Oilers’ RHP John Oxenden sat anxiously on his front step as he waited for his company to arrive. He tapped both of his feet on the concrete uncontrollably and his mind raced as he dared to imagine what the day had in store for him. Why did the Oilers’ GM want to meet with him?
From a distance, Oxenden was able to make out the figure of Oilers’ GM Michael Dunleavy, the man he had been waiting to see. He sprung up from his front step and made his way over to Mr. Dunleavy. After a sincere handshake, Oxenden couldn’t help but ask what the reason for the meeting was.
“So, Michael, why’d you come all this way to see me? Surely it wasn’t to see my refurbished bathroom. Or maybe it was because it looks spectacular, but I digress.”
Michael Dunleavy stared blankly at Oxenden before letting out a chuckle in response to his rambling.
Oxenden still had little idea of what his meeting with Mr. Dunleavy would entail, but Mr. Dunleavy suggested they have a discussion over lunch at The Waterway Kitchen, a renowned dining spot in the city of Pittsburgh.
And so they went.
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Mr. Dunleavy observed Oxenden as he devoured the food on his plate. He quipped, “Anyone ever feed you, kid?”
Oxenden looked up and flashed a quick smile. He had been five minutes into tearing apart a delicious steak.
Oxenden finally spoke amidst his gluttony. “This place is magical. We should come here more often. This is how you ensure a good player and GM relationship.”
The Oilers’ GM twisted his fork and held back a smile. He started, “Well John, didn’t you want to know why we’re here?”
Oxenden’s face turned red almost instantly. The steak had made him forget all about why they were even there. He wiped his face quickly with his handkerchief and politely asked the reason for the occasion.
“Well, Johnny. We know you’ve got a lively arm on you and we think it’s about time we start putting it to good use.”
Oxenden’s face lit up. He cautiously proceeded. “Does this mean…”
The Oilers’ GM interrupted – “Yes, Johnny. It means exactly what you think it means. You will be a member of our starting rotation next season and I couldn’t be more excited to see what you do with the opportunity.”
Oxenden was overcome with emotion. He teared up a bit, thanked his GM, and made sure to emphasize how much this promotion meant to him. The two men left the diner with thoughts of the future dancing around in their heads and visions of Frontier Division Title banners and Legacy Cup Champion banners lining Oilers Ballpark.
A great deal of the Oilers’ potential to compete in the future rests on the right arm of John Oxenden, and the young man is finally getting a chance to prove his mettle.
Could this be the beginning of an illustrious career? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: John Oxenden will never forget this lunch at The Waterway Kitchen.