81 Game One: Villa Park 1 (1/2)

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.