103 Reporters 3 (1/2)

Mr. Cameron pulled out a small notepad and a pen. He flipped to an empty page and started his scribbling. ”So you're both freshmen for Watsonville High. Was it a difficult process to make the varsity team? Or did you feel confident with your older brothers by your side?”

Noah's arm around me turned stiff, but he didn't get upset. ”Jake and I had two different kinds of tryouts. He just started school two weeks ago and was able to impress the captain and coaches in a one day tryout. As for me, I spent the whole fall semester training with the baseball program before they decided on rosters during the holidays. I was confident in becoming the best shortstop in the program due to my hard work and effort that I put into practice. Not because I had big brothers already on the team.”

Mr. Cameron jotted that down, filling up a few tiny pages. ”I didn't mean to imply that you got on the team because of your brothers. But how do you feel about others believing that's how you got on the team?”

Noah glanced up at Zeke and then gave the reporter a smile. ”Like Zeke told me earlier, I should let the scorecard speak on my behalf.”

Mr. Cameron nodded and continued writing. ”Yes, I was impressed, especially with your defense. You had that last grab in the first game in order to save Kyle's perfect game. You and Jake were able to pull off a nice combo there. Do you guys practice that often as middle infielders?”

Noah laughed. ”We practice all aspects of the game.” I nodded. Yea, because I know nothing.

”Are your team practices a challenge with such a great player leading your team?”

I nodded right away, but Noah disagreed. ”This is the only kind of practice I know. Even in little league, when my brothers and I were on all different teams, we would still practice together at the park. But, it's nice to finally have some competition. With the twins as pitchers and Zeke as an outfielder who's great at hitting, I like going up against others who play in the infield like me.”

Mr. Cameron looked at me. ”But you think the practices are challenging?”

I nodded. Then nudged Noah. Noah cleared his throat. ”Jake doesn't really find it difficult, just different. Jake hasn't played with a team before so he's unaccustomed to playing with others in a group setting.”

Mr. Cameron tapped his notebook with his pen. ”Does that have something to do with why you're in the foster system? I'd hate to dig up something that you feel uncomfortable with.”

Mr. Atkins spoke up before Noah could. ”Jake can't answer too many questions about his past so it would be best if you let it go. Sorry.”