my friends and sure all of them were girls that would totally kick most of the guys' asses here, but I didn't think they were interested that much here. I wanted to shake them around rapidly shouting, "Hey, wake up! Let's go play some baseball!" But no of course I wouldn't do that. Every so often though, the girls would sit in the outfield watching some group of guys playing baseball against each other. They would swoon over how cute the guys were but there was one that would stand out the most to them. His name was Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez. And before I get too ahead of myself and spoil everything for you guys, this is the story of my days at The Sandlot.
"Go, go, go!" my friend Elizabeth made a riot when one of the guys hit the ball.
"Who are you guys cheering for?" I walked over to them and sat on the patchy grass. I always sat on my knees to avoid my shorts from getting green and wet. It always made me feel icky later and nobody likes to see a huge wet green mark on someone's butt. The other two of my friends, Lisa and Cassie, dropped their jaws and widened their eyes in disbelief. I hated it when I was in these kind of situations. I ask a simple question and suddenly everything goes all haywire.
"Oh my gosh are you kidding me Kathy?" Lisa laughed at me. It was kind of annoying and high pitched. Like a...cat scratching a chalkboard. Unlike Lisa and Elizabeth's down to earth and sweet laughter.
"Yeah what's going on in your little head?" Cassie backed her up.
"Well, I only got here a week ago so how am I already supposed to know who you guys are going crazy about?" I was pretty excited though that they were actually watching a game of baseball. Some knowledge of sports had to pour into their blonde brains eventually. I brought my attention back to the sparring boys and frowned. One of the teams obviously knew nothing about baseball. One guy was running the wrong way! I shook my head as one of the kids which I was guessing was his teammate knocked him upside the head and started to shout at him. It wasn't a pretty sight. The other team was waiting in the outfield still focused and in position even though the others were making total fools of themselves.
"We're cheering for him of course." Lisa pointed at one of the guys standing in the outfield.
"That chubby red head?" I made a face as if I smelled something terrible.
"Uh, no. Hello? The guy at first base! Benny Rodriguez!" Lisa clasped her hands and grinned widely.
"Oh, Benny! What a hunk! So dreamy!" the other two joined hands and giggled uncontrollably. I couldn't help but laugh at them making fun of themselves. It was entertaining. I turned my head slowly to take a quick peek of the dreamy hunk they were falling head over heels for. You know, girls like these were worth hanging out with. As soon as my eyes caught onto the Benny guy, I knew why they loved him so much. He was pretty good looking. Dark brown hair, serious features, tall and lean stature. I bet close up he would be even cuter. I didn't believe in all that love at first sight crap though. It's sad how girls would get so worked up about a guy then they find out that he was a total good for nothing from the start. That's exactly why I would never ever fall for someone that quickly. The team switched sides and it was Benny's team to go up to bat. I tell you his team wasn't built of some jocks or really strong looking brutes. Nah, they were just some typical kids with different faces and different sizes. There were at least six white boys, maybe one mexican, and one black boy. Add Benny and that made nine. It was slightly uneven and from the looks of it they didn't have much of a good chance though the other team sucked eggs. Benny took a deep breath and picked up the old wooden bat lying next to home base. He tipped his blue Los Angeles Dodgers hat down and got into position. Instantly all eyes were on him. His eyes were intent on hitting the ball and nothing would break his concentration. I watched in awe as the pitcher winded up the ball and sent it flying towards Benny. Maybe he would hit it. Maybe not. Then he swung the bat. It was an earsplitting clash that split the splintered wooden bat in half. I squinted trying to focus on Benny as he zoomed past the players stepping on each plate with a light thud and flying dust. It was amazing. I'd never seen any amateur boys run that fast before or smash a bat at the least.
"Go Benny, go!" more girls came from behind and started squealing and running around in circles. I rolled my eyes and got up as the bell rang to get back to class. He was good.