The Youngest Major League Baseball Player

12 - year old Corben had had a difficult life. He and his mother lived alone in a modest home since his father died three years ago.

Corben had no friends, and being short and uncoordinated, he was an easy target for bullies, who often roughed him up and knocked his glasses off.

But Corben loved baseball, and in his fantasy world, pictured himself playing 2nd base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

One day while he was in tears after the bullies knocked him around, his Guardian Angel appeared.

"You deserve some happiness," she told Corben. "All of us Angels feel this way.".

"We're going to make your fantasy come true"

"Tonight, you will be the starting 2nd baseman for the Dodgers, which will also make you the youngest player in Major League Baseball history.

"We've already arranged it. We've given you a one-night contract, added you to their player roster, and altered the team's thoughts so everyone thinks you belong there."

"When you tell your mother after she gets home from work, tell her a Dodger limo will pick you up at 6 pm."

Corben was overwhelmed with joy.

But then he asked, "How will I be able to play? I'm much smaller than everyone else and don't have their baseball skills."

"Don't worry," the Angel replied. "You're going to do well."

That night, as Corben stood in the Dodger clubhouse, he was in awe of his famous teammates, even as he put on his uniform, one with his name on the back.

And when he heard his name announced on the loudspeaker as the starting 2nd baseman, while 50,000 people cheered, he teared up, and then trotted out to 2nd base.

This was a dream come true.

During the game, several balls were hit to him, and somehow he threw out all of the runners.

But it was as a batter where Corben really shined. Because he was so short, his strike zone was tiny and he walked his first three times at bat.

Then, in the bottom of the 9th inning, with the score tied, Corben swung hard at a pitch, somehow hitting it.

As if by magic, the ball sailed over the left field wall, a game winning home run for Corben and the Dodgers.

The fans cheered and his teammates jumped up and down in joy and carried him off the field. He was interviewed on TV, a hero to Dodger fans.

When the limo brought him home, his mother hugged him and congratulated him on the most special night of his life.

A short time later when Corben got in bed, the Angel appeared. "We are all very happy for you," she said.

"Thank you very much," he said to her, "And please thank the other Angels who made this wonderful night possible."

"I'll remember this night for the rest of my life," Corben added, his voice cracking with emotion.

"And there is more great news," added the Angel. "The bullies were so impressed, they want you to be their friend. No more will they be a threat to you."

"But the most important thing we want you to remember," the Angel,whispered in his ear, "Is that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to."

:"When you were on the field, we slowed down every ground ball hit to you, and then helped you make your throw to 1st base. We also saw to it that no fly balls were hit to you."

"But that home run you hit, that was not us, it was you."

"You believed we could make it happen for you, and you swung with all your might, counting on us."

"However, we didn't know you would swing at that pitch. We planned to walk you again."

 "But you created your own magic, and hit that home run. Once in awhile things like that happen, things that can't be explained."

"This is a magic that could appear throughout your life if only you will believe in yourself and face your challenges with everything you have."

"You won't always hit home runs, but you will accomplish far more by doing your best."

And then with a big smile, Corben nodded his head in agreement, knowing the truth in what the Angel had just told him.

Then he whispered, "Thank you so much" and he fell fast asleep, dreaming the happiest of dreams.

With Love To All - Dick