The Hitting Zone

Chapter 81 Game One: Villa Park 1

The ceremony was boring and painless. Nothing like what I expected. Our names weren’t called out and not to much was said. We just stood for the national anthem and they announced which teams would play on what fields for the early set of games. There was also talk about having good sportsmanship and to respect your opponent but I could hear Dave halfway down the line, scoffing.

Finally we all left the field in our lines with the first seed leading the way. Then the second. Then us. Then so forth. Apparently the four seeded teams got to play earlier so they have more time between games. Advantage of being on a good team I guess.

We went back to our bags and carried them to our respective field and dugout. As the seeded team we got to choose which side, and coach chose the third base side. If there was a reason for it, no one told me.

The other team, Villa Park showed up right after and took the other dugout. Both teams pitchers and catchers went to the bullpens next to the dugouts on each side. I guess we didn’t warm up the same way we do for practice, on game days.

I followed Noah obediently through the motions. As we were the home team, we got to start with batting practice. I happily grabbed my bat and helmet, but when I turned to face the cage they had going, I ran into Zeke. I stumbled back and tried not to draw attention to myself.

Zeke stared me down. "Only practice bunts and fouls for now. I spoke with the coaches and explained to them your special talent. Coach Wilcox will let me send the signs when you’re up to bat. So make sure to look at the dugout before every pitch. Since there isn’t a specific foul signal, it’ll be me rubbing my nose. Got it?"

I sighed and gave a sad nod. I knew I wouldn’t get to hit right away, but it’s depressing that I don’t even get to take normal practice swings like everyone else.

Zeke walked away and Noah quickly took his place. "It must be nice to be so good at batting, that even Zeke wants you to toy with other pitchers."

I raised an eyebrow.

Noah tilted his head and moved his eyes to the side. "The other team has some players watching. Probably their substitutes trying to get some last minute info on us. Put on a good show!" He winked.

I slowly turned and caught sight of what he was talking about. Most of the Villa Park team was doing their own set of warmups, but four of them had eyes on us. I shivered and quickly turned away. I almost went and did batting practice like I normally do. That would have ruined Zeke’s plan right away. That was a close one.

I took a deep breath and followed through with what Zeke asked of me. When it was my turn, I focused on bunting. When I would take full swings, I made to foul them back, hopefully leaving the impression that my swing is too slow.

After the whole team, besides the battery, got to practice swinging, we switched with the other team. Zeke led us through our normal dynamic stretches and then we did some light tossing. Then the starters took their positions on the field and Coach had a player hit some random balls so we could get game ready. Just like situationals. Except now we’re really preparing for the real thing. How nerve wracking.

"Relax! Relax!" Noah shouted at me as I fumbled an easy grounder. "Just like practice Jake!"

I eased up and focused on making accurate throws to the respective bases that coach called out.

I notice a couple of umpires meeting at home plate and called for the coaches to give their lineups. Our coach left us and met with the other head coach and the umpires.

Zeke jogged it in with the other outfielders and motioned for us to head to the dugout. "Make sure your bat and helmet are in the proper spot. We’ll be taking the field first so keep your gloves on and properly tuck in your jerseys." He announced to the team, and sent Noah a look during the last part.

Noah sheepishly re-tucked In his jersey and brushed some dirt off him.

"Jake?" A teen with dark skin and dark eyes and hair, came up to me with a slow pace. I looked at him curiously; he was looking strange as he looked to be in slow motion.

"What are you doing Tony?" Noah laughed.

The guy stopped and scratched his stubble. "I didn’t want to scare off Bambi so I went with the slow and steady approach." Our nearby teammates that heard, started to laugh. I felt my face heat up, but tried not to react.

Noah waved him over. "Jake’s fine with me next to him. No need to be wary of anything when I got his back. What’s up?"

Tony got close and gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Still don’t know how to not scare you. I just wanted to make sure that you know I’m your right fielder. I’ll be right behind you."

I nodded. I recognized Antonio. We’ve been practicing together for a while now, but I didn’t know he went by Tony.

He patted my shoulder, "I just wanted to make sure that you don’t worry about any grounders that get past you. Don’t freeze up. Zeke or I will get to it and immediately send it back to the infield so don’t get down on yourself. Just cover the appropriate base." I nodded. "As for pop fly’s, I know we didn’t get to practice them very much, but if I call for it then stay out of the way. You don’t talk and you’re still a fielding newbie so it wouldn’t make sense for you to call for priority. Rely on me. I’ve got your back."

My heart warmed at his words. What good advice. I’m glad he came up to be beforehand, otherwise I’m sure I would have made an error somewhere. And an error means laps.