Coach Nate seemed to follow the pattern of taking the pitcher out after every inning. Regardless of how good or bad he was doing. The other team looked like they were doing something similar, alternating their pitchers so no one did too much.
In the third inning, I got up to bat again. With a player on second and two outs, I found a gap in the outfield. I didn't try for second, knowing that my legs were shaking and would definitely give out. It's okay though, I was satisfied with an RBI single. I thought with two hits and three RBI's, I would get swapped out, but it never came.
Coach Nate would use a pinch hitter for the pitcher every time it came up in the batting order. Then when it came to going back on the field, he would choose to either keep the player out or put him in for a position player. I thought he was basing it off if they got a hit at their at-bat or not, but that didn't seem to be the case. One kid got a hit, but wasn't put into play, while another also got a hit yet was given a chance to be on the field.
After my third hit of the game, I expected to be pulled in order to give someone else a chance, but it never came. It didn't come after the fourth hit either. I even had a throwing error on what should have been a groundout, but Coach Nate didn't say anything.
The game was the standard seven innings of high school ball, and I played all seven. The only player to do it on the team. I only knew this because one of my teammates had kept track. He mentioned it to the others and I had overheard.
Coach Nate kept us for a few minutes after the game. "Not bad. I'm happy to start off with a win." He nodded in my direction. "Jake led the team in hits and RBI's tonight."
"Yea, but he also got the most at-bats." Someone whispered, but had the intention to be heard.
I hung my head, feeling awkward. It's not like I wanted to play the full game either. My legs were tired and now I'm hungry again.
"He got the most at-bats because he was given a perfect score in the hitting categories." Coach Nate looked at the outspoken player. "If you have a problem with the way I run this team, then leave. I've done enough time to not be questioned by high school brats."
The team was silent.
"Sorry..." The same kid mumbled.
Coach Nate nodded. "I won't keep you boys long. Tonight, I got some much needed insight on how you boys play. It's not much, but it's better than the evaluation scores given to me. A piece of paper can't show your attitude to the game, or if you have the hustle and heart."
??
I didn't understand what he was looking for. But after a glance, I could see most of the team nodding and straightening their posture. I hurried to do the same.
"Alright." He gave a small smile. "It's late. Hit the showers, get some sleep, and make sure to eat breakfast in the morning. We'll meet up after lunch for some practice, maybe watch one of the other games depending on how practice goes. We'll have another night game tomorrow so maybe try to take a nap at some point to refresh yourselves."
He dismissed us.
I pretended to look for something in my bag, letting the others leave before me. I wasn't getting the vibe that the other guys liked me. I actually felt a little alienated. No one really spoke to me except for Kenny.
"Hey kid, didn't you hear the coach?" Rhys came over and asked me. "He said to get back and get some rest. What are you doing just hanging around here?"
I blushed and got up. I zipped up my bag and put the straps on my shoulders. "I'm done. Just..." My voice lowered. "Waiting."
Rhys reached over and tipped my hat up. "Hey, don't be sad. What's wrong?"
I glanced at the team that was leaving the field together. I shrugged. "I just thought...they would be happy with winning..?"
Rhys chuckled as we started our walk back to the dorms. "This camp isn't about winning. There's a bonus for winning, but it's about showing off your skills to these college coaches and scouts. Another biggie is: improving your own game."
I nodded. "I know." I've only been told like a hundred times. It doesn't make me feel better though.
"Don't worry about the guys." Rhys told me, putting his arm around my shoulders. "As long as they don't hurt you, they're just faces that will fade after the week."
True. I don't have to get along with these guys. They don't go to my school.
"Don't let their attitude and words get to you, Jake." Rhys talked the whole way back. "Focus on showing off your batting skills and improving on the other aspects of the game. It's better to see their attitude towards you now, rather than later. Understand?"
I glanced up at him. I knew exactly what he was saying. Him and Noah went through similar experiences: losing friends during baseball. Noah was shunned after making varsity while Rhys was forgotten after his injury.
"I think Kenny is nice." I slowly shifted the conversation. Kenny reached out to me even though he also had a quiet personality.
"He's rather shy." Rhys tried to remember which one was Kenny. "A bit too skinny."
We talked about Kenny and the game until reaching the dorms. Rhys had to meet up with the other coaching staff in the cafeteria to prepare for tomorrow so he left me on my own.
I hurried up the stair to the dorm I shared with Noah. I couldn't wait to see a face that was not just familiar, but also very welcoming.
I opened the door.
Noah sat up on his bed. "You're back!" He grinned. "How was it? Did you guys practice in the stadium?"
"We played a game!" I told him, dropping my bag in the corner of the room.
"What?! Really?" He sighed. "You're lucky. I had to do yoga in the cafeteria."
I gave him a funny look. "Yoga..?"
He laughed. "It's exactly what you're thinking! It was also rather hard. I'm not as flexible as I thought. But after taking a shower, I feel a lot better. Probably won't be so sore in the morning. How was the game? Did you win?"
Only Noah would be satisfied with doing yoga at a baseball camp. I held back a laugh. "We won."
"Great! How'd you do?"
I shrugged. "Four for four, a few RBI's."
Noah laughed, leaning against his headboard. "I'm sure your team was happy with your performance. Probably carried them to the win."
"Ha..." I tried to laugh, not letting him see that anything was wrong. "I'm going to shower..." It was getting late now.
"Okay, don't forget to take your pajamas with you." Noah reminded me.
I nodded, grabbing pjs and underwear.