The Hitting Zone

Coach Nate gestured to Rhys. "This is Rhys Johnson, an incoming freshman for the Stanford team. He's a pitcher, but his knowledge of the game isn't anything to scoff at. He'll be my assistant for the week, following my instructions on how to help you boys improve. You will show him some respect, call him either Coach, Coach Rhys, or Coach Johnson."

"He's only a year or two older than most of us." Someone pointed out. "And I doubt he's ever coached before. So why should we call him coach?"

"If you disrespect him, then you're disrespecting me." Coach Nate eyes were focused on the teen. "If you're disrespecting me, then you're off the team. Good luck finding another team that would take in someone like you. You'll lose the opportunity to become a better player and you'll lose the chance to show off your skill in front of scouts." He looked around the dugout. "That goes for the rest of you. This is a team that respects everyone. Any disagreements can be brought to my attention. Got it?"

"Yes." Mostly everyone said at once.

"Pitchers and catchers step out. I'll let you all warmup with Rhys. He'll supervise and then decide who gets to go on the mound first." He waved his hand. "Don't take the rotation too seriously. It's a week long camp. No one is going to be doing 100 pitches in a game. An inning at least, probably up to three or four, depending on the pitch count."

The pitchers and catchers left with Rhys, taking their bags with them. They headed towards the bullpen.

Coach Nate looked at the rest of us. "Let's do a light warmup. Jog, stretch, throw the ball. No batting practice. There isn't enough time."

I sighed. Figures. The one thing I want to do, I can't do. I grabbed my glove and slowly followed the guys out onto the field. There was no synchronization or leadership as everyone just started to warmup. Gloves were dropped into the grass on the foul line, then as a mob we jog to a random spot near center field and back.

I started to stretch on my own after coming back while a few others jogged again. They must be the ones that didn't have to run much this afternoon. My legs were already heavy. It would be better if I stretched. I didn't know much when I first started to play ball, but now I could do a mix of static and dynamic stretches to make sure I wouldn't get hurt.

I kept an eye towards the bullpen area, watching Rhys who was talking to one of the pitchers.

"Hey..." Someone tapped me on the shoulder, making me jump. I turned around and saw a chest. I looked up to find the face. It was one of my teammates. "Sorry, sorry. I was just looking for someone to throw the ball with."

I looked around and noticed that most of the team had already moved on to throwing. I gave a short nod, kind of thankful someone came to find me as a partner. I don't think I could be the one to approach someone else.

The guy seemed to be relieved. He smiled, showed me a baseball he was holding. "I'll go far."

I made a face. I wanted to tell him not too far, but he had already taken off for the far end. Fortunately stopping at an acceptable distance for me. We threw the ball back and forth, both silent, until Coach Nate called everyone in.

We waited for Rhys and his group to join us too. Rhys handed Coach Nate a sheet of paper, and he clipped it to the clipboard he was holding. "Alright. I have a lineup ready, based on your intial evaluations. Don't panic if you're not in the starting lineup. I want to see everyone get a chance to hit and play in the field." He looked to the pitchers. "Your case will be different as we discussed." He checked his papers. "Nicolas will start on the mound, batting ninth. Jimmy behind the plate, batting eighth. The rest of you wait in the bullpen. Rhys and I will call the bullpen coach for further instructions."

The rest of the pitchers and backup catchers left, going back to their bags and taking them in the bullpen. The starting pitcher and catcher went back to grab their bags and took them to the dugout, not caring about the rest of the starting lineup.

"Batting first and playing third base: Marc." Coach Nate continued on, ignoring the whispers and sighs. "Batting second and playing center field: Kenny." The guy I played catch with gave a nod. "Batting third and playing at second: Jake." Coach Nate looked right at me.

I gulped and nodded obediently.

Coach Nate went through the rest of the lineup before letting us go back to the dugout to prepare. As visitors, we got to bat first so I put on my helmet and pulled out Jeremy's old bat.

"First three batters, come here for a second." Coach Nate instructed, wanting us to join him at the dugout entrance closest to home plate.

I held my bat tight in my hands and moved through the dugout. The eyes that were focused on me made my skin crawl as I tried not to panic. Rhys gave me a reassuring smile as I joined him and Coach Nate. Marc and Kenny made a small circle with us.

Coach Nate looked at the three of us. "I know that it's a sudden scrimmage and there isn't much synergy within the team, but that doesn't mean we can afford to lose the game. Understand?"

"Yes sir." Marc stood tall, flexing his arm muscles.

Kenny and I merely nodded.

"You three had the best batting scores." He looked right at me. "You're the best here."

I stared back at him, not understanding if I had to agree or not.

He glanced at Marc and Kenny. "Do your best to get on base. By walk or hit. Don't do too much. Jake will be able to bring you home." He looked at me. "I won't demand a homerun, but I understand from Rhys, that you can direct your hits?"

I nodded. That's something I can do. The majority of the time.

He looked at the other two. "First pitch, be ready to take off. You two want to impress me? Make it home."

"Yes!" Marc didn't question his instructions.

Kenny glanced down at me, unsure. "Sh-should I wait..? T-to make sure it's going to be a hit?"

Rhys grinned and took over for Coach Nate. "Jake will get the hit." He looked at me. "Try for open gaps if they move in on ya. If they play normally, aim for a corner."

I nodded.

The umpire, which was just a different coach, called for the home team to take the field. Nine guys got into position and did a short warmup before the umpire called out, "Balls in!"

Marc and Kenny had left the dugout and were swinging their bats to the timing of the pitcher warming up. With the game about to begin, Marc moved to the batter's box while Kenny stood in the on-deck circle.

I stood beside Rhys, just inside the dugout. Coach Nate had gone to give instructions to the rest of the lineup.

"Play ball!"