The Hitting Zone



Jeremy looked embarrassed. "I actually have nothing to do with his playing abilities. We just recently reconnected last year. Jake's been adopted by a great family that has contributed way more to his skill in baseball than I have."

"That's where Zeke Atkins comes in then?" The coach mused. "A very interconnected baseball family."

"Yea, pretty much." Dave said in a relaxed manner. "We're all into baseball and not going to lie, we're all very good."

I covered my face with a hand, embarrassed. He's totally bragging. 

"C'mon Jakey." Dave reached out to mess up my hair again. "Don't hide our accomplishments. Be proud."

I peeked through the fingers of my hand. "Did you see me in the outfield?"

Dave burst out laughing. "Not only did I see it, I recorded it too. I was so ready to see you try out there. In a couple of years, it's going to be on your best bloopers reel. No one would believe the best hitter around could be so bad on the field."

I was in distress. I wanted Noah to defend me. 

"I didn't really believe it either." Coach Rob agreed with Dave. "Brent showed me the fielding scores, then his hitting scores." He looked me in the eyes. "You're a very lopsided player only focusing on offense. I have to warn you, we don't have a DH position in the summer tournament."

I wanted to dig a hole and call it a day. Discussing my lack of fielding skills and knowledge is one of the worst topics I could think of. Well...I could think of another. 

"You can't blame Jake. He's done really well in the last year." Dave 'defended' me. Then came the blow. "If you really want to know what he's bad at, just check his baserunning."

"Jake only has one year experience playing baseball." Jeremy told the two adults, ignoring Dave's shot at me. "Before high school, he has only worked out in the batting cages." He gave more details about my playing experience and said what I could contribute at the plate would be more beneficial than anything else. 

"Most definitely." Coach Rob nodded. "I'm already planning for Jake to be our cleanup hitter. He's easily breezing by those his age. I can see Jake getting selected for the National Team Development Program at the end of August. He could be on Team USA next summer."

My heart started to pound and my stomach got queasy. Everything was moving too fast. I made the regional team? I'm the cleanup guy? He thinks I can reach the next level?

"I think...I need...to use the restroom-" I bolted for it, ditching my bat and helmet. 

***

"I'll follow." Dave started to jog after him. "I'll text Mom and Dad."

Jeremy looked apologetically towards the two men. "Sorry about that. Jake gets nervous...a lot." He looked towards Brent. "Not to give you a hard time, but probably wasn't the best idea to call him over on his own."

"Is he shy or something?" Coach Rob looked at the thin back of the kid running away. 

Jeremy was hesitant, debating how much he should or should not share. "It's a little more than that. I think it's best if you speak to his parents before moving on to the next step. Or maybe have his parents present when you want to talk to him. He's a very special kid, but he has a lot going on. You've got to treat him with kid gloves." 

The two shared a look. 

"Would you help me find his parents now?" Brent asked, taking over. "I would really like to get him on board. It's best to be on the same page."

"Sure. They're probably still watching field two." Jeremy told him. "They have another son trying out."

"Name?"

"Noah Atkins. They signed up together. He's number 333." Jeremy said. "He's a shortstop for his varsity high school team. Him and Jake are very close. There would be a lot of advantages to have him on the team with Jake."

"With number one being?" Coach Rob asked. 

"Jake would play." Jeremy grinned. 

***

I reached the bathroom...and ended up staying outside. I wasn't actually sick-sick. 

"You good?" Dave asked as I leaned against the bathroom building. 

"I think so." I held my stomach. "I actually don't think I'm going to be sick. I just had to get away. Things were moving so fast and I...panicked."

"Not bad." Dave nodded at me like he was appreciative. 

I raised an eyebrow as I looked up at him. "Not bad?" I repeated. 

"Just remarking how much you've improved in the last year." Dave smiled. "Heck, just a couple months ago you would vomit at the idea of messing up in the outfield and making a fool of yourself. Now, you know it's not going to be the end of the world."

I held my hand up to stop him. "Noah and I already talked about it this morning. Every mistake I make on the field, I can make up for it at the plate."

"That's good. But it's also easier said than done. I'm proud that you followed through." Dave grinned. "And I'm proud that you already made the team. You're freakin' awesome. Kyle and Zeke are going to be impressed too."

I felt my face heat up. "You really think so?" I scratched the back of my head. 

Dave pulled me into a headlock and gave me a noogie. "Your modesty can be so provocative sometimes. Makes me annoyed. You're so good and you don't even realize. Listen, just because we like to joke about your errors, doesn't mean that you're any less of a player. Heck, your rankings across the board is proof of that."

I struggled to get away from him, laughing from being tickled a little. "Okay. I know. I'm good."

Dave let me go and pointed at my face. "You lack the confidence, but don't worry, I'll push you all the way there if I have to." He straightened up. "Since you made the team, I bet you started to worry about Noah. And playing baseball with him." I nodded. "Well, I'll allow you to worry about him. Stress for him. Heck, help him train even more. But if you think for one second that I-heck, any of us- will let you pass up on this opportunity, you're nuts."

I sighed. I figured this was coming. I could tell as soon as Noah started talking about this thing. Even when Dad paid for the tryouts, I had a feeling I would be pushed. The Atkins family was all about growth. Each of us had our moments of weakness and then the uphill climb. 

Noah's challenge was to make the team. Mine was to stay on without getting cold feet. 

"I'll do my best." I worked up the courage to say. 

"What was that?" Dave put a hand to his ear. "I can't hear you."

"I said," I raised my voice. "I'll do my best!"

"Good! Glad to hear it!" Dave laughed and pulled me away from the bathroom. "Let's go find Mom and Dad and tell them the good news. They'll be so happy!"