Question
The Steelburg Starfish were in a slump. They had played 22 games and had won 8, earning them last-place status in their division. Their manager, Coach Rock, was known as a hothead when strike-outs or errors were made. He was so angry that after the 14 losses, he quit.
The team suited up and got out on the field for practice the day after Coach Rock quit. No one knew what would happen. As they pitched, hit, and ran that morning, a tiny man in a Starfish uniform hobbled out of the dugout and onto the field.
The tiny man was their new manager, Coach Sebastian. He hadn’t been a coach very long, but he was the only one who was willing to take the job.
Gathering around the pitcher’s mound on that breezy summer morning, Sebastian introduced himself to the team. They were not impressed. He did not look imposing—every player was taller than Sebastian. He was soft-spoken and had kind eyes. The third baseman, Eric Rawls, shook his head. How could this man ever lead them to win?
Time passed and games were lost, but even more were won. If a player made an error, Coach would build him up and say, “Next time, you’ll get it.” If a player struck out, Coach would encourage him and say, “Keep your eye on the ball and you’ll slam it next time.”
Soon the Starfish had won 35 games and had lost 13. This was the best they had done in years. Eric knew it was because of Coach Sebastian, and how a little encouragement had gone a long way.
How does Eric Rawls feel after first meeting Coach Sebastian?
He is worried that Sebastian will be too harsh.
He is inspired by Sebastian’s age.
He is doubtful of Sebastian’s ability.
He is excited to work with Sebastian on drills and training.
The team suited up and got out on the field for practice the day after Coach Rock quit. No one knew what would happen. As they pitched, hit, and ran that morning, a tiny man in a Starfish uniform hobbled out of the dugout and onto the field.
The tiny man was their new manager, Coach Sebastian. He hadn’t been a coach very long, but he was the only one who was willing to take the job.
Gathering around the pitcher’s mound on that breezy summer morning, Sebastian introduced himself to the team. They were not impressed. He did not look imposing—every player was taller than Sebastian. He was soft-spoken and had kind eyes. The third baseman, Eric Rawls, shook his head. How could this man ever lead them to win?
Time passed and games were lost, but even more were won. If a player made an error, Coach would build him up and say, “Next time, you’ll get it.” If a player struck out, Coach would encourage him and say, “Keep your eye on the ball and you’ll slam it next time.”
Soon the Starfish had won 35 games and had lost 13. This was the best they had done in years. Eric knew it was because of Coach Sebastian, and how a little encouragement had gone a long way.
How does Eric Rawls feel after first meeting Coach Sebastian?
He is worried that Sebastian will be too harsh.
He is inspired by Sebastian’s age.
He is doubtful of Sebastian’s ability.
He is excited to work with Sebastian on drills and training.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Eric Rawls feels doubtful of Sebastian’s ability after first meeting him. He shakes his head and questions how this seemingly unimposing man could ever lead them to win, indicating his skepticism about Coach Sebastian's capabilities as a manager.