The Hitting Zone

Coach Ryan wrapped it up and the room gave the freshmen team a final applause. With the exception of me and the Atkins. Garret clapped slowly, making it look like it was too much effort. I guess it would be really impolite if no one on the varsity clapped for them. Jerks.

Coach Holman was up next, with his assistant that I recognized from the midseason tryouts. "Congratulations to the freshmen on a successful season. We did just as well, earning a winning record of 22-3. I'm happy to say we won league on the JV level, and that the future of our program is bright." Clapping. "Thank you. Now I'll use this time to call up the members of the JV squad."

As he called out the names, the clapping continued, but on a lower volume level. I even remembered two of the players...Daniel and John. Feeling guilty about them losing their spots on the varsity team, I strictly avoided eye contact. When Tony's name was called, I made sure to clap. He was nice to me when I first came to the team. Noticeable missing names were Chris Ludwick and Jordan Sanders. They must have quit the program completely. As seniors...it's understandable. They both had attitude too.

I was thankful Chris wasn't here tonight. There was a sense of relief flowing through me.

"These fine young men have worked hard this past year." Coach Holman told the room. "On a team filled with a variety of high school boys from freshmen to seniors, we had a special one. He got along with everyone and was sure to give respect no matter if you deserved it. Our best sportsmanship award goes to Michael Tye." A tall, slender guy came out of the line and accepted his plaque from the assistant coach. "Michael was also team captain and really pulled the team together even when we had a rearrangement in the middle of the season. Never once did he get down on himself or put his teammates down." He looked Michael in the eye. "I'm proud of you."

Michael grinned and waved to the room as he stepped back in line.

"Defensively, we have a lot of great candidates. It was a tough selection, but all the coaches agreed that Jesse Shipman was our defensive mvp." Everyone clapped as another guy stepped forward to accept the plaque. Jesse was originally our center fielder, abled to cover a large area with ease, but we needed a third baseman more than anything. We needed someone solid who could defend the line and still make the throw to first. Jesse filled our need and didn't let us down in the slightest." Jesse went back to the line.

"Like I said, this team is made up of all grade levels. It's also constantly changing. Guys move up to the varsity level, they come down from the varsity level. But this year, we had a special kid come up from the freshmen team. Our most improved, is Logan Porter." Logan stepped up to receive his award.

Knowing that he was a freshman, I glanced at Noah to see his reaction. He was indifferent to it. He had been since Zeke whispered in his ear.

"Logan's work ethic and his drive to compete has pushed him so far in just one season. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you." Coach Holman shook Logan's hand and he went back to the next award. "For our offense mvp, us coaches had no trouble making the pick. Korrey Alvarrez. Throughout the season, Korrey has been our rock in the lineup. He was consistent and even had a hitting streak of fifteen games. I have no doubt that he'll make varsity next year as a junior and help the program succeed."

Korrey Alvarez accepted their plaque gracefully and took long strides to go back to his spot in line.

"Team mvp. As Coach Ryan said earlier, it's an award that the players choose to give out. It's someone they look to as a leader on and off the field. On a team that's ever-changing, there can be a struggle to find a sense of unity. This year we had someone on the mound that could bring us together. Joey Henderson." Joey got out of line and went up to accept his award. Coach Holman held him in place in front of the podium. "This young man did it all on our team. He pitched complete games, closed out very close ones, would be able to pinch hit and fill in any gaps we had." He continued talking, but I started to zone out.

Garret was just the same way. Except better. On a higher level. I was starting to understand what Dave said. These are just lower level awards. If any of us played on these two teams, we also would had been contenders, if not winners of these awards. I even felt bad for some of them. If they weren't good enough, they wouldn't be able to make the varsity team, even as seniors.

Joey was sent back to the line of player and Coach Holman started to wrap it up. "Unlike the freshmen team, not everyone on JV earned the scholar athlete awards. Which is understandable given the different grades and level of difficulty. Although, I am happy to report that every player has kept a 'B' average throughout the season." He started to call out names and passed out paper awards.

"At least I'm guaranteed to be a scholar athlete." Alex said in a low voice to our table.

The guys around the table laughed a little.

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Dave told him. "There's a chance for most improved. You did come up from the JV squad midseason." He pointed out.

Alex looked a little sheepish. "I didn't play much though. I'm just a background member after all."

Kyle sighed. "You're better off than me and Dave. There's only one pitching award that Coach gives out and we have to compete with Garret for it."

Garret smirked, looking proud. "You don't have a chance."

"This is favortism." Kyle sighed again. "I'm the one that threw a perfect game."

"I threw a perfect game too." Dave added.

"Superficial." Garret told them. "I led the team in strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP."

"I didn't hear the other teams give out any pitching awards." I pointed out.

"Coach doesn't follow their award system. It's different for us." Dave explained. We watched as the JV team was dismissed and sent back to their seats. Dave clapped lightly while leaning my way to whisper. "Their awards help their self esteem and are used to encourage the others. Ours will be put down on paper so when, and if, college coaches start looking at us, we have noted accomplishments." He grinned. "Another difference between the levels is that varsity players have a chance for league awards. Coaches in the league will get together and vote on those. Plus, we're also league champions."

"Heck, we're CIF champions." Garret butted in. "No award can beat that." His grin was infectious, making the whole table smile. Noah and Zeke included.

Our coach stood up and switched places with the JV coaches. Mr. Miller and Coach Luis joined him at the front of the room, holding two big cardboard boxes.