The Hitting Zone

I've seen Mr. Johnson only a handful of times in my short time with the Atkins family. He wasn't like any dad I knew. Not kind and vocally supportive like mine. Or stiff and strict like Kaylee's. Or outgoing and friendly like Alisha's. He was very…calm.

He had shook hands with all of us when we met up outside the stadium for the first game of the short series. He congratulated me, Noah, and Dave on winning this season again and asked a little more about our summer plans. Noah took over, telling him all about the regional team tryouts and where we stood.

"Congrats on making the team." Mr. Johnson told me as we stood in line to get into the stadium.

I slowly nodded.

"They're lucky to have you." He continued, hands in his jacket pockets. "I know Noah said you're going to play even if he doesn't make it, but don't force yourself."
Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

I was taken aback. I looked up at him.

"They want you. They need you. I'm sure you can get an inside track to representing the country if you decide."

Mrs. Johnson elbowed her husband. "You know Mary and Wayne want to foster some independence in their boys. Don't encourage him to stay home if Noah doesn't make the team."

"No, it's okay. I like getting different perspectives, especially when he has seen the highest level of the game." Dad spoke up.

"Not everyone who represents their region, makes it to the pros. Not all pros played at such a high level as a teen." Mr. Johnson explained. "Zeke, Rhys, and even Kyle have shown you the different paths you take to grow as a player. Don't force yourself to be uncomfortable when you're already stressed. It can backfire."

"I think you can have a little more confidence in me making the team." Noah said, a little grumpy.

Mr. Johnson gave a small smile. "I think you'll be fine with or without it."

We made our way to our seats, taking up two half rows. Grampa, Dad, Mom, and Mrs. Johnson sat behind me, Noah, Dave, and Mr. Johnson. I thought Grampa would sit with us kids but realized that Dave purposely asked Mr. Johnson to sit next to him so he could ask for some pitching advice. It wasn't just limited to pitching either. Mr. Johnson broke down almost every play, good or bad, Stanford or Arkansas. What he liked, what he didn't. This was professional insight by a professional coach.

I probably would have enjoyed it more if Stanford wasn't on the losing end for most of the game. Rhys didn't start, and the guy who did wasn't bad either. But he couldn't last long. After five innings, and them losing 1-3, Coach Leroy came out to replace him with a new pitcher. It didn't get any better, they lost game one 1-4 to Arkansas.

Game two, we kept the same seats. Unsurprisingly, Rhys got his start. Even as a freshman, we could see how much the team has come to rely on him. In a game where their backs were against the wall, they sent him out.

His father didn't pick on him or give him undeserved compliments. He kept the same tone and attitude as yesterday, talking to us about what to watch out for as batters against pitchers like Rhys. He shared with Dave the amount of effort and work Rhys had put in after his rehab for his elbow. How he trained differently than before and learned to make adjustments as time progressed.

"He has come a long way." He said. He glanced at Noah. "Going to Stanford with Zeke was the best thing for him. I have no doubt that he'll be ready to go pro after his sophomore season."

"It was better than his idea of community college." Noah snorted.

"There's nothing wrong with community college." Mom leaned forward to give Noah a pat on the head.

"Takes a different kind of mentality to do so." Mr. Johnson added. "It's a good stepping stone depending on your level. And if you're comfortable with being a commuter. You have to manage your free time way more efficiently."

"I rather take on the minors." Noah rolled his eyes. "All baseball. No added school. That's a real waste of time." He held the back of his head. "Not saying education isn't important, Mom."

"I never thought I would be the only college graduate among us." Dave said thoughtfully. "This should put me in the favorite kid spot."

"Is this a bad time to tell you that Zeke plans to graduate within these two years?" Dad stage-whispered.

"What a show-off." Dave rolled his eyes. "He just likes to add so much pressure on himself."

"Do you know what you would even major in?" Noah asked.

"I'll decide after my first year. Maybe I'll want to leave after two years as well." Dave shrugged. "Depends on how things go."

"I wish Rhys would consider getting a degree." His mom sighed. "He's just taking the bare minimum to qualify as a full-time student so he can play baseball. Even his first semester."

"He can always go back and finish it later." Noah shrugged. "That's what I would do."

"How reassuring." Mom said sarcastically.

Luckily Rhys took the mound once more and distracted the moms from the talk of colleges and degrees. He put on a decent showing, earning a lot of strikeouts, but the hits still came too. Fortunately, the offensive guys showed up. Brady and Zeke went back to back to giving some run support to Rhys as he went deep into the game; only getting pulled after 8 very long innings.

"I bet he wanted to close it out." Noah muttered.

"He was at his limit." Mr. Johnson said flatly.

Stanford kept the lead 5-3 to seal Rhys's win. Game three on a Monday night to decide the final winner. We didn't hear from Rhys and Zeke that night despite sending them a few texts in a group chat. They did send us replies in the morning, letting us know that of course they were going to win it all.

I felt nervous for them. More than anything this week. They were just one step away. Don't lose now.

A senior was designated the starter, a late round pick bound for the rookie level right after this, according to Dave. He would also be going to the Arizona Complex League. Could be even seeing Kyle's team soon. He was on fire today, striking out every other batter. He got tired quick and retired after five innings, but the bullpen held it down and the offense boosted them up, winning 5-0. Rhys charged from the dugout and Zeke sprinted in from left field. Their whole team celebrated in the infield, throwing their hats and gloves high into the air.

Noah let out a puff of air and relaxed into his seat as a lot of other spectators were celebrating or leaving the stadium in a hurry.

I glanced at him. "You tired?" Thinking that was the only reason he wasn't jumping and yelling like a few others.

He smiled. "Nah. Relieved more than anything. They won like they're supposed to."

"I want to be here next year." Dave said, hearing our small talk. He stretched his arms. "I feel like I can compete with those guys right now."

Noah got up and patted him on the shoulder. "Good luck."