Sunday, Noah convinced Zeke to join us at the park to help with our fielding. After taking turns fielding the ball that Zeke would hit our way, Noah told me we should try some barehanded plays.
"Think about it, Jake." Noah explained. "If the runner has a good lead off first base, we'll have to be even faster. Take the glove out of the equation and that'll save us some time."
I glanced at Zeke, unconvinced.
Zeke scrunched up his nose for a quick second. "It's not a bad idea, but it's a little too late. We can't risk any injury so close to game time." He looked down at Noah. "You know how easy it is to sprain or jam a finger on those kind of plays. Especially if we do it repetitively. Keep it simple. There's no need to push it for double plays." He shifted his gaze to me. "If you're scared that there'll be a collision, just get the first out and then move out of the way."
We both nodded at Zeke's instructions.
"I know you think tomorrow's game is important." Zeke said towards Noah. "But, there's an even bigger picture."
Noah perked up. "CIF playoffs?!?"
Zeke shared a small smile and a slight nod.
The rest of the afternoon, Noah moved around like an energetic bunny. Nothing could calm him down. Anything that Zeke would hit his way, Noah would chase down. Even if it was overshot, Noah chased the ball down to the outfield and would make a dive at it.
I tried to share in his excitement....really. It's just, I don't think I shared the same amount of love Noah had for baseball. Less love equals less excitement.
I didn't let that get me down though. I had to work just as hard, if not harder, to keep up with Noah. Even if I didn't find baseball 'fun', I still didn't want to let the team down. Let the Atkins down. Let Noah down. Like Coach said before, ask what you can do for the team. What can I do? I can practice my fielding. I can show off my batting skills in the game.
***
1 SS Noah Atkins
2 2B Jake Hollander
3 LF Garret Knudsen
4 CF Zeke Atkins
5 1B Julian Wilson
6 RF Mahki Holstrom
7 3B Jason Morris
8 C Alex Farrell
9 P Kyle Atkins
Coach announced the lineup on our way to Servite High School. He stared at us for a minute, looking around the silent bus. "This is it boys. Last game of the regular season. If you want to play more, you have to win. That's all there is to it."
The atmosphere was solemn.
Coach grinned. "No need to be so scared. You boys have had an amazing season. You all have improved and come this far. So why not push it further?"
"Let's win!" Noah hollered, standing up.
"Yea!"
"Of course!"
"We don't need you to tell us that!"
"Yea! Sit down freshmeat!"
"So rude." Noah huffed, sitting back in his seat.
Coach nodded. "That's the kind of enthusiasm I want to see out there today. Don't worry about anything else but this game." He looked around. "I'll be using the bullpen as much as I have to. The next game won't exist unless we win this one."
"I can do this!" Kyle flexed his arm from his seat. "You guys can rely on me!"
"We can't even rely on you to watch a game." Garret snorted.
"Much less play one." Dave agreed.
"Watch from the bench." Kyle smirked.
"I'll be playing in left." Garret remarked. "Best not to let any balls come my way..."
"Don't even joke." Kyle glared at him.
"Ok, enough." Coach cut them off. He looked towards Zeke. "Do you have anything to say before we get to the school?"
Zeke stood up on the moving bus. He faced us. The rowdiness and noise all seemed to halt as his eyes scanned each and every one of us. "We've come a long way. 32 games. This will be the 33rd, but it won't be our last."
Everyone straightened up.
"I don't need to add anymore pressure to you all." Zeke continued. "All that I ask, is that you leave it all out on the field today. No regrets. No, 'I could have done this or that or whatever.' Make a play for every ball near you. Swing at the plate. Don't let yourself be struck out by looking at something go by. Go down swinging, fighting." He swallowed noticeably. "Seniors. This is it. The last of the regular season games. You won't be playing Servite ever again. Leave a lasting impression."
The seniors clapped and the rest of the team joined in.
Zeke nodded and then sat down.
Coach took control once more. "We beat them once. Let's beat them again!"
"Yes!" The bus chorused.
The ride slowly came to a stop as we arrived at our destination. Servite. The private all boys school. As we walked down to the clubhouse beside the field, we could see the stands starting to fill up.
"It's going to be packed." Noah said, excited. He looked around, then lowered his voice. "So many scouts!"
His whisper carried to Garret. Garret looked over and grinned. "The season is almost over. This is their last chance to see some of the guys before the draft. Only a month to go. They won't be able to see some of them play another game."
I gulped.
Garret laughed at my expression. "Don't worry. They'll get to see Zeke a few more times. We're going to be champions!"
"Heck yes!" Dave agreed.
"David, hang back." Coach called out. "The rest of you, go change."
With one last glance back at Dave, we continued our march to our dugout.
***
(Third-person perspective)
"Yes, Coach?" Dave approached his Coach, eyeing Drew, the athletic trainer that stood nearby.
Coach tilted his head towards Drew. "He tells me that your blister is looking good. Tell me, how's it feeling?"
Dave perked up, happy with what he heard. "I feel great! Good to go!"
Coach chuckled, laying a hand down on his player's shoulder. "Relax. I'm not asking you to go out today."
Dave frown, his shoulders slumping like a deflated balloon. "But I could..."
"Don't give me that." Coach lectured. "You haven't thrown a bullpen session in more than a few days." He leaned in. "Sit in the bullpen today. Throw occasionally and lightly. Hopefully we won't call on you today. Trust your team." He grinned. "I want you to be ready for CIF. The playoffs start May 9th. That's this Thursday. There's not a whole lot of time to prepare, but do what you can."
"Yes, Coach!" Dave almost yelled out in excitement. "I'm ready! I can do this!"
Coach nodded. "I'll be sending Kelvin to the bullpen too. He's feeling better, but go easy. If your fingers start causing you problems, sit and rest. Be wary."
Dave nodded in understanding. "I won't get hurt before Thursday. I'll be good! Practice, but not wear myself out. I'll talk it over with Kelvin. Maybe throw 10-15 pitches an inning while our team is up to bat so I don't distract Kyle."
"Good." Coach patted Dave's shoulder a few times. "Now go get dressed. You still have to warm up with the team."