The Hitting Zone

Ryan let us go for the night and some of the guys gathered in smaller groups. I turned tail and headed back for my room I shared with Noah. A part of me wanted to show these guys I was friendly and worthy, but the idea was nixed when I heard them talking about me. It was just too awkward.

Back in the room, Noah didn't come back until I was done with my shower and already getting in bed.

He looked surprised for a second, but then laughed. "Let me guess, you came back to the room instead of hanging with your teammates?"

I have a weak shrug. "I didn't know them."

"That's okay. It's just casual conversation anyways." Noah threw his bag down. "Where's the snacks?"

I pointed where I had set it after taking it out of my bag.

Noah grabbed a bag of pretzels and sat down on the bed to eat. "You'll have to try to be more outgoing when the final roster is settled though."

I sighed and pulled my blanket up higher.

"I'm serious, Jake. We might not be on the same team, even if we both make it, remember? Stars and Stripes." Noah laughed to himself. "I know they said there's not an A-team and B-team, but it'll be kind of obvious when we see which roster you're on."

"He could try to even out the teams." I pointed out. "It's not like they get anything for winning."

"That's true. The whole point is to get noticed for the National Team identification camp." Noah said. "I'm sure there's still like some kind of medal game so not completely pointless." He grinned. "I wouldn't mind coming home with a gold medal and showing it off to the guys."

I grinned too. "It would be kind of cool to show off something like that." I could see it now. Dave would be excited. Kyle would be jealous. Zeke would be proud. Jeremy would be happy for me. It would be great.

I fell asleep shortly after Noah left to take his shower. The next morning we had a fuel-filled breakfast before splitting up and going our own ways for the two different fields we were assigned to.

Ryan only spoke as we got our cleats on. He actually led warmups himself, then asked us to pair up to start throwing a ball.

I slowly glanced around, kind of scared that I was going to be the odd man out. I was already preparing myself to ask a stranger to be my partner, yet when I made eye contact with the very first person, he stepped up and nodded in greeting.

"I'll go out towards center." He told me.

I nodded. I grabbed a baseball from the nearby bucket and studied the guy I was partnered with. He was taller and bigger than me, but not the biggest or tallest on our team. I vaguely recall his introduction last night as Nick, who could play anywhere but preferred the outfield.

I threw the ball to him when he was ready and we started to play catch. To my surprise, he didn't try to push the distance too much, keeping it where my throws could still make it to him without a problem. It felt like a huge load was taken off my shoulders.

We stopped when Ryan called us back to the dugout, introducing a catcher with five pitchers. One I recognized: Cody.

"Cody will start for us on the mound and Jay behind the plate." Ryan said. "Catchers will still hit, but we're going with a DH spot instead of letting the pitchers hit. This is only for today. Pitchers will have to hit if they make it to the roster."

I started to feel hopeful. A designated hitter spot? That would be perfect for me!

My hopes only lasted for thirty seconds as Ryan dealt out the lineup, naming me the second baseman and the cleanup hitter.

"Try not to look too disappointed." Ryan laughed. At first I thought he was talking directly to me, but he was addressing everyone. "Everyone will be rotated to a different position once or twice, at least. You'll have multiple at bats, against different pitchers. All the best within the age group. Keep your heads in the game and do your best. We'll take the field first."

Everyone moved their bags and extra gear to the dugout. Those not in the lineup sat the bench and the starters grabbed their gloves.

It felt a little weird taking the field without some kind of pep talk or someone to share insights with. It only hit me as the scrimmage started, that the weirdness…was it being quiet. Super quiet.

It didn't bother Cody at all. He got into a rhythm early, striking out the first two batters before the third hit a fly ball to left field. There were a few claps as we jogged it in.

I glanced into the stands, happy to see Mom and Dave came before Zeke's game. Dad must be at Noah's field. I lifted a hand to wave before going back into the dugout.

"Good work, Cody." Ryan was patting him on the shoulder. "Give us another inning or two like that before leaving." He smiled.

"Okay." Cody nodded and headed for the bench.

Ryan made eye contact with me next. "Get ready, Jake. Don't hold back at the plate."

I nodded too and went to my bag to switch out my gear. I wasn't guaranteed an at bat this first inning, but I would definitely make it to the on deck circle. I slowly got my batting gloves on as the first batter went up. He made solid contact, but the third baseman snatched that line drive out of the air with some lightning fast reflexes. I have to be careful of him.

I pushed my helmet down on my head and picked up my bat. On my way out, I was passing Cody. I kind of expected him to say something, but besides a mere head nod, I easily passed by. I guess I'm still thinking he would be more like Danny, when it's been proven that he's not. He didn't even eat in the cafeteria yesterday. It didn't seem like he was shy like me, especially when he confronted me after our last game, thinking he was tipping his pitches.

The second batter up hit a single to center, which moved me out to the on deck circle. My practice swings were light as most of my attention was at the plate. I was hoping the third batter wouldn't hit into a double play. That's it. Then I would get my chance.

Ball. Swinging strike. Foul. Foul. Ball. Pop out to short.

I sighed with relief and felt a smile tugging on my lips as I walked up to the plate.

"Go get him, Jake!" Dave clapped his hands twice. "You've got this!"

I didn't look back at him, but nodded. I stepped in the righty's box and pulled my bat back, ready. I didn't particularly remember this pitcher from yesterday, but from what I've seen so far, he didn't amount to much.

He nodded at the catcher's sign and straightened up. Checked over his shoulder at the runner on first, then started his motion.

Fastball. Too easy. I took a step and started my swing. On contact, I pulled the ball to left field and ditched my bat to run to first. By the time I rounded first, the guy playing umpire for the infield was waving his finger around. Home run.