"With Jake here, trying out, we're going to switch things up a bit . " The coach announced . "Whoever wants to pitch against him will go warm up in the bullpen . " The twins were the first ones to start moving . "Everyone else will do fielding drills in the outfield with Coach Luis . " He clapped a few times . "Get going . "
The team started to disperse . Five guys, including the twins, went to the bullpen on the side . Zeke stayed with the head coach, and an older man took the rest of the teens to the edge of the outfield .
I tugged Noah's sleeve and pointed at the team . Them being in the outfield wouldn't be safe if I was hitting .
Noah looked at them, then back at me . "Uh, what about them? Did you want me to leave you stranded with Zeke?" He saw my frown . "Okay . If that's not it, then what?"
I moved closer and coughed before spitting out . "Unsafe . "
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"Ohhhh . " He brightened up . "Right . Right . It is unsafe for them if we don't have people fielding . " He dragged me closer to Zeke and coach . "Coach, Captain, we have cant put our team at risk . I think it would be best if you put an outfielder in front of them to watch out for balls in play . "
Coach laughed . "I don't think it's necessary . Between your brothers and Garret who also went to warm up, it's going to be difficult to get the ball out that far . At most, a grounder may dribble over to them . "
I frowned and turned to Zeke . He blinked in surprise . I crossed my arms over my chest . I didn't want to be responsible if someone got hurt . After being in danger all my life, I don't want to put someone else in a bad position .
"I think he's saying he'll tell mom you aren't playing very safely . " Noah translated . "Usually you're a stickler for the rules . What would mom think of your irresponsible actions?"
Zeke sighed . He turned to his teammates . "Assign someone to watch for fly balls . They'll get to work on their fielding during sprints . " Suddenly the guys started to volunteer .
I nodded . Satisfied that no one will get hurt, i have a thumbs up .
The coach chuckled . "You really have confidence to beat on my pitchers?"
I shook my head no and pointed at Noah . I believed him . If he thinks I can do it, then I won't let him down .
Noah smiled broadly . "Yep, yep . Jake is amazing at hitting . " He started to walk to the dugout . "Let's get a helmet on you and grab your bat . You should start taking practice swings . No doubt, those guys will try and come out fast . " I followed along .
Once we were in the dugout, Noah put his helmet on me . Then he pulled my wooden bat out and handed it over . "Will you need gloves?"
"Nah . " I whispered, clutching my bat and made sure it was smooth . No splinters . We walked to home plate and he watched as I swung the bat around .
"You don't look like you're putting in a whole lot of effort . " He said .
I moved my shoulders up and down, then took my stance . I pretended I was swinging at a 100 mph pitch . The whoosh of the bat felt loud between our silence .
"Okay, I take it back . " Noah conceded . "You know best . "
I gave a slight nod . I knew my routine best . Everyone is different; what matters most is what felt right for you .
"Here they come . " Noah looked towards the bullpen . I looked as well, trying to size them up . "I've already told you about the twins . The one that's slightly taller than them, but just as lanky, is Garret . " He pointed out . The three pitchers walked in front of two guys, who were in catchers gear . "Kelvin is the catcher on the left . Jordan on the right . Jordan is a senior and he really only catches for Garret . Normally he plays third . Kelvin is also a senior, and he catches for everyone else . " Noah gave me a rundown as quick as he could before they approached us .
The only thing I really felt that stood out, was that they were all tall . It seemed to be a requirement to be a ball player . I gave the side-eye to Noah . He was short compared to the team, but still had six inches on me .
Noah caught me looking at him . "What's up? Getting cold feet?"
I rested my bat on my shoulder to signify that I wanted to hit .
"Great!" His smile never disappeared .
Chapter end
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