173 An Invitation 2 (1/2)
Athletic Director Barber cleared his throat as he studied each and everyone of us. ”Good afternoon boys. I thought I should stop by to share some exciting news. First off, let's congratulate Zeke and Kyle Atkins for their positions in the National rankings.” He started clapping and we followed suit.
Kyle jumped up. ”Yes, everyone heard that correctly. Yours truly is now a nationally ranked player.”
Coach shook his head with annoyance. Director Barber just stared at Kyle, surprised at his outburst.
Dave threw his glove, hitting Kyle on the back of the head. ”Sit down. No one asked for you to cut in. Besides, it's not even an official top 100 rank. You can drop out by next week.”
Kyle smirked at his twin. ”Unlikely. I have a perfect game. How many other high school pitchers can say that? In the whole country?” He scoffed. ”If I get taken off the list, we'll all know it's rigged.”
Dave rolled his eyes. ”Or maybe they'll find out you went up against a crappy team.”
”Language.” Coach warned. ”Dave, zip it. Kyle, sit down. Athletic Director Barber didn't just come down to congratulate you two on your rankings.”
Kyle looked surprised. ”Really? Why else would he leave his office then?”
A.D. Barber let out a cough.
”No offense. I just meant, you have a lot of work to do, so it doesn't make sense that you would visit us.” Kyle scratched his jaw. ”But, I'm not implying that you're skipping out on your work. I just mean-”
”Just sit down.” A.D. Barber sighed in exasperation. Kyle finally did what he was told. ”As I said before, I'm here to share some exciting news. For the team.” He looked around at us, then looked at the coaches. ”I've gotten a call this afternoon from the organizers of a baseball tournament this weekend.”
The team burst into murmurs and whispers, predicting what it could mean. I looked to Noah to see what he had to say, but he was strictly focused on the athletic director.
”Listen up!” Coach commanded, getting the team to simmer down. ”Let the director finish.”
The older man nodded his thanks to Coach. ”As I was saying, you boys are invited to a tournament this weekend. I've already moved the originally scheduled game towards the end of the season. This weekend will be important for you, your season, and for the school.” He took a deep breath. ”As a division three school, it is a privilege to be able to participate in the Foothill Classic. I would like for you boys to represent the school by showing great sportsmanship and also by winning at least a game or two.” He nodded. ”Your coach will take over from here.” With a wave, he left and headed back up the hill to the school buildings.
Unlike before, the team stayed completely silent, all eyes on coach. I peeked over at Noah. His eyes were on coach, unblinking, plus his fists were clenched as if he was struggling to withhold his emotions.