Making the Minors

By Marcus G Polk

It's 1960 and sixteen-year-old Karny Wilson has run away from home, found his father and joined him working in a circus. He's also shown his potential as a baseball pitcher and had a tryout with the Reds. His love increases for his trapeze artist girlfriend, Naomi. While he waits for the call from the Reds, Karny and his guardian angels save Fra

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hallard Press LLC
• Release date: Feb 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781951188450

Book preview

MAKING

THE

MINORS

Karny Wilson

Adventure Series

Book Two

M G POLK

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MAKING THE MINORS: A KARNY WILSON ADVENTURE

Copyright © 2021 M G Polk  All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Cover Design, Typography & Production by Hallard Press LLC/John W Prince

Published by Hallard Press LLC.

www.HallardPress.com      [e-mail]      352-234-6099

Bulk copies of this book can be ordered at [e-mail]

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. They have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to an actual event(s) or locale(s) or person(s), living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Names: Polk, Marcus G., author.

Title: Making the Minors / Marcus G. Polk.

Description: The Villages, FL: Hallard Press, 2022. | Summary: It’s 1960 and sixteen-year-old Karny Wilson has a tryout as a pitcher for the Reds. While he waits for the call from the Reds, Karny and his guardian angels save Frado and the circus. |Series: Karny Wilson Adventure Series. Book 2

Identifiers: LCCN: 2022900877 | ISBN: 978-1-951188-44-3 (print) | 978-1-951188-45-0  (ebook)

Subject: LCSH Circus--Fiction. | Baseball--Juvenile fiction. | Historical fiction. | BISAC JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / General | JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men | JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Circus | JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Baseball & Softball

Classification: LCC PZ7.1.P64282 Ad 2021 | DDC [Fic]--dc23

Printed in the United States of America                        1

ISBN: 978-1-951188-44-3 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-951188-45-0 (Ebook)

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Dedicated to Geraldine.

For love and support.

It’s 1960 and sixteen-year-old

Karny Wilson has run away from home, found his father,

and joined him working in a circus.

He’s also shown his potential as a baseball pitcher and had a tryout with the Reds. His love increases for his trapeze artist girlfriend, Naomi. While he waits for the call from the Reds, Karny and his guardian angels save Frado and the circus from the wrath of Simba the Lioness Queen.

This story takes place over 60 years ago, and computers were so big back then they took up entire buildings. The Internet, cell phones, and social media were many years into the future. Circus owner Big Billy has to send one of his staff to find a pay phone to call an ambulance when Frado was injured. You’ll find numerous other instances which place this story at a time in the past.

But since we live in today, you can send me an email ([e-mail]) and let me know what you thought of this story.

Chapter One

"S

on, I’m excited about next week."

So am I, Dad. If I really dwelled on it very long, I’d probably go nuts. It’s kinda scary. How’d you feel?

"In a word, Karny, scared. That was, gee, probably twenty-five years ago, yet I can remember it as if it were yesterday. It was a Sunday. That day in church, Dad had preached up a storm, and an appetite.

"Church services in those days lasted for hours. It would start with Sunday school, then singing, the choir, the announcements, and sometimes we’d all go down to Prophet’s Creek for a baptism.

Dad would stand in the pulpit, and if you didn’t know you were going to heaven or hell when he started, it’s for sure you had a pretty good idea when he finished. He would preach fire and brimstone. Some would cry, some would shake, and some would start speaking in tongues.

Smiling, Karny said, Dad, I’m guessing that’s where the expression, ‘Putting the fear of God in you’ came from.

"I’m sure it was, Son. Anyway, the family sat down for Sunday dinner and Dad was about to start the mini sermon."

"What’s the mini sermon?"

"It was my father saying grace. When that man was asked to bless the food at any get together, most people pulled out a sleeping bag because they knew they’d be there a while.

"But before Dad could start, there was a knock. I got the door. It was a man in a suit and tie looking pretty sporty. The minute we saw him, Dad and I both knew who he was. He said he was there to see Mr. Wilson. He came in and they introduced themselves. It was lunch time, and we were all hungry, so Dad invited him to sit and share our meal. The stranger was Herman ‘Big Bat’ Sutton."

Wow! Dad, Big Bat was in your house? A Hall of Famer! I bet you were impressed.

"I was. At that time, he was working as a scout for the Chicago White Sox and hadn’t been voted into the Hall, but later he was. Dad and I both loved baseball so much. The whole time he was there I just stared at him. I know he thought I was a little off in the head. Anyway, back to my story.

We all sat down, Dad made the blessing short and we had a nice meal. The adults talked and the young folks listened. Mr. Sutton told my dad he was there to invite me for a tryout, and that’s how it happened. I remember the tryout. It was nerve-wracking, to say the least, but I made it through and I guess I did ok.

Yeah, Dad, I guess you did. You made it to the pros.

The minors, as you know, were as far as I could go. Never got called up to the bigs. But, all in all, if I had lived a better life and a better lifestyle, I would have made it. I have many regrets. I shouldn’t say that was as far as I could go, I could have gone farther.

As Karny Wilson listened to his father’s story, his mind drifted back to Maxwell, Tennessee. His only regret about running away was the homesickness he felt for his mother, grandmother, and sister, Martha. Other than family, there was little else in Maxwell he missed.

Sometimes he felt melancholy, but that was appeased by a new friend, Bobby Leonard. Karny and Bobby met on a south bound train they illegally boarded, Karny in Tennessee and Bobby in Georgia. Their bonding was pleasant, but often awkward. Both were in search of a new life. Bobby missed his grandmother, but not the physical and verbal abuse his grandpa dished out. The two runaways settled in with jobs at the carnival where Karny found his father who abandoned him when he was four years old.

But the most important bonding was the connection with a girl, Naomi Barker. That relationship was joyful, yet often confusing. He was mystified by her. She was a constant day to day puzzle. Asking his dad about the bewilderment he felt, his father replied, Son, wish I could help. You’re asking the wrong person about relationships. I haven’t a clue. Plus, my track record with females hasn’t been too stellar.

Naomi was a hard worker, very pretty, smart, even tempered, most of the time, and the daughter of a very protective father, Big Billy Barker. Karny was referred to as Little Karny and his father as Big Carny. Put together, Big and Little Karny would not even come close to the size of Big Billy who was the owner of both the carnival and circus business. Karny, Big Carny, Bobby, and many others worked there. Big Billy was huge, strong, fair, and a Godly man.

Son, are you listening? Big Carny asked.

Sure Dad. I was just thinking about this past year and all that happened. It’s amazing. I feel so free. I have found myself here in Gibsonton, found you, met Bobby and Naomi, and got a job. It’s just a miracle.

For many carnivals and some circuses, Gibsonton, Florida was their winter quarters. Over the years, different companies formed baseball teams for exercise, entertainment, and fun. The different company teams played each other during the winter months. This helped keep them in good physical condition as they prepared for the upcoming touring season.

Karny and Bobby played for Big Billy’s company team. Karny’s baseball prowess in Gibsonton had come to the attention of the Cincinnati Red’s scouting division. They sent Harry Silvestri, a retired big league player, to check out young Karny Wilson’s baseball acuity. Mr. Silvestri and Big Carny had known each other from their minor league days. Mr. Silvestri made it to the big league. Big Carny wrecked his future with alcohol abuse and many other bad choices.

Big Carny called the Reds asking them to come and watch his son. After seeing Karny’s potential, the scout invited him to Tampa for the junior screening. Karny had gotten

Mr. Silvestri’s OK for his friend, Bobby, to come and try out as well.

On the day of the tryouts a small contingent of Karny boosters was present. Big Billy drove his pick-up and his daughter Naomi rode with him. Vernon Blalock, one of the carnival workers, took his own car with Bobby, Karny, and Big Carny as passengers. Sadly, the try outs didn’t start out as Karny hoped. In fact, it was an embarrassing situation.

The minute Karny took the mound to display his pitching ability, Naomi jumped from her seat in the stands clapping and whistling loudly, Yeah, Karny Wilson, show these guys what you got. Everyone turned and looked. Naomi didn’t care. She wanted Karny to know she was there for support.

Unfortunately for Karny, the outburst rattled him. His first pitch was right over the middle of the plate. The batter, a professional minor league player, swung, hitting the ball hard right back to the mound. Before Karny could react, the ball bounced off his right knee and he fell to the ground in pain.

Naomi jumped to her feet and ran to the fence. As Karny limped to the dugout, she called, Are you alright?

Karny nodded and said, Yeah. It hurts, but I’m OK.

Naomi walked closer to the fence where the batter was standing at home plate. Loudly, she said, Hey, batter.

The batter turned, looked at Naomi, and with a smirk, answered, What do you want, prissy britches?

You did that on purpose. You know you could have hit the ball anywhere you wanted. You did that to be mean. You need to remember, ‘What goes around comes around.’ With that she went back to her seat.

With time on the bench and an ice pack on his knee, Karny was ready to try again. This time Naomi sat quietly next to her dad with her fingers crossed, on both hands.

Karny’s initial two pitches were strikes. The first was over the plate. The second was a nasty curve ball that had the batter swinging hard for the fences, but missing by six inches. Not only is a curve ball the hardest pitch to hit, it’s also the hardest to throw. The third pitch was a foul. The fourth pitch was an infield pop-up toward first base.

Karny flew toward the bag diving with an outstretched glove. He skidded across the dirt as he caught the ball, stood, and dusted the dirt off his shirt. Turning to Naomi, he smiled. Then he turned to the batter. Holding the ball in his glove over his head so it could be seen by all, especially the batter, he loudly shouted, YOU’RE OUT! With that he walked from the mound.

Stopping where Mr. Silvestri was seated, Karny handed the ball to the scout and said, Mr. Silvestri, you know as well as I do the batter swung to hit me.

He walked up the bleachers to Naomi and plopped down beside her. She eased her hand to his and gingerly held it. This was the first time she had ever shown any type of affection in front of her father. Big Billy saw, but said nothing.

Bobby’s outing was not as triumphant, but it wasn’t that bad. He had thrown a strike or two, but was being lit up with hits. At one point, as the batter continued getting hits, Bobby threw a fastball straight for his head. The batter quickly ducked to avoid being beaned.

The batter, the same one who hit Karny, stood and pointed his finger at Bobby saying, You try that again, kid, and I’ll shove this bat down your throat.

You take one step toward this here mound and you’ll be pullin’ this here baseball out of yore eye socket.

The batter turned to Mr. Silvestri and said, I ain’t battin’ with that smart mouth. Get somebody else. He dropped his bat and walked away.

Mr. Silvestri called up to Karny, You mind batting while Bobby pitches?

No, Sir. I don’t mind. Karny walked to the plate and picked up the bat. Pointing toward Bobby he said, Don’t even think about it. Then he took a couple of practice swings.

After the tryouts, Mr. Silvestri assembled all the young men and expressed his and the Red’s appreciation for their attendance. He told them how pleased he was for each one giving their best, and would be in touch at a later date.

Naomi asked her dad if Karny could ride back to Gibsonton in their truck. Big Billy approved. Big Carny rode back in Vernon’s car along with Bobby. It had been a hot, tiring, and trying experience.

In Big Billy’s pick up, Karny sat between Naomi and the passenger door. He felt awkward sitting so snugly next to Naomi. It was one of the few times he had been this close in her dad’s presence.

Big Billy broke the silence, Well, Karny, how do you think you did?

I really don’t know what Mr. Silvestri thought about my outing, but personally, I was fairly well pleased.

Naomi added, Yes, you should be pleased. You did a great job, Karny. I’m very proud of you. With a smile she reached and patted the baseball glove he held in his hands.

In Vernon’s car the conversation was somewhat different. Big Carny asked, Vernon, could you stop at the next store that sells beer, I’m mighty thirsty?

Carny, you know what’ll happen if Big Billy smells that stuff on your breath.

Yeah, I know. I’ll just stay clear of him. So, Vern, pull in up here and let me cool off. I sure could use that beer.

* * *

The new name, Billy Barker’s Circus and Carnival Attractions, had come about from the circus purchased over the winter. Several independent vendors were contracted for the upcoming season beginning in a few weeks. He previously owned a circus, but sold it a few years ago due to the untimely death of his wife, Nadine, Naomi’s mother. By acquiring the circus and merging it in with the carnival, this season was going to be his biggest and hopefully the most profitable ever.

He had worked hard to become his own boss. After many laborious years, honest dedication, and his penchant for helping others, he felt blessed. He told everyone his business partner was his father, his Heavenly Father.

Big Billy spent the last three years taking the blame for Nadine’s death. The coroner ruled it an accident, but Billy knew accidents don’t just happen, they are caused. Whether faulty tied knots by riggers or improperly installed fixtures, it made no difference. He was the boss. The buck stopped at his desk, so did the guilt.

He had been a good father and was blessed to have his sister, Sally Campus, on board to act as a surrogate mother for Naomi. Everyone called her, Miss Sally. Her duties were the administrative office, ticket sales, and the home schooling program for the employees’ children. She had been with Big Billy since her husband, Don, passed away.

Sally graduated from the University of Texas with an MBA. She worked over twenty years with the Internal Revenue Service in Austin. When Don died, she took early retirement and asked Billy for a job. She told him she needed to be close to family. Her two kids were grown with lives of their own and young children. Traveling with the business afforded her the opportunity to see her kids and grandkids from time to time, which she loved.

She settled in with Billy’s company and had no regrets. The one exception was when Big Billy teased her calling her, Sally Mae. She would act like it really bothered her, but knew it was his way of teasing with love. Her retort was, Brother Hill Billy, at which he would stop, snarl, and then crack a smile.

Big Billy hated her smoking, and told her so. He informed her often the habit was going to kill her just like it had Don. Of course, the gallons of alcohol Don drank hadn’t helped keep him in good health. Big Billy demanded she not even smell like smoke when teaching the kids.

Karny turned sixteen and was old enough to legally drop out of school, but he wanted to finish. He remembered the promise to his mother. He asked Miss Sally if he could enroll in her home schooling classes. He had been attending for several weeks and studying for a change.

After classes one morning, Karny spoke to Miss Sally. I’ve been working with Bobby and, try as I might, I just can’t seem to get that boy reading like he should.

Sometimes, Karny, it takes patience. Of course, Bobby has to do his part. I’ll spend a few extra minutes after classes and tutor him. It might help if he would keep his nose to the grindstone. A lot has to do with attitude.

Thanks, Miss Sally. I’ll tell him. Since it will be after everyone leaves, it’ll make it better for him. He doesn’t like to feel different.

She replied, I don’t know of anyone who likes feeling that way, but all in all, everyone is different. That’s how the good Lord made us—different.

Each year when the travel itinerary for the coming season was completed, Big Billy would post it on the community bulletin board outside the mess tent. As word spread, everyone was excited to find out where the company would be playing.

The night it was posted, Bobby, Karny, and Big Carny were anxious to see the list. As they neared, one of Carny’s friends was reading the itinerary. As he read the columns, he stopped at one town. Then he noticed Big Carny approaching. Shaking his head, he said, Sorry, Carny.

The sites were listed by dates. Big Carny ran his finger down the list of locales and stopped when it came to Maxwell, Tennessee. He said, Well, that’s one week I won’t be working.

Karny replied, Maybe, maybe not, Dad. Things may have changed. Remember what Big Billy always says.

Yes, I know. ‘Let’s pray about it.’ But I don’t think God Almighty could ever solve the problems of my past, especially the mess I ran from when I left Maxwell.

Time will tell, Dad. Let’s eat and not worry about it.

The carnival and circus employees were from many parts of the world. Some were friends, some were family, and all had their own little cliques. The ones that generally worked together would eat together. Others ate with family or friends. In reference to families, Big Billy had two sayings: The family that dines together; shines together, and The family that gathers for dinner, will turn out a winner. As corny as it sounded, the families enjoyed sharing meals, especially at dinner.

When Naomi came to the mess tent she always sat with her dad and Aunt Sally. They didn’t mind a visitor when business needed discussing. In the case of Bobby, his family was Karny and Big Carny. When Karny sat at their table, he positioned himself so he could see Naomi. Making eyes at each other was discouraged by Big Billy, but smiling from time to time was OK. Big Billy was strict, but fair, not only with his child, but also with his employees.

On this particular night, as the chatter of the upcoming touring schedule was discussed, two well-dressed men in suits and ties walked into the mess tent. Stopping at the first table near the entrance they asked to see the owner. Big Billy was pointed out and they walked toward his table.

The minute they entered the tent, Big Carny knew they were police. He often said he had a sixth sense about the cops. When they began their walk toward the owner’s table, Big Carny eased out of his seat.

Quietly, Karny asked, Where’re you going, Dad?

I need some fresh air. I’ll be right back.

As the men approached Big Billy’s table, a quiet filled the air. The only sounds were the generators humming in the distance. Everyone stopped eating and stared