Cutoff Man, The

This story was originally published in Day One, a weekly literary journal dedicated to short fiction and poetry from emerging writers.

The catcher is a statistical savant, the first baseman speaks in Buddhist koans, and the twin star pitchers may or may not derive mystical powers from scars betraying their Siamese birth. In fact, everything about the Birmingham Barons baseball team is remarkable—except for their performance on the field. For decades, the Barons have been woefully mediocre and Pudge Morrison—former better-than-average left fielder now long past his prime—has become the symbol for the team’s disappointment. As the eccentric and ragtag squad begins yet another terrible season, Pudge despairs over what awaits him following retirement. But when a bizarre mid-year event kicks off an unprecedented winning streak, Pudge and his teammates confront a proposition even more daunting than failure: success.