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Travis' wait didn't last forever. The late inning defensive replacement had become a theme. He came in to play right field in the 9th in the team's first three games, and he walked into the clubhouse for the team's game against the Marlins on June 26th expecting more of the same.

Travis sat down next to his locker. It was 11:30, and considering the game didn't start until 7:05, he was going to take his time getting going. He hadn't yet settled into a game day routine, although it was something he was going to work on. He remembered when Andy Pettitte told him about his game day routine. About how he would eat at the same restaurant, sit in the same booth, and order the same thing every game day. About how he had planned to the minute what time he would walk in the stadium, go to the trainer, get in the hot tub, get in the pool, get dressed, go out to the field to stretch, start throwing, head to the bullpen. It was a science. Travis didn't have that yet, but he was working towards it.

"Everett," the manager said nonchalantly as he walked past his locker.

"Mornin' sir," Travis replied, his Texas upbringing still seeping through even though he had been away from home for five years.

"You're batting sixth," he said.

"Yessir," Travis replied. He bent over to pretend to tie his shoe, trying to hide his smile.

Travis walked out to his car, a 2014 Mazda CX-5 his parents bought him in high school. Originally, he wasn't happy with the purchase. He wanted a Dodge Challenger, but he had grown to love the car. He turned it on and called those exact people that bought the car for him. He had tons of other people he wanted to tell, but it was time to get ready.

He got some food, then went to the cage to hit. After that he got some stretching in. It was still five hours before the game. Batting practice. Warmups. Stretching again. It was all a blur.

"You're locked in bro. You're gonna have a good day, I can tell," Miko said, dapping him up in the process. Miko still hadn't gotten his opportunity, but was supportive of his new friend.

"'Preciate you, bro. Keep grinding. Your chance is coming soon. Hell, you'll probably take my spot in the lineup tomorrow," Travis replied.

"Not after you go deep a couple times today," Miko said half-jokingly.

Travis smiled and shook his head. After a long pause, he walked off. He needed a private moment.

The Baby Blue Jays went down in order in the first inning, meaning Travis' first at-bat would have to wait for the second inning. A righty named Kyle Luckham was on the mound for the Marlins. He was an 18th rounder out of Cal State Fullerton. He didn't have overpowering stuff, 91-93. He had four pitches, but didn't have great feel for his changeup, and his curveball was hit or miss. Everett knew he was pretty much facing a fastball/slider guy.

"Alright, kid. Go have some fun," the hitting coach said before Travis stepped into the on deck circle.

His teammate grounded up to short, bringing Travis up to the plate with two outs. Luckham had been cruising, retiring the first five guys. Luckham missed with a slider. 1-0. Then he came back with a fastball painted away. 1-1. After that he came back with another fastball. Everett roped it into left-center for a single. First at-bat, check. First hit, check. Having finally drawn a little blood, Everett figured he would try to wreak a little havoc. He got his lead, peered in towards the pitcher, and took off first move. The throw from the catcher was high, and he was safe. His first steal was in the books too. The next batter flew out, ending the inning and rendering the steal moot.

"Good work, kid," the first base coach said, taking Travis' helmet from him.

It was the beginning of a day full of good work. Travis would finish his debut 2-for-3 with a walk. Not a single ball was hit to him in right field. The team lost 3-2, but these games weren't really about winning and losing. They were about development, and Travis was happy with his day at the yard.

Now he just needed to come out and do it again.