The Hitting Zone

"With Jake here, trying out, we're going to switch things up a bit." The coach announced. "Whoever wants to pitch against him will go warm up in the bullpen." The twins were the first ones to start moving. "Everyone else will do fielding drills in the outfield with Coach Luis." He clapped a few times. "Get going."

The team started to disperse. Five guys, including the twins, went to the bullpen on the side. Zeke stayed with the head coach, and an older man took the rest of the teens to the edge of the outfield.

I tugged Noah's sleeve and pointed at the team. Them being in the outfield wouldn't be safe if I was hitting.

Noah looked at them, then back at me. "Uh, what about them? Did you want me to leave you stranded with Zeke?" He saw my frown. "Okay. If that's not it, then what?"

I moved closer and coughed before spitting out. "Unsafe."

"Ohhhh." He brightened up. "Right. Right. It is unsafe for them if we don't have people fielding." He dragged me closer to Zeke and coach. "Coach, Captain, we have can't put our team at risk. I think it would be best if you put an outfielder in front of them to watch out for balls in play."

Coach laughed. "I don't think it's necessary. Between your brothers and Garret who also went to warm up, it's going to be difficult to get the ball out that far. At most, a grounder may dribble over to them."

I frowned and turned to Zeke. He blinked in surprise. I crossed my arms over my chest. I didn't want to be responsible if someone got hurt. After being in danger all my life, I don't want to put someone else in a bad position.

"I think he's saying he'll tell mom you aren't playing very safely." Noah translated. "Usually you're a stickler for the rules. What would mom think of your irresponsible actions?"

Zeke sighed. He turned to his teammates. "Assign someone to watch for fly balls. They'll get to work on their fielding during sprints." Suddenly the guys started to volunteer.

I nodded. Satisfied that no one will get hurt, i have a thumbs up.

The coach chuckled. "You really have confidence to beat on my pitchers?"

I shook my head no and pointed at Noah. I believed him. If he thinks I can do it, then I won't let him down.

Noah smiled broadly. "Yep, yep. Jake is amazing at hitting." He started to walk to the dugout. "Let's get a helmet on you and grab your bat. You should start taking practice swings. No doubt, those guys will try and come out fast." I followed along.

Once we were in the dugout, Noah put his helmet on me. Then he pulled my wooden bat out and handed it over. "Will you need gloves?"

"Nah." I whispered, clutching my bat and made sure it was smooth. No splinters. We walked to home plate and he watched as I swung the bat around.

"You don't look like you're putting in a whole lot of effort." He said.

I moved my shoulders up and down, then took my stance. I pretended I was swinging at a 100 mph pitch. The whoosh of the bat felt loud between our silence.

"Okay, I take it back." Noah conceded. "You know best."

I gave a slight nod. I knew my routine best. Everyone is different; what matters most is what felt right for you.

"Here they come." Noah looked towards the bullpen. I looked as well, trying to size them up. "I've already told you about the twins. The one that's slightly taller than them, but just as lanky, is Garret." He pointed out. The three pitchers walked in front of two guys, who were in catchers gear. "Kelvin is the catcher on the left. Jordan on the right. Jordan is a senior and he really only catches for Garret. Normally he plays third. Kelvin is also a senior, and he catches for everyone else." Noah gave me a rundown as quick as he could before they approached us.

The only thing I really felt that stood out, was that they were all tall. It seemed to be a requirement to be a ball player. I gave the side-eye to Noah. He was short compared to the team, but still had six inches on me.

Noah caught me looking at him. "What's up? Getting cold feet?"

I rested my bat on my shoulder to signify that I wanted to hit.

"Great!" His smile never disappeared.