The Hitting Zone

Mr. Cameron pulled out a small notepad and a pen. He flipped to an empty page and started his scribbling. "So you're both freshmen for Watsonville High. Was it a difficult process to make the varsity team? Or did you feel confident with your older brothers by your side?"

Noah's arm around me turned stiff, but he didn't get upset. "Jake and I had two different kinds of tryouts. He just started school two weeks ago and was able to impress the captain and coaches in a one day tryout. As for me, I spent the whole fall semester training with the baseball program before they decided on rosters during the holidays. I was confident in becoming the best shortstop in the program due to my hard work and effort that I put into practice. Not because I had big brothers already on the team."

Mr. Cameron jotted that down, filling up a few tiny pages. "I didn't mean to imply that you got on the team because of your brothers. But how do you feel about others believing that's how you got on the team?"

Noah glanced up at Zeke and then gave the reporter a smile. "Like Zeke told me earlier, I should let the scorecard speak on my behalf."

Mr. Cameron nodded and continued writing. "Yes, I was impressed, especially with your defense. You had that last grab in the first game in order to save Kyle's perfect game. You and Jake were able to pull off a nice combo there. Do you guys practice that often as middle infielders?"

Noah laughed. "We practice all aspects of the game." I nodded. Yea, because I know nothing.

"Are your team practices a challenge with such a great player leading your team?"

I nodded right away, but Noah disagreed. "This is the only kind of practice I know. Even in little league, when my brothers and I were on all different teams, we would still practice together at the park. But, it's nice to finally have some competition. With the twins as pitchers and Zeke as an outfielder who's great at hitting, I like going up against others who play in the infield like me."

Mr. Cameron looked at me. "But you think the practices are challenging?"

I nodded. Then nudged Noah. Noah cleared his throat. "Jake doesn't really find it difficult, just different. Jake hasn't played with a team before so he's unaccustomed to playing with others in a group setting."

Mr. Cameron tapped his notebook with his pen. "Does that have something to do with why you're in the foster system? I'd hate to dig up something that you feel uncomfortable with."

Mr. Atkins spoke up before Noah could. "Jake can't answer too many questions about his past so it would be best if you let it go. Sorry."

"No, it's okay." Mr. Cameron gave an apologetic smile. "As a reporter, I've come across kids with complicated backgrounds before. Since I'm a sportswriter, I should focus on sports. I'll just work around it and say you find the practices different from what you're use to."

I gave a nod. This guy really isn't so bad. A totally different atmosphere compared to that Thompkins guy. He asked us a few more easy questions about what it's like playing with older teens that are practically adults, if we like batting or fielding more, and what we look forward to this season.

Noah was able to tell him that we would do our best no matter the age gap. That he likes fielding and that I like batting. And that we look forward to winning with our team and hopefully we can win league with all his brothers on the same team.

Mr. Cameron showed some enthusiasm with Noah's last answer. "This is the first time that I've heard of, where four brothers all play on the varsity team. You boys are really setting records and making history around here." He looked at Zeke. "And it all started with you. I still remember the first time I saw you play as a sophomore. Such a keen eye during batting, and always making great plays on defense."

Zeke tipped his hat. "Thank you. I appreciate all the support."

"When I saw the high school player rankings, i wasn't surprise to see you still holding first in the county, but eighth in the whole state of California is crazy impressive. And most of the guys ahead of you are pitchers. Do you think you could be drafted into the MLB right out of high school?"

My eyes widened in shock. I knew Zeke was good; it's feels like everyone says he's the best in the county, but out of thousands and and thousands, he's eighth?? My jaw dropped. And now this reporter says he has a chance to be drafted to the pros right after high school?

"It would be an honor." Zeke smiled. "But I'm still considering getting my education first. A free college degree wouldn't be so bad. And I've always dreamed about going to the College World Series."

"Have you narrowed your college choices? I know you visited a few, unofficially, over winter break, but no one has reported that you signed a national letter of intent."

Zeke tilted his head slightly. "I'm still thinking over my options. The quiet period ends next week at the end of February so it'll be more clear when I'm able to talk to the coaches again."

Mr. Cameron nodded, understandably. The total opposite of me. I was beyond confused. A letter? Unofficial visit? Quiet period? They were talking complete gibberish in my eyes, but none of the other boys seemed as lost as me.

"With such a hot start, I wouldn't write off getting drafted just yet." Mr. Cameron smiled. "The ESPN 100 will update their player list later this week. Last I saw, you were at 58. You might just break top 20 after this tournament if you keep hitting the ball out of the park."