The Hitting Zone

674 V2 ch146

After breakfast, we left the cafeteria, heading for our designated practice field. I did my best to stay completely focused on learning from Chandler. He was patient with our whole group, explaining what we should be taking away from each drill. He didn't seem as intimidating as he was on day one.

"It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of camp." Travis sighed as we dragged our feet to the cafeteria for lunch. Just because Chandler was more approachable, didn't mean the practices became any easier. "I'm excited and sad at the same time."

Noah nodded. "Yea, same. It's been fun playing all day, every day. Our high school has a camp next week for all levels including incoming freshmen, but it just won't be the same."

"You guys are so depressing." Adam rolled his eyes. "There will always be more camps. Winter ID camps are becoming more popular for warmer climate areas. Sign up for one of those."

"Is that what you're doing?" Travis asked.

Adam nodded. "I'm interested in going to Arizona State University. They're having one specifically for juniors and seniors so they're looking at recruits that are preparing for graduation."

"I'm not really interested in college ID camps." Noah shrugged. "Maybe a skills camp. That would be fun." He looked to me. "What do you think?"

"Okay." I nodded.

Noah was taken aback for a second, but then he grinned. "That's what I'm talking about! Showing some enthusiasm to become the best player."

"Was that considered enthusiasm..?" I heard Travis whisper to Adam.

"Noah. Jake." Zeke called for us as we got closer to the cafeteria. He was standing just outside the doors with his arms crossed over his chest. Adam and Travis subconsciously straightened up at the sight of him. "Come here for a minute."

Noah looked at the other two. "Go in without us. We'll find you at the tables."

"Sure." Travis nodded. He and Adam held their curiousity back and went inside the cafeteria without us.

Zeke, Noah, and I moved off to the side to stay out of the way of the players coming for lunch.

Zeke looked me over. "How did you feel about last night?"

"Horrible." I answered honestly.

Noah narrowed his eyes. "Are you purposely picking on Jake?"

Zeke shook his head. "This wasn't my idea. Rhys came up with it on his own. He thought it might inspire you."

My lips twitched. "Yea. Inspired."

Zeke raised an eyebrow. "How'd it go?"

"Rhys didn't tell you?" I asked, tilting my head.

He shook his head. "Haven't seen him yet. It's been a hectic morning."

I sighed. "I feel like I lost the only thing I was good at."

Zeke smiled. "You didn't lose it. Your confidence will come back after today's games. What you got was a taste of what it's like to become a pro. A little suffering is a good way to push yourself beyond your limits. In everyone's path to the show, they have some kind of adversity to overcome."

"What do you think I will struggle with?" Noah asked, interested.

Zeke's grin got bigger. "Aren't you already struggling with your batting? And that's only at the high school level."

"Ughh." Noah groaned, distressed. "Maybe I should go to some kind of batting clinic during winter break if I keep struggling like this. I don't want to lose my varsity spot."

"You won't lose it." I assured him.

Zeke let us go after talking for a little bit longer. During lunch, I used my free time to look up the San Jose Giants minor league team, trying to find their roster. From there I used their first names and positions to get their last names. With their full names, I looked up more in-depth news and analyses. Unfortunately, with them being minor leaguers, there wasn't a lot I could read. Just their prospect ranking and stat numbers.

"Jake, where's your game at this afternoon?" Landon asked.

I looked up from my phone. "Both of my games are in the stadium."

"Damn. So lucky." Landon sighed. "I want to play in the stadium all the time. It really gives you the feeling that you've made it. You got that next level."

Ansar smirked. "You must have a small stadium at your high school."

"It can't even be called a stadium." Landon told him. "It only has one set of bleachers for each team's fans. My parents bring their own chairs and watch from the outfield."

Ansar laughed. "That's depressing. Do you even have lights for night games?"

"Yea, the mobile lighting that's only brought in after daylight savings. For the most part, we just practice in the afternoon." He told him.

Their conversation continued as we finished eating. I occasionally pitched in whenever someone had a question for me. Overall, these guys were very friendly and easy to get along with. It might have something to do with the fact that we only get to see each other for a week.

Rhys looked nervous when he met me outside the dorms when it was time for our game. We walked to the stadium in silence again.

I glanced up at him, noticing his discomfort. "Are you worried about me?"

Rhys chuckled and gave a small nod. "Just a little."

I gave him a half-smile. "It's okay. I'm okay. Last night was an eye opener. But, given a second chance, I think I could do a bit better."

"Really?" Rhys asked, stunned.

I nodded. "I spent my free time reading up on your friends. It's mostly theoretical knowledge, but I think it could make a little difference." I at least knew what kind of pitches they could throw and what range of speed they tend to hang out in.

Rhys looked relieved. "Too bad we can't do this again. At least, not any time soon." He looked around as we entered the stadium. "If you want, I can go up to the opposing coaches and ask them to put their best pitchers in when you're up."

I started to nod, but then shook my head. "Nah. Don't do that. I rather it be random. I don't want my teammates that bat at the same time, blame me for wanting a challenge. What if it makes them look bad?"

Rhys gave my head a pat. "You're so considerate."

"I do want to talk to Coach Nate about something else though. Relating to my at-bats for today." I looked up at him. "Will you stay with me?"

"Sure thing, kiddo." Rhys smiled.

We reached the dugout and split apart for a minute. I went to drop my bag off in the end of the dugout while Rhys went to ask if Coach Nate could talk to me for a second.

"Tell me what's on your mind." Coach Nate commanded as the three of us stood a good distance away from the rest of the team.

I pinched my fingers together to contain my nerves as I looked him in the eye. "I want to try to hit nothing but homeruns."

Coach Nate was shocked. He looked at me in disbelief. "You what?"

I shifted from foot to foot, scared for what he might say. "It's something I don't do often. I'm always playing it safe, aiming for gaps. I want to get better at it, and the only way is practice. I've done a lot of prepping: lifting, core stabilization, and my talent is already incomparable."

Rhys let out a short laugh. "Don't mind me."

"I think this is a good time for me to practice." I continued. "I would get to try it out against every new pitcher I see which is three or four a game."

Coach Nate looked me in the eyes. "Well kid, I can't stop you." My heart started to pound. "But if your results from today's two games are unsatisfactory, don't be surprised if I bench you tomorrow. I don't care if it's the last day of camp. This is about showcasing your skills so as long as you can do it, I'll be happy for you."

I smiled, relieved that he's not upset by my special request. "Thanks, Coach Nate. I won't come up empty-handed."

Coach Nate sent me back to the dugout to get ready for warmups. A few of the field players spared glances my way, but we weren't exactly on good terms.

"Jake!"

"Jake, we missed you last night!"

"Yea! Rhys too!"

"Where did you guys go?"

The group of pitchers for my team greeted me with smiles, all of them curious about where Rhys and I went last night.

"Private lesson." I told them.

"With Rhys? A pitcher?"

"Are you trying to learn how to pitch now too??"

I laughed and shook my head immediately. "No way. It was just batting practice against some really good pitchers."

"Better than me?" Nic asked.

I shrugged. "Yea."

Nic pretended to be offended. "How could you say that? Aren't we friends? We haven't even faced one another yet."