Quick Turnaround

The air hangs like a wet towel over the South Bronx, but nothing can hold this neighborhood down. “It’s a great day for a ballgame,” Javier says. “Let’s play two!”

A round of boos rolls down the counter at the Crown Diner.

“Why don’t you come up with something original,” someone says.

“What?” Javier shoots. “You think Ernie Banks was the first to say that? Who do you think told Ernie?”

More boos.

Javier laughs and grabs his coffee and sack of donuts. “Gotta work fast today,” he says. “Quick turnaround for a day game.”