The Hitting Zone

We watched the rest of Noah's game with the twins doing commentary. They talked about all the batters we got to see in action, either remarking that they could get them out or if it would be difficult. Noah did well in the two at-bats we got to see. He also stole bases every chance he could, stretching his singles out. That's not to say Brian did poorly. He held his ground and definitely sped up the game by getting some outs. His only problematic opponents were Noah and Korrey.

Bryce didn't have it easy either, facing Joey and Michael from the JV team. He only gave up one run though so he could still feel accomplished in my mind. His lifting this past summer really put some power behind his pitches. I kind of wanted a chance to face him if I could find the time.

But by the time the game ended, it was already five in the evening. We had to get home and shower before dinner. In the car, on the way home, Noah gave us a better idea of what had happened in the game earlier. The coaches had went with the younger pitchers, but none of them had done well. Even after a couple of pitching changes, it didn't calm down until Bryce and Brian took over.

"It doesn't look good for the freshmen team this year." Noah sighed. "They have to get some power hitters to keep up with all the runs they're going to give up."

"They have Andy." I pointed out.

"Hmm. I think Andy could make the JV team." Noah said.

"Freshmen on the JV team is just a waste." Kyle said. "You take up space when you can just be on the freshmen team."

"You were on the JV team as a freshman." Noah pointed out.

"That's why I have some reasoning." Kyle shot back. "Just think. Two freshmen like us were on the JV team. For what reason? To face better opponents? You get the same opportunity to practice your pitching against other freshmen. All you're doing is taking away two game day spots on a roster. That's a spot that could be used for a senior who didn't make the varsity team."

Kyle was on some kind of rant and I couldn't tell why he felt so strongly about this. It's not like he's going to be cut. Plus...I cleared my throat to speak up. "Coach said...during the midseason tryouts, that high school baseball is cutthroat. Not everyone gets to make it."

Kyle got quiet.

"Yea, you're not the coach, Kyle." Noah spoke up, continuing on for me. "If Coach thinks that some freshmen should make the JV team, then that's up to him. He has to think about the future of the program at all times."

Kyle sighed. "I guess I get it. I just feel bad for the guys who might be cut because there aren't enough roster spots."

"That's on them." Dave said. He parked in the driveway of our home. "They have to give Coach a reason not to cut them. Coach is fair. Just look at Alex. He was cut as a freshman. A freshman! Coach still gave him a chance the following year. You have to work hard for what you want."

"Just look at us." Noah unbuckled his seatbelt. "Which one of us haven't worked hard."

I nodded. I may be lacking in my defensive plays, but there's no denying that I didn't work hard in my hitting. I went to the batting cages every day for years.

The conversation died as we walked into the house with our bags.

Mom came out of the office and greeted us with a smile. "You boys are late today. How was camp?"

"Noah's game took soooo long." Dave complained. "As for camp, I didn't get to pitch in the game at all. So boring. I want the season to start."

Kyle shrugged. "I don't mind the extra practice. I'm still trying to get used to my new style. Hey Mom, you think I have enough time to throw some more pitches in the backyard?"

"Only if Dave showers before you." She said. "I ordered Chinese for dinner. Should be here within the hour."

"Score!" Kyle patted Dave on the back. "Let me know when you're done."

"Sure." Dave answered.

Kyle took his bag to the backyard, closing the door behind him.

Dave headed for the stairs. "I'll go shower."

"Where's Zeke?" Noah asked his mom.

"He and your dad went to do some shopping." She said with a sad smile.

"Shopping?" Noah questioned, confused. "For what?"

"For some college dorm items." She answered. Her being sad made more sense. Her oldest son was getting ready to leave.

"When is he going to leave..?" I asked, thinking about Sean asking me earlier.

Mom replied. "I'm not sure anymore. We had a date planned out, but Zeke has the final say."

"Maybe he's trying to go at the same time as Rhys?" Noah offered. "They're rooming together after all."

"Yea, they'll have to talk it over." Mom said with a frown. "It'd be nice if they did it on a Sunday. There would be no traffic."

"Or we could just stay the night in a hotel." Noah suggested. He started bouncing. "We don't have school next week, so if they move in then, we could go help and stay, maybe even go to an A's game."

"Aren't you already going to an A's game on Saturday?" She asked, frowning. "I don't want you guys taking advantage of Jeremy so much. This is him at work."

"He doesn't seem to mind." Noah shrugged then looked to me.

I shrugged too.

"Let's wait for Zeke to come up with a plan first. Then see where we stand." She sighed. "Well, make sure you shower before dinner. I don't want to smell either of you at the table."

"Sure."

"Okay."

We headed upstairs and dropped our bags in the room.

"I'll go first." Noah said, getting some clean clothes out of his dresser.

I nodded. I pulled out my phone and checked it for messages. I surprisingly had one. From Jeremy. It was a simple message letting me know that he had made an appointment with Dr. Moore and would be able to pick me up straight from camp.

I replied hesitantly, unsure if picking me up from school was such a good idea. The players would recognize him. Plus, shouldn't I shower before dinner?

I waited for a reply that didn't come.

Noah came back after his shower, still dripping with water. Once I told him about Jeremy coming, he shared my same worries that he would be recognized. He also let me know that Jeremy probably wouldn't be able to reply until after his game.

I felt kind of dumb that I had forgotten to check his schedule. How thoughtless of me.

"Here." Noah took my phone away and then added a baseball app. "Whenever you click this, it will show you the latest news about the A's. Including Jeremy. And when games are going on, it will show a mini scoreboard like this." He set it all up and showed me the basics.