118 Game Four: Paradise Preparatory 1 (1/2)
”The sponsors and spectators of the Tulare Invitational is proud to have these two teams competing for the championship.” The organizer of the tournament was giving a speech right before the last game of the weekend. Both teams were already properly warmed up and was just waiting on this guy to say that we could play. His speech was all about sportsmanship and playing to the best of our abilities.
”Now we'll let the announcer read off the starting lineups to introduce our future champions.” He spoke into the microphone and then walked to stand with a few other men off to the side.
”You step out and wave when they call your name.” Noah mumbled. Our whole team was standing on the first baseline as part of the introduction. As the lower ranked team for this game, we were marked as visitors and had to bat first.
Paradise preparatory stood on the third baseline, looking proud and....huge. They all looked like Zeke, tall and muscular, like they were looking to go pro right after high school.
”For Watsonville High School,” an announcer started to say over the speakers. ”We have leading off and playing left field, Mahki Holstrom.” Mahki stepped forward, and waved to the stands and received a nice round of applause. I raised an eyebrow at Noah. Why is Mahki leading off instead of him?
”Batting second and at second base, Jake Hollander.” I took the smallest step forward and then quickly went back to my original spot. Noah rolled his eyes at me.
”Batting third, in center field, Zeke Atkins.” Zeke stepped forward and received more cheers of encouragement than Mahki and I did combined. He stepped back.
I looked at Noah with total confusion now. Not only was Noah not batting first, but now Zeke wasn't in the cleanup hitter spot? Noah just shook his head at me.
”Batting fourth, playing in right field, Sean Isner....batting fifth, at first base, Julian Wilson...batting sixth, at third base, Chris Ludwick...batting seventh, at shortstop, Noah Atkins...batting eighth, behind the plate, Jordan Sanders...and batting ninth, starting on the mound for Watsonville High, Garret Knudsen!”
Cheers came raining down and the applause for our team soon came to an end. The announcer moved on to introduce the number one seed, Paradise Prep. Once called, they would take a huge step forward and then back. Without waving, and with their hands behind their back, they looked serious.
After the announcements, both teams headed back to their respective dugouts. I grabbed my helmet and bat and stood near the entrance of the dugout with Mahki and Zeke.
Zeke looked ready to go like us two. He looked down at me. ”Hit as much as you'd like. Clear the bases if you can. Then be prepared for me to send you home.”