The Hitting Zone

Chapter 1151 V3 ch385

We spent most of the time with Jeremy talking about our regional tryout, and a little bit about Dave going off to college. He couldn't relate to Dave preparing to going off to college because he chose to enter the draft. He could give more advice on that especially looking back now where he had made some mistakes.

"So Kyle's all ready to go?" Jeremy had asked.

"The only one he can't seem to part with is his girlfriend." Noah rolled his eyes.

"It's not like he's packed up." I told him. "We still have a couple more weeks of school."

"Yea, we have finals, Senior activities, prom, graduation." Dave explained. "But mentally, he's ready. I wouldn't be surprised if he left the weekend after graduation."

"That's exactly what I had to do." Jeremy said. "Which I didn't mind in the moment. I was ready to hit the road with my car packed and a destination to anywhere. It's exciting and scary at the same time. But you know, I regret not doing a lot of the senior stuff with my friends. Don't pass it up."

"I won't." Dave replied. "Well, with the exception of prom. Dances just aren't for me. I wouldn't even know who to ask. Besides, Zeke didn't go to prom. He doesn't seem to regret it."

Jeremy laughed. "He's only a year out of high school. Just treat prom like a party instead of a dance. Go out with your friends and have some fun before splitting ways. It gets harder and harder to have reunions as the years go by."

Noah laughed. "You're only seven years older than us. I think you're just more sentimental. Zeke probably couldn't care less." He looked to me. "How do you feel about dances, Jake?"

"I've never danced a day in my life." I said honestly.

"You know, if Prom wasn't restricted to juniors and seniors, I would probably make us go with the twins just to give you the experience." Noah told me. "Maybe something for us to do next year."

"Would you two take Kaylee and Alisha as dates?" Dave pondered.

"As a friend group." Noah corrected. "But Kaylee wouldn't be here next year."

"Kaylee is having a rough year." I told Jeremy. "She's moving to Southern California and now her arm is busted up. Dr. Shanfield still wants her to do another surgery, but like his way, to help her recover."

Jeremy was interested. "Did she say what kind of surgery?"

I thought about it, but didn't recall a specific name. "Something about wires or pins to help things align right."

He nodded. "It's a difficult situation. Not something as straightforward as Maberry breaking his kneecap and being out a few weeks. She'll have to pay attention to her physical therapy after the surgery and healing is all done."

"You know any good doctors down south too?" Noah asked.

Jeremy shook his head. "I know of some, but none that I would outright recommend. They aren't as personable and caring as Dr. Shanfield."

"I believe she's stuck here until her parents get the green light from the doctor." Dave pointed out. "Like she's supposed to get the metal taken out afterwards, right?"

"Sounds right to me." Noah said.

"It's not an absolute necessity to have the same surgeon, but I would prefer it." Jeremy said.

I pulled out my phone. "I'm going to ask to see what her parents plan to do. It'd be nice to invite her to some games before she has to leave." I glanced at Jeremy. "If that's okay?"

"Of course!" Jeremy patted my back. "As long as you guys give me sufficient notice, I can arrange it all. No matter how many seats."

"I'll be taking advantage all summer." Dave smirked. "Kyle might get to play for some shitty minor league team, but I'll get to watch the pros in action. It can be considered a form of training."

Noah laughed. "Yea, same. Training."

Jeremy grinned. "You're more than welcome to come into town and stay with Rose and I. We have converted the garage into a home gym for my workouts. Noah and Jake have done some work with me last summer."

"I couldn't do anything back then." I sighed at the thought.

"Better not slack off or you'll revert back." Noah stuck his tongue out at me.

"I know, I know. I just wanted to sleep in today."

"You always want to sleep in." He laughed.

"Then let's start working out after lunch?" I sounded hopeful.

"When would you get to go to the cages then?" Noah shot me down. "Don't worry, we don't have to wake up at dawn like last summer. No summer school to worry about."

"We do have summer school." Dave threw his arm around my shoulders. "We're taking college algebra together."

"It's online. It doesn't count." Noah rolled his eyes.

"We still have to set time aside to watch the lessons and do the classwork, then submit homework too." Dave argued. "That's valuable time out of the day."

I started to nod.

Noah gave me a pointed look. "Don't act like what he's saying is making sense. It's not like you're going to wake up early to do that work. Don't worry, you'll get to sleep in longer than you do now. Then we'll do our run and workout. Have a good lunch. You guys do your class stuff. Then cages. Then be home in time for dinner."

Dave and I slowly nodded. That sounded like the easiest kind of setup.

"It can be similar when you guys stay with me too." Jeremy offered. "Though dinner would have to be at the ballpark and I can't promise that it'll be healthy."

"There are plenty of healthy options." Rose lightly slapped him on the arm. She looked at us. "Those waiters have access to salads and some healthier alternatives than hotdogs. I can also bring in healthier drinks like orange juice or you can have water."

Noah's lips twitched. "Thanks for letting us know."

I grinned. I just knew he wasn't actually going to use the information. We normally ate a healthy diet especially when Mom was in charge. Any chance she wasn't in charge of what we were eating, Noah would capitalize on all the good stuff.

We hung out for a while longer, talking and catching up before it was time for us to head back. Dad and Mom didn't want Dave to drive us back in the dark so leaving in the evening we still made it home in time for dinner with the other half of the family waiting on us. Having a smoothie after all the stadium food, the three of us kept it light and were the first to be excused.

.cοm After dinner, we all took turns showering and getting ready for tomorrow. Doing last minute homework or cleaning out our backpacks.

This week was a light one…no practices or games. Yet, Coach did send out a text during classes Monday morning, asking everyone to stop by his office after school for a short chat. Noah and I of course knew what it was about. Rose worked fast.

After school, his little office was crowded with our roster of 20+. I stayed closest to the open door, liking an exit next to me. Coach explained to the team that we were, once again, invited to go to the A's stadium to be recognized for our championship win and would get to go on the field during pregame ceremonies.

A few eyes glanced at me. Those who had been there last year. I cleared my throat. "Um." I couldn't find the words.

But Noah could. "Here's the deal you guys, Jake's brother is only willing to let us on the field for batting practice and meeting players again if Jake is there. We're busy with going to Zeke's games this weekend, so we're only gonna go if you all can do Sunday."

Everyone looked around, casually saying:

"Sunday works for me."

"Yea, I would prefer to meet some players again like last year."

"I've got no plans for a Sunday afternoon game."

"Right, that works."

"If anyone has an issue, please speak up." Garret said, looking around the room. No one said anything and he grinned and looked to me. "Alright, Jake. The team has decided. Please hook us up." He put his hands together in prayer.

I laughed. "As soon as Coach calls them back, they'll know. We'll have to be there at the earliest when that first gate opens."

"Are families welcomed to come too?" Logan asked, raising his hand. "Like onto the field beforehand?"

I nodded. "I think so. That's what we did last year." I glanced at Coach.

"I'll get all the details when I call them back with our decision to go on Sunday and then I'll send out a mass text so everyone knows what's going on. If anyone needs a ride, let your captain know and we'll get it arranged." He grinned. "See you boys again on Sunday."

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