The Hitting Zone

Coach let the clapping and cheers die out on their own before speaking again. "Before we move on to pitching, I want to recognize another underclassman. For most versatile, Sean Isner." Sean blinked in surprise before going to Coach. "Sean is only a sophomore and a first year varsity player. That didn't stop us from relying on him throughout the season. Pinch hitting, running, infield and outfield, Sean has done it all except pitch. I'm sure if we gave him the chance, he wouldn't back down from the challenge." Some laughs as Sean took his award and headed back.

"Speaking of pitching, it's a hard thing to master. I'm not saying any of these boys are on the edge to being the best out there, but as our record shows, they're pretty darn close." Coach pulled out another award. "Closer champion, without question belongs to James Lohr." Applause rained down on the Senior who only threw curves. "James was never afraid when I put him on the mound. He could handle the pressure no matter how small the lead or how great the other team was. His game mentality is one of the best to have for a closer." James collected the award, calm and cool.

"Now this was the hardest selection. King of the hill. We give it to the best pitcher on the mound, but this year we had a trio of guys who put in a lot of work to keep this team competitive. I spoke with my pitching staff about who should get the award, and although it was divided, Garret Knudsen stood out the most. His speed, his accuracy, his attitude on and off the mound. This is what we look for in an ace and I'm happy to reward him with this plaque."

Garret flexed, bowed and made everyone laugh with his antics as he went up to Coach.

"Garret would also give Noah a run for his money for the team clown award." Coach sighed, making the room fill with laughter. He gave Garret the plaque and sent him back to the line.

"Now." Coach took a deep breath as the room settled into silence. "MVP. Unlike the lower levels, we don't call it team mvp, and we don't vote on it. Not that there isn't anything wrong with that approach, but this isn't a popularity contest. We aren't voting all-stars, we're picking a player that is most valuable to the team. Now for us, this was an easy pick. Zeke Atkins without question, is the best ball player I've seen come through my program. He blazed on through leaving his mark on the game on behalf of the school."

Zeke was already right next to him so all he had to do was take the plaque and shake Coach's hand.

"Now before you all get crazy, we have some more awards to pass out." Coach told the room. "All league second team honors: Noah Atkins, Kelvin Bender, Mahki Holstrom, and Julian Wilson. Please step forward." The four did as they were told as the parents clapped. Mr. Miller came down the line passing out the certificates. "All league first team honors: Garret Knudsen, David Atkins, and Kyle Atkins. Please step forward." Mr. Miller did another round of passing out the certificates.

Coach cleared his throat. "For the second time in the history of this baseball program, we have a student that earned Rookie of the Year from the league. It's customary to give it out to any player in his first varsity season that shows overwhelming skill and I'm not surprised it went to our very own: Jake Hollander."

I was completely caught by surprise. I didn't even know this was a thing.

Mr. Miller came to me with a small trophy of a baseball player on it. He grinned at me as the applause continued. "Congrats kid, you deserve it." He shoved the small trophy into my hands, even though I was already holding two plaques.

"You've got your hands full!" Noah told me happily. He helped me adjust the awards into a more comfortable position. "You're too awesome."

"Alright, alright. That isn't the biggest award of the night." Coach smiled. "I'm sure you all noticed that a certain someone didn't make the first team honors. That only happens when they get a better award like Jake just did. Your league MVP is none other than Zeke Atkins!"

The room busted out in the loudest applause of the night. Some of the guys on the lower leveled teams stood up and cheered for Zeke as he accepted a trophy from Mr. Miller as well. Zeke lifted the trophy with pride.

"And if that wasn't enough, CIF northern section division three has also awarded Jake rookie of the year honors, and crowned Zeke as their MVP." Coach continued with a smile, stunning the room.

Coach Luis came around this time, stuffing another trophy in my hands and doing the same to Zeke.

"This group right here..." Coach smiled, looking down the line at all of us as the room was still filled with chatter. "This is the best team I've ever coached. It's going to be real difficult to surpass these champions and all their honors. Thank you."

My eyes stung as I tried not to cry. I don't want to play with any other team. I could understand Coach's feelings. This was a special team. It was spectacular.

The guys soon surrounded Coach and pulled him into a bear hug. I awkwardly stood beside the group, with my arms filled with awards. I wanted to join, but then again, I didn't want to ruin the moment.

"Jake! You're amazing!" Dave came to me first, pulling me into a headlock and messed up my hair. "Look at all this hardware you got! You're going to give Zeke a run for his money!"

"Jake will surpass his awards with ease." Noah bragged on my behalf. "He did all of this in his freshman year. Zeke wasn't even on varsity until he was a sophomore."

"It's not a competition you psychos." Kyle joined our little group.

It seemed like the announcements were over and now everyone could get up and move where they liked. Parents went to find their sons and players went to go find their parents. It seemed like everyone wanted to join in on the celebration.

"I see Mom and Dad over there." Zeke joined us, and as the tallest was able to spot his parents with ease. "Let's go over. I'm sure Mom wants to take pictures."

"Yea! I would want this one to be shown on our senior slideshow." Noah said enthusiastically, waving his certificate and plaque. "This is the best season of baseball I've ever played."

We moved as a group to their parents and sure enough Mrs. Atkins started snapping away. She had us pose individually then as a group. She even roped another parent to take a group shot of all seven of us.

"You boys did great! I'm so proud of you!" She wiped a few small tears away.

"Are you really crying, Mom?" Kyle laughed.

"This is the only time you all will have played together." She dabbed the corner of her eyes with a napkin. "Why does time just seem to fly?!"

Mr. Atkins pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back.

"So embarrassing." Dave muttered. He turned away from his parents, but then caught sight of me. "Jake..? Are you crying too?"

Soon, six pairs of eyes were casted upon me, studying the wetness on my face.

"I can't wipe them away with all this stuff in my hands." I told them, feeling even more embarrassed.

The twins and Noah laughed without mercy. Zeke chuckled, yet was the only one to help me put the awards down on the floor with his. He handed me a napkin and I wiped my face.

"It's okay, Jake. I won't let these boys bully you." Mrs. Atkins told me, wiping her own face. "Anymore laughing at us crying and I'll ground you boys for the summer."

"Mommmm." The trio groaned in unison.

Mr. Atkins was trying to play referee between the three wild boys and their mother.

Zeke patted me on the head. "I had fun too. It was a great season." He glanced down at me. "There's no reason to be so sad though. We're still here. Still together. There may not be anymore games for the five of us to play together, but we can still play baseball with one another. Understand?"

"Yea..." I nodded, wiping my face again. "I'm glad I ended up here. With you guys."

"We're happy too!" Noah tackled me with a hug, overhearing me and Zeke.

The twins couldn't resist the temptation to play dog pile and soon joined me and Noah in a tighter hug.

For once, my claustrophobia was too overwhelmed with happiness to be worried about the dangers of being in an enclosed space. The only thing I could do was laugh.