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Story Notes:
Just a little story I came up with this weekend playing softball at a family picnic.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Pam is introduced to softball Halpert style.
Alright to try and eliminate confusion I would like to introduce you to my version of the Halperts: Jim and his parents Sam and Larissa. His older brother Greg and his wife Kim. They have a daughter named Anna and two year old Grace. Jim’s other older brother is Matt and he is married to Erin. They have two sons, Ryan and Kyle. Jim has an older sister Theresa and her husband David. There is also Uncle Paul and Aunt Gina. As well as Uncle Ron and Aunt Kathy and their kids Danny, Allison, and Jeremy. Paul Sr. and MaryAnn are Jim’s grandparents, but they are referred to as Grandpa and Grandma. Now that we have that cleared up…the story…
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“This is seriously the best picnic I’ve ever been to. Your Aunt and Uncle are amazing people and they just make everything so fun and welcoming.” Pam said as she looked around the beautiful yard.

“Yeah, well prepare to be even more amazed. Uncle Paul just asked me to get everyone rounded up for the softball game. It’s a pretty big tradition here, and my family loves to welcome newcomers to the game”

“Jim, I suck at softball. Haven’t I ever told you what a disaster it was when my dad made me try it in 3rd grade?”

“I’ve heard you mention it. I’m not worried though, because no one will mind if you strike out or drop a pop-up. Besides they aren’t going to let you off the hook that easily.”

Pam followed Jim and the rest of the Halpert clan down towards a large field on the edge of the property. There were bases set up in the grass and benches on either side of home plate. Pam was nervous, but couldn’t help smiling as she looked around at the field. It was freshly mowed and the trees that lined it were just starting to turn a brilliant shade of orange. The sun was bright and warm, but breeze was blowing through her hair. As she looked around at the smiling faces of Jim’s family Pam actually started to feel excited about the game.

“OK everyone, welcome to the 22nd annual Halpert Family Fall Picnic Softball Game.” Uncle Paul cheered. “This year we have a new player, so I think someone should go over the rules for her. Danny, how about you give her the crash course.” He said winking to Jim’s ten year old cousin.

“Pretty much all the same rules as baseball except for a few things.” Danny said smiling meekly at Pam. “All pitches are underhand, balls that are hit to that post line there are automatic doubles, a ball hit to the tree line is an automatic home run. Anyone under twelve gets five strikes, everyone else gets three. Pegging and name calling are illegal. Also, there is no shoving, spiting, or swearing. Anyone who breaks the rules faces a one year suspension from all Halpert sporting events and is subject to a creeking.”


“Creeking?” Pam asked, unsure if she really wanted to know.

“We take the offender and toss them in that creek over there.” Jim’s uncle Ron answered pointing to a medium sized creek on the other side of the tree line.

“What do you say Pam, up for joining us?” Aunt Gina asked with a grin.

“Yeah, I’m good to go.”

“Good, now Danny and Anna you two are the youngest players so you get to pick teams.” Jim’s dad stated pointing to the smallest members of the family.

Pam wasn’t surprised when Danny picked Jim first. All the kids loved him and he never seemed bothered by them constantly jumping all over him and calling him “Jungle Jim”. Pam was surprised when Anna picked her first. She had thought for sure she would have picked someone else first and that Danny, who everyone knew had a crush on Pam, would have picked her next. She had been anticipating being on Jim’s team, but as Anna hugged her and told her she was her new favorite, Pam felt alright about being his opponent.

“Alright, good picks kids. I think these are pretty evenly matched teams.” Uncle Paul said as Pam’s team made their way out to the field and Jim walked towards the benches with his team. “I’ll be all time pitcher of course, and all final calls will come from my impartial judgment. So, batter up, let’s play ball!”

Pam had been elected short stop, even after telling them that she would be best off in left field. Erin was first up to bat. She missed the first two pitches, but grounded to Pam on the third. Pam got in front of the ball and put her glove down, but the ball bounced up over her. She whipped around and dove for it. By the time she was on her feet with the ball Erin had already made it to first.

“That’s alright Pam. We’ll get her at second.” Allison yelled from the outfield.

Greg batted next and hit a double on the first pitch. Pam was watching Jim as he took practice swings behind his team’s bench. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt and she could see the lines of his triceps as he swung. She had always been a sucker for well toned arms and Jim had, in her opinion excellent arms. She was dreamily watching his deltoids flexing as he played with the bat when she heard someone yell “Pam it’s yours”. She looked up to see a pop-up Danny had just hit sailing down towards her. She tried to move back for it, but was caught off guard and tripped backwards onto the ground. Luckily Matt was backing her up and caught it with ease.

I am such an idiot she thought as Matt helped her up of the ground. God I hope no one noticed that I was checking Jim out instead of paying attention to the game. She smiled slightly at her team as several of them offered words of encouragement.

Theresa was up next and she hit a fast grounder down the third base line, earning her a single and hitting Erin home. Next, Jeremy hit a single putting Greg on third and Theresa on second. Pam felt her heart speed up as Jim stepped to the plate. She watched as he readied himself, his face serious in concentration. He missed the first ball, but she couldn’t help but be intimidated by his swing. The next ball he hit was fast, bouncy, and headed towards Pam. She watched the ball as it quickly came towards her, and reached her glove out to it. The force made her flinch, but she quickly turned towards first and launched the ball to Uncle Ron who tagged the bag and threw to second before Jeremy could reach the base.

“That was awesome.” Anna yelled as she hugged Pam around the waist.

“Did you see Jim’s face?” Matt asked “You threw him out. Ha! Great job!”

Pam couldn’t help but burst into a huge smile. Jim caught her eye and smiled back. They passed each other as their teams switched sides and she heard him say “It’s on Beesly, you sexy short stop.”
Chapter End Notes:
Pam's at bat in the next chapter! I will try to have it up soon.


kev77 is the author of 1 other stories.
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