Mexican WhiteBoy

Having cleared the air with Danny, Uno sets up another hustle. This time it’s in a “ghetto-looking field somewhere in Logan Heights” (148). Uno knows Cory from juvenile hall, and Cory has “a boy” too, one who “can hit like a mother, but he’s a little shaky when it comes to character” (149). When Cory and his guys see Danny, who is wearing his Vans on the mound, they are empowered. Uno gets behind the plate for warm-ups and surprises Danny with his new catcher’s mitt. Danny is determined to win back the money they lost in the last hustle, but he feels “uncertainty climbing into his throat again” (150). His first few pitches come out wild and force Marzel, Cory’s boy, to hit the ground. Marzel threatens Danny with violence. Uno walks to the mound and reminds Danny about the power of the train and how it’s in him now. “It ain’t about you […] It’s bigger than your dumb ass. It’s about your right arm, man. Your talent” (151). Uno’s encouragement has re-centered Danny, who is now able to empty his mind and let his talent flow through him. His next pitch is a perfect fastball, and, within a matter of seconds, Danny strikes out Marzel.