The Hitting Zone



I slept better than I thought I would. Waking up wasn't any more difficult than a school day. Noah and I took our bags down to breakfast, knowing that we would stay overnight for this tryout. Dave, Mom, and Dad were already eating at a table when we joined them.

Mom immediately showed us her phone; a picture of Kyle and Marie dressed up was on it. "Isn't this adorable? I think I should have made you boys go to more school dances." She glanced at Dave. "I definitely should have made you go last night. You could have watched Zeke's game today instead."

Dave rolled his eyes and pointed at the phone. "Mom, I would look just like him. Without the girl. I'm fine with missing out on stuff like that."

"I saw a lot of the seniors and juniors post pics last night." Noah commented. "I'd probably go once just to say I've done it. It's like a supervised party."

Mom nodded. "Yea, it's a rite of passage for high schoolers. I think I sometimes get caught up in you boys playing baseball that I forget to make you try other experiences."

"Mom, this a different experience." Noah pointed out. "Not everyone lives the same high school life. NARPs wouldn't know what it's like to spend all their free time on a sport, trying to improve and get to the next level."

"NARP?" Mom raised an eyebrow.

I also looked to Noah, confused.

"Non-Athletic Regular Person." Noah spelled out.

"Sounds a little mean." Mom squinted at him, suspicious.

Noah shrugged. "It's not meant to be. It's just a statement of fact. NARPs have a lot more free time to live a typical high school life. It doesn't bother me. I like playing baseball and getting better." He gestured to Dave. "Dave won't have a normal college experience while playing baseball either."

"Dave-" Mom looked to him.

Dave laughed. "Mom, I'll do what I can and more importantly, what I want. It's more normal than Kyle who's going pro."

"Okay, okay." Dad cut in. "We get it. No one is living the same life, having the same experiences. We're happy that you boys have found a passion to follow, but don't let it overshadow trying something new." He gave a pointed look at Noah.

"If this somehow turns into me trying football, count me out." Noah got up. "I'm getting something to eat. Let's go Jake. We've got to fill up before this tryout. Who knows when and what lunch will be like."

I got up and followed him through the small buffet. "I don't think Dad was pressuring you to try football."

Noah glanced back at me. "Then you don't know him well enough. I can already tell Dad's interested in getting me to try something new."

"Well…you would be good at it." I said.

"Drop it. Still not interested." Noah left to go make his own waffle.

I filled my plate with eggs and bacon before going to sit down. Breakfast didn't last long as we had to leave soon to get to the camp by 8am. We showed up to a very busy parking lot with a lot of teenagers holding baseball bags and backpacks.

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "There's a lot of them. Even more than last time."

"Of course. These include players from all over the region." Noah said. He pointed at an open spot. "There, Dave."

Dave saw it and pulled in. We got out and grabbed our bags, following the crowd of male teens and their parents.

"This is well-organized." Dave commented as we lined up in the first row because of our last name that started with the letter A. "That team director guy is a real pro."

"He's gotta be to get this far." Noah commented. He scanned the crowd. "I see a lot of the same coaches from last time. Jake will probably be recognized up front."

I started to feel fluttering in my stomach, regretting eating so much at breakfast.

Coach Rob actually found us before we got to the front of the line. He shook hands with Mom and Dad. Then even Dave. Then me and Noah. He beamed with delight. "Glad you're here, Jake. We're really going to test the pitchers and catchers this weekend."

I slowly nodded, liking the idea of just hitting this weekend.

"You're still gonna have to do some fielding." Noah broke up my daydream.

Coach Rob laughed at me crestfallen face. "Don't worry, Jake. It won't be anything out of the ordinary. We'll keep you with the infielders for now, specifically with what you're comfortable with at second base."

I relaxed a little. "Okay." I can do that. I've played second base for two seasons now. It's what I know best, even if I wasn't the best at it.

"But most of your work this weekend will be at the plate." Coach Rob confirmed. "While most of the player here will be doing more standard tryout activities, we want you to take on the pitchers to start narrowing down who we want on the mound for us."

"Sounds like a tough job." Dave remarked.

"You think so?" Coach Rob asked. "I've seen a lot of Jake in action lately and don't think he's been outright beat at all."

Dave chuckled. "I meant, a tough job for you. How will you grade the pitchers if Jake's crushing every pitch? Not to brag about my little brother, but he can beat the best pitchers in high school so the age restriction for this team really gives him an advantage."

Coach Rob nodded. "Yes, it definitely won't be easy for us. Or for the pitchers. Honestly, we're looking more for guys that may stump Jake for just a pitch or two. We don't actually think anyone will strike him out, but if we can find some that can jam him or make him pop out, that's a good start."

"Doesn't sound like we'll be together much this weekend." Noah said to me. "You just focus on hitting and you'll be good."

I nodded.

"We'll make sure you guys are roommates and then there are mealtimes." Coach Rob overheard Noah. "When it comes to scrimmages, we'll try our best to get you two on the same team."

"Nah. He'll be fine without me." Noah said. Surprising Coach Rob and myself. Noah patted my shoulder. "Just like the Stanford camp. We'll be close enough that you can find me in a minute."

"Yea…that's true." I slowly nodded my consent. We've done a lot of baseball together even if we weren't on the same team. Noah will always be nearby.

"I'm going to hang around too, Jake." Dave said. "You can find me in the stands, watching."

"You're not going to Zeke's game?" I asked.

Dave shrugged. "It's not until the evening. The losers from yesterday play this afternoon and then the winners play the night game. By the time that happens, you'll be having dinner with Noah." He looked to Mom and Dad. "You guys can take the car if you want. Do some shopping or whatever."

"I think we'll be a couple of spectators too." Dad smiled. "It's not every day that we have two boys trying out for the regional team."

"Great." Coach Rob clapped his hands. "We're happy to have you." He grinned at me. "This weekend will be fun, Jake. Trust me."

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