After a week of asking around the school about allowing for the sport of baseball to be played on Sodor, to their surprise most of their friends liked the Idea, but most of the elders do not. This will bring a dilemma about how and when to play the game without the Adults of sodor to get involved in preventing the love of baseball to be played on sodor. Let us find out how the Homesteaders and their international friends find a way around this shall we.

I do not own any part of Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends nor Tugs they are owned by their respective owners and developers.

Thomas the Tank Engine &Friends

By the Rev W Awdry.

Developed by Britt Allcroft

Owned by Mattel

Tugs by Robert D. Cardona and David Mitton.

First at bat

After learning how to integrate the citizens of Sodor with other National past times from beyond Great Britain. Thomas is determined to help his American friends a way to enjoy their favorite past time , even if it means to place a baseball diamond on his own property and only allow those who want to participate in the sport can actually sign up into four teams as posted along the each railway station with agreement with Sir Topham hat. How to make the baseball Diamond on sodor Possible Thomas went on line to see if any one on the Island of Sodor and beyond had ever played a game of baseball and wanted to create a baseball diamond to help allow the American transfer students a Chance to play their favorite sport even without the permission of the locals. Then he as a stroke of luck when he got an answer from a local who happens to be a retired baseball coach and umpire. His name is Duffy Knocks and he is reading from the famous former Number 1 engine of sodor who he heard had turned human last year and wondered if he will ever want to be able to learn the game of baseball. Much to his delight Thomas was interested in having someone to help coach and teach all there is to learn the sport of Baseball. More so for fun and to learn the better values of working with your teammates during the games.

Duffy Knocks. (On Computer) "Hello. You must be Thomas that I had heard so much about since the announce meant of your becoming human this past year."

Thomas. (Writing back) "Yes I am, how may I help you sir?"

Duffy (online). "I understand you want to know how to play the game of baseball am I right?"

Thomas. (writing back) "That is correct since my American engine friends who also became human sometime after my self and my girlfriend became human. Has shown myself and everyone who lives with me on the homestead about what the game looks like."

Duffy. (writing) "You are in luck Thomas, I happen to be a retired baseball coach and umpire during my time teaching high school in the states."

Thomas. Maybe excited but wanted to know if the coach is trustworthy or not. (Typing) "Where and when did you become a baseball coach and umpire while you lived in the states?"

Duffy (Typing) "I used to live in Mudd Hole Missouri where I had coached for the minor leagues up to high school levels, then after coaching for 8 years I ended up becoming umpire for 10 until my retirement from the games."

Thomas. (Typing) "How do I know that I can trust you Mr. Knocks, if I look up your name under any form of register, then I need to know ahead of time since this is my first time asking anyone beyond the Railway."

Duffy. (Typing) "Tell you what, if I promise to meet up with you at your school tomorrow, then I can show you my references then you can see for yourself that I am willingly going to allow for you to know how to enjoy the game of baseball to your liking."

Thomas thought about this and it will suite him best if he was in company with someone who has better connections with schools beyond Sodor. Head master Hat did say that she is very supportive of the Idea of bringing new Ideas for the school but must also know who it will involve. (Typing) "We can meet up with Headmaster Lucile Hat about you becoming involved in teaching us on the homestead and with the international student house about baseball."

Duffy. (Typing) "I will bring over my records and everything that can help bring a good report for your headmaster to investigate my background before we can agree on how to help you determined how the game of baseball is played."

Thomas. (Typing) "I will also include our railway controller Sir Topham Hat, anything to do with us involving in such activities he may also want to know all about you too Mr. Knocks."

Duffy (Typing) "I am looking forward to this Thomas, I will bring all my references to your school in the morning Mr. Billington I look forward in meeting up with you then."

Thomas. (Typing) "Thank you sir, I look forward in meeting up with you with the hats tomorrow."

Duffy. (Typing) "Have a good night Mr. Billington."

Thomas. (Typing) "You have a good night too Mr. Knocks" Then both parties ended their conversations online and gave a typed message to the controller and Headmaster hat about his contact with a Duffy Knocks and had requested them to be present when he brings his records on coaching and umpiring baseball games in the states. (Typing to the Hats) "Sir Topham Hat sir and Headmaster Lucile Hat, I was contacted from a Mr. Duffy Knocks about becoming involved in teaching us how to play the game of baseball. I want to make sure this former Mud hole Missouri man is telling me the truth about his pass in the states. May I ask for both of you to be present while he presents his reasons on becoming our coach and help determine how the game of baseball is played out properly and without the noise of the locals about us playing a game beneath the British games of ball. I just wanted to make sure the decision we make is a valid one."

Both Sir Topham hat and Lucile Hat were still on their computers when Thomas sent them his message and could not help but wonder about this new person that is willing to show the humanized engines how to play the game without interference from the locals. STH. (Typing) "Thomas this is Sir Topham Hat, I have read your request and I am willing to come along and meet up with this retired coach and umpire form the states." Lucile Hat (typing after Sir Topham) "I have also read your request Thomas so Sir Topham and I will help you meet up with this Duffy Knocks person when he comes tomorrow."

Thomas was glad to hear it from both Hat on his request. (Typing) "Thank you both, I hope this person is who he says he is. I just want to make sure he is telling us the truth about his background when we first meet him."

STH (Typing) "So do we Thomas, so do we." Then Thomas felt it was best to wait until the following morning to meet up with the hats along with himself and Rosie to make sure they are prepared to ask the questions that need to be asked to see if he is the one to help coach and managed the baseball games on their homestead. Thomas came up to Rosie as she came into the house with a fresh basket of eggs from their hen house and had found some of their roosting chickens had laid their first clutch of fertile eggs in the pens with the roosters, while some new hatchlings had come from the incubator from the poultry barn.

Rosie. "Thomas the hens have started their first clutch of fertile eggs on the homestead, in a month the new clutches will be able to replace the old chickens from last year."

Thomas. "That will be great Rosie." Then he prepared her what will happen the following day. "Well Rosie I was contacted by a former Mudd hole Missouri coach about helping us understand the game of baseball better."

Rosie was surprised. "Oh really, well who is it then?"

Thomas. "He said his name is Duffy Knocks, he uses to coach the minor league before he moved to high school level just before he became an umpire before his retirement here to the island of Sodor."

Rosie. "And what have you thought of him Thomas?"

Thomas. "To tell you the truth Rosie, I do not know yet. Tomorrow you, me and the Hats that include our controller and Headmaster hat are going to see if we can trust this Coach and umpire as he described to me while online. That way we all can know if he is a trustworthy of a coach and umpire or not."

Rosie did think about this knowing if the coach can be trustworthy or not, it is best to meet up with him with the hats for support in case the meeting will not go as planned. "I can see why you are nervous about meeting a new face after asking around for possible information about playing the game of baseball. I will help you determined if this person can help us, if not then we shall keep looking. If not then we may as well learn to play the game ourselves, even if I still will have questions if any of us are playing the game right or not." Thomas agrees.

By next morning Thomas, Rosie, Cassey, and the Hats are all present to meet up with Mr. Duffy Knock about his proposal of coaching the High School students for the American past time of Baseball on the Bililngton / Vulcan homestead. They all waited for him to arrive at the Principle's Office in the school when Mr. Knocks had arrived with his documents and his references about his past life back in America before his retirement to the Island of Sodor.

Duffy Knocks. "Hello everyone. Sorry if this was so sudden."

STH. "That is quite alright Mr. Knocks, please make yourself comfortable."

Duffy. "Thank you, sir." Then sat down before everyone in a calm state to address his attentions.

Headmaster Hat. "Our freshman head students told us you wanted to help teach the game of baseball to the youths who are interested am I right Mr. Knocks?" She asked in a stern voice in hopes it can make the man a bit uneasy if he is doing anything but his intentions.

Duffy on the other hand had nothing to worry about and presented his statements to everyone in the room even for the students to read about and see if the retired coach and umpire is telling the truth for his proposals. "When I have read that the students who live on the Billington / Vulcan homestead needed to find an official who knows how the game of baseball is played. I feel like I have an opportunity to show new faces the game of baseball even if they never seen a game before."

Thomas. "So far we only seen documentaries and televised games by our American Steam engine friends who are more involved in playing a fair game of baseball even when the rest of the residents of Sodor believes it is beneath our known games of round ball and Cricket."

Duffy. "Not surprised since I have not had a pleasant time finding a good baseball game in years, I will like to see the game again."

Cassey. "Did you retire on your own request Coach, because we need to know if you still have the knowledge to coach and umpire for a good game of baseball here on the Island of Sodor?"

Duffy. "The need to play the game of baseball is in the heart young man, even if you hardly ever to know the game. If you are curious enough to learn about the game of baseball, then you will also know how fun it is when you play it. Not only for yourself but for your fellow teammates who come and share that special moment with you whether you win with honor or lose with dignity."

Rosie. "If you have been proven to be legitimate, can you help us determined who can qualify in coaching the teams? We chosen about four teams to play out this part of the Island, and we want to make sure if the game of baseball can be played on our homestead, then maybe it can be played anywhere on the Island of Sodor."

Duffy. "That depends if everyone wants to tag along with the American sport of Baseball, I can image they can be snubbed about it since they rather stick to what they played since they were young-in themselves once. But to find the right coach, first we need to see who is interested in taking part in it."

Headmaster Hat. "What did you had in mind, in order to find these coaches for the teams Mr. Knocks?'

Duffy. "Let me ask this. Has anyone offered a baseball tryout yet?" Everyone just shook their heads no. "Then how about by Friday we can announce a baseball tryout and for us to do so is to have tryouts on your homestead Thomas and Rosie. That is if you do not mind of course?" Both Thomas and Rosie looked to each other and nodded yes in agreement to have baseball tryouts on their homestead and those who want to sign up can do so on the registration sheets present after school. Then it was agreed that Duffy Knocks is to help teach the youth of Northwestern High School how to play the game of baseball. Then it was announced on the intercom about the baseball tryout for those who want to participate in. Thomas and those who shown interest on the homestead had no hesitation on sighing up for baseball tryouts. As does Cassey, Jessy, David, and Jon Paul. Mason, Ian and even Sean also signed up for baseball to see if they liked it or not.

Since there are going to be four teams the season will not be that long, each team will play each of the other teams twice to see who makes three out of five games before moving on to the next before the season is over. The teams are called by the railway Branch lines such as Farquarr for the first team, There is the little western team, the Brednam Team, and the Express team.

Then come on Friday the students who signed on came out and tried out on the field next to the homestead fields that Thomas Plans to have ready before the start of the season, but it needs some finishing touches with the fencing, placements of the pitcher's mound and home plate. The dugouts need are just had their forms filled in as the fencing post won't be ready until the following day. Then there is the designated refreshment stand and the equipment office is where to store away the equipment when not in use. They use the fields next to the construction site, to help sort out the players for each of the teams.

The first team consists of Thomas, Toby, Cassey, and new faces such as a new boy who moved from Canadian north by the name of Steven Clover, his new friend from Ohio Clyde Oddment, a highly energetic fast runner who goes by the name Demetri Gunner. A transfer student from Detroit who loves baseball and not too crazy about sodor's idea of a ball game is Louis Grande. And a fellow from the heartland of America himself is Jean Shepner. He dreamed of playing professional baseball one day but thought that dream had died when he and his family had to take a job working with the railway. When he heard that Thomas and the other former engines want to bring baseball to the island of Sodor. He believed he can find his dream again. Ryan also signs up for the farquarr team as is Hank and Carlos. To everyone's surprise Nia was also brought on Thomas's team when everyone realized she has a great pitching arm.

So, the Farquarr team consists of Thomas, Toby, Cassey, Steven, Clyde, Demetri, Louis, Jean, Ryan, Hank, Carlos and Nia just for the starters.

Then there is the little western team. Duck. Oliver and the Scottish twins were quick to sign up, followed by new faces from the classes they taken. From California was two faces who goes by the names of Miguel Santana, and Juan Orlandro. Two friends who transferred from the states for better education. A pair of students who shared classes with Duck and Oliver are Ronald Rossley, and Fredrick Crossmutt. Jessy Brayer had also joined their team, as does Ian, along with Raul.

The Brendam team consist of Edward, Boco, Jon Paul, Sean, a boy who wanted to play something different, his name is Vincent Flocks, Derick from the Diesel house also wanted to play baseball too. He has always wanted to see such a game yet and now he gets to play the game for fun. Jon Paul, and classmates Dustin Herman, Berry Krons, Norman from the smelters house, as does a visiting humanized diesel who had no problems adjusting to Sodor after becoming human back in the states who goes by the name of Marvin Alco.

The last team is the Express team. Gordon Henry, James, Connor, Jasper, Sam, David, Shane, Scott and Paxton and Sydney the former diesel who signed up to play for fun.

All teams are consisting of between ten to twelve per team, after being assigned to their teams everyone will be announced to be present to help set up Thomas's homestead at a location for baseball diamonds where the games are to be played. After it was said and done Each Team will have a head player to act as head coach. After it was revealed who had the most Qualification. Those who had the knowledge can lead the team. Thomas will be leading his team with Jean Shepner they can help determined who will be best in the line up at bats. Duck will be head along with Juan Orlandro can help each other how to play the games since one already played minor league before his family had moved to Sodor for better education.

Edward is the head of his team with Marvin Alco who helps Edward understand what baseball all is about.

It was found out that Gordon will be head of his team he along with Sam and Jasper they will all determined who is best for the lineup.

All the teams appear to be ready, but to make sure everyone will go through a series of practice games and just practice their games before their season will play out. Then all four teams with Duffy Knocks helping the players get their games on before they can play the games, that way they all can be ready before the first pitch of the season.

The Hats and the girlfriends of the Players are also wondering if the girls can have someone teach them about playing softball. But right now it is best to let the boys have their fun for now. All can observe how the player are going to be placed now they had been determined who is best on their teams.

Molly. "Are you excited about watching the game of baseball when the season starts Rosie?" She asked as Rosie kept her eyes on the players as they exercise their muscle and learn how to round the bases and catching the balls.

Rosie. "I sure am Molly, I am also keeping an eye on how everyone is getting along out there."

Mavis. "Who do you believe is the best players of each teams Rosie?"

Rosie. "It is too early to tell. But Thomas and Cassey for the Farquarr team are looking good."

Emily. "Looks like Gordon, Sam and Jasper are going to have to get everyone together if they all want to win games as a team."

Caitlin. "Why do you say that Emily?" Then Emily shows them why.

Emily. "It looks like James is looking too cocky to listen anything that Those three can tell him."

The girls had to laugh about how James looks compared to everyone else on the field.

Jessica. "I better have a word with him if he wishes to help win games with his team then he needs to learn how to be a team player."

Emily. "Good luck with that Jessica."

Holly. "Edward's team is looking good; he and Marvin are helping determined how their team will play out during game time."

Gina. "The little western Team is looking good too, I say this will be a very interesting first season of baseball on the island of sodor."

Polly. "Too bad you did not sign on Percy, because it looks like it could be a lot of fun."

Percy. "I know but I wanted to see for my self what the game of baseball is all about first before I can sign on. Besides someone had to stay behind and keep an eye on Thomas's animals when everyone is here to play the games."

Polly. "Good point."

Rebecca. "I just hope the game does not cloud Gordon's judgement on how to play the game fairly."

Emily. "Don't worry Rebecca, if Gordon does something that he should not have done. Then it will be up to umpire Duffy Knocks to determine if his team is playing fairly or not."

Soon the practice time was over, everyone squatted around and listen up to the Coach/umpire Duffy Knocks about what is determined first before the games are to be played out.

Duffy. "Good job out there boys and you too Nia, I am very happy to say each of your teams are doing well despite a few minor things I hope that can be cleared up before the first pitch of the games. However, the first thing we need to do is find the playing fields that will support the games and the location is on the Billington / Vulcan homestead where an area is designated for the creation of the homestead fields along with seating arrangements for the parents of the players and those curious onlookers who are just as intrigued about the games as the homesteaders are. So, tomorrow Thomas and his fellow homesteaders are building the fields just as we have assigned the teams, they will be needing some additional help with the fencing, setting up the dugouts the pitchers mound and the home plate. There are also plans for a refreshment stand that will help serve out the refreshments as the onlookers and the parents take part in watching the games as they play out. Now we need a round of volunteers to help set up the playing fields, there are volunteer sheet for those who want to participate come on up and sign up to make the games possible on sodor."

After the announcement every player signed on so they can have that dream of playing baseball, if not for professionally, but for the experience and love of playing the game.

Before lone the first game to be played on the homestead fields to start of the baseball for the teams, which teams you believe has what it takes to have that number one spot? Find out next time as we finally play baseball on a Journey through Northwestern High School.