133 Spring Training 1 (2/2)
”Silly. Who would I play catch with for warmups if we don't finish at the same time? Besides, who would push you to go faster? Only two weeks and you've improved so much. Can't stop progress.” Noah said easily.
Eventually we saw Dave running around as well; apparently he couldn't convince Zeke to not make him suffer with us. We would wave as our teammates showed up and started their normal warmup. Finally after the twelfth lap we entered the field and went to the dugout for some water.
A familiar face sat on the bench with a crutch in hand, and a foot propped up. Jason.
”Hey, Jason. We didn't see you sneak in.” Noah commented as I chugged my water and tried to catch my breath.
Jason let out a short laugh. ”Mr. Miller drove me down from the parking lot with his golf cart. But I saw you all running. Zeke has a weird way of encouraging you guys.”
”That was more like punishment than encouragement.” Noah muttered. He glanced at me, then back at Jason. ”After you got hurt, I did something dumb and hurt their catcher.”
”I heard.” Jason grimaced. ”That was a stupid thing to do. What if you ended up hurt yourself. Vengeance doesn't belong in baseball.”
”Yea, Yea. No need to preach. Jake already scolded me, okay?” Noah brushed him off.
Jason looked at me with surprise. ”You actually scolded him?”
I nodded. Then I realized what Dr. Moore suggested just this morning. To start talking with a teammate a day. This would be a good start since it's just Jason alone and Noah is here for backup. I cleared my throat and looked at his foot. ”What is wrong?”
He blinked, slightly shocked. ”Well...the other guys clear tore through mine as he landed. He cut up my foot to the point where I needed stitches. I'll only be out for two weeks. No biggie.”
I nodded. ”The absorbable kind?”
”Yep! So I don't even have to go back once it heals over and everything. I'll be back on the field in no time.” He pulled out his phone. ”For now, I'll be reading up on the A's chances on making the World Series this year.”
I was unprepared for the shift in conversation. I glanced at Noah for help. I knew Jason was talking about an mlb team and I knew that the World Series was the thing that determines the champion of baseball at the end of each season. But I definitely don't know anything about the team or their chances.
Noah perked up. ”Oh right. Today is the reporting date for the pros right?! They're about to start spring training. Ahhh. I'm so excited for the season to start.” Noah took over the conversation for me and they spoke about the major league for a little.