Kenny gave me a light pat on the shoulder. "Okay, don't stress. I understand."
"You understand that I don't know what you mean?" I clarified.
Kenny cracked a smile. "It's okay. It's not anything huge. You just have to backup the play, alright? Similar to the infield, you've got to move every time the ball is put into play." We stopped briefly in the outfield. "As a right fielder you should back up the first baseman whenever he's receiving throws from the catcher or pitcher. It's not common but be aware in case they try any bunts. You also backup the second baseman when he's receiving throws from the shortstop or third baseman."
"When you say backup the play...like how?" I squinted up at him.
Kenny blinked. "Just jog in casually for now. If the ball gets by either of those position players, then it's an error on the infield so don't panic. Just get the ball back into the infield."
I nodded. Right. Okay. I can do that.
Kenny gave me another pat on the shoulder before jogging to his position in left.
I started to run to right. The player in foul territory threw me the ball as I was jogging, catching me by surprise. I made the catch and looked at the ball in my glove. That could be considered as a line drive or even a short fly ball. I threw the ball back to him. We played catch until it was time for the game to resume.
Coach Nate had replaced Gavin with Derek. That was only because he had subbed a pinch hitter for him when it was his turn to bat in the last half inning. So I don't think he'll be allowing any of the pitchers to hit.
The top of the third, Derek on the mound. I looked towards Kenny and the center fielder, estimating where I should stand too. The first batter up smack a solid line drive to left field. Kenny played it on the hop and threw the ball back in quickly, keeping the runner to a single.
I let out a breath of air I didn't know I was holding. Wow. Okay. That's right...when the ball gets to the outfield, it can be a hit. There's no need to panic. Just get the ball back into the infield as soon as possible. I could do this.
The next batter struck out, opening up a possibility of a double play to end the inning. That would be best. Because it would have to be an infield hit for that to happen. That's not too much to ask right?
The third batter worked the count, earning a walk. He went to first and pushed the other runner to second. The fourth batter swung and connected on the first pitch, sending it straight to center. I watched as the center fielder sprinted to the warning track, made the catch, and then hurried to send the ball back. The runner on second was able to tag up and make it to third. The runner on first stayed.
The next batter was the one to fulfill my hope of hitting into a double play, moving us to the bottom of the third. We jogged back to our dugout. I met up with Kenny at our bags and we both got ready for our at-bats. He was leading us off this inning and I was right behind him.
Kenny wasn't able to get on like before. He hit a grounder to the shortstop who fielded the ball cleanly. I came up with no runners on and one out. Plus, it was a new pitcher.
This pitcher wasn't as tall as normal pitchers. In fact, I think he was the same height as Noah, probably a few inches under six feet. He threw a curve that landed outside the zone for ball one. Then another curve that landed in the zone to even up the count. It was curve after curve. He didn't stop. My lips twitched as I fought off a smile.
He was too scared to throw me a fastball. Guess I'll have to improvise if I still want to hit a homerun. All of his curves are landing low and away. So I tried to delay my swing just a little bit, before making contact. With the very end of my bat, I blasted the ball to right field, heading for the wall.
I took off running, watching as the right fielder tracked it back. He put a hand on the wall, paused, then jumped with his glove hand in the air. He came down holding the baseball, robbing me of a homerun.
I slowed up to a stop. Sighed. Then headed back, picking up my bat on the way.
"Tough break." Kenny said as I sat down.
I put my helmet away and checked my bat for any cracks or chips. Seeing that it was still okay, I put it away as well. "It's okay. It was my first time trying to hit an opposite field homerun."
"First time? You were actually aiming for that?" Kenny asked, amazed.
I gave a nod. Then shrugged. "I'm good at placing my hits." I paused for a second. "At least...most of the time."
Kenny hummed. "I could tell. You're different from the rest of us."
I looked up at him, worried. "Different?"
Kenny gave a nod. "Your confidence at the plate is unparalleled. It's almost like it's not a question whether you'll get a hit, but where and what kind of hit."
"I didn't get a hit just now..." I mumbled.
"Didn't you just say that it was your first try?" Kenny laughed at me. "If you succeed every time you try something new, then how do you feel a sense of accomplishment?"
"Oh, I get it." I nodded. "Like how I feel when I'm fielding and learn something new after practicing."
Kenny laughed. "How did you become such a lopsided player? Extremely great at hitting, but then a noob at fielding? Does your league for high school allow for designated hitters?"
I shook my head. "No...I wish..." I spared a minute to dream about it. I would get to hit in the games, yet not have the stress of giving up hits or runs to the opposing team. "I only got to play in the batting cages growing up." I quickly gave him a rundown of my baseball experience, finishing it just as the inning ended.
Kenny grabbed his glove. "Well, fielding has its merits too. I think it's fun. The feeling you get after chasing a short fly ball and making a diving catch." We walked out onto the field together. "Robbing homers is pretty cool too."
"Diving in the dirt is not my definition of fun." I rolled my eyes.
"The outfield is 99% grass." Kenny said to me. "Why don't you make the switch to be an outfielder?" He parted away, heading to left field.
I slowly jogged to right field, looking at the spot where my homerun was robbed from me. I could see that guy's cleat markings in the dirt of the warning track. I bet it must have been a great feeling for him. I checked the wall. Way taller than me. I'd be too short to steal a homerun.
But...I thought Kenny's suggestion was interesting. Make the switch to the outfield from the infield. It's not like I'm particularly great at one or the other. Just barely getting by, relying on my offensive power to keep me in the lineup. My lips twisted as I thought it over.
It's not like playing in the dirt of the infield was a dealbreaker for me. I just don't like the idea of intentionally falling anywhere. Grass would hardly be considered better. I also like playing with Noah right by my side. Someone I can look to for help and can rely on when I make a mistake.
I looked at the ground I would have to cover in the outfield and it makes my anxiety skyrocket.
I had another lucky inning of not having a ball come my way. I did follow Kenny's suggestion about backing up plays though and jogged in whenever I had to.
When it was our turn to bat again, Kenny and I sat together, talking about playing outfield after I told him how I felt lucky for no hits coming my way.
"Most batters pull to the side they're hitting on." Kenny explained. "It's a general rule of thumb that right handed batters will pull the ball to left field. That's why left field has to be good at fielding, while right field can be a little lacking." He turned red. "Not that I think you're bad."
I shrugged. "It is what it is."
He continued. "But! Right fielders are known for having strong arms. That way they can make the throw to third in case you need to throw out a runner."
I paled. "I have to throw to third??"