237 Zeke’s Tryout 2 (1/2)
”College players are definitely held to a higher level.” Dave said with a sigh. ”Especially at a division one school with a chance to play in the College World Series.”
Kyle nodded in agreement. ”No weak links allowed.”
”That's not necessarily true.”Mr. Atkins explained. ”Each player can have a strong suit like throwing, fielding, batting or pitching. This is just good fundamentals. I'm sure each coach has a different bottom line for their minimum requirement. It's all about finding the perfect fit.”
”Zeke could fit in anywhere with any team.” Noah stated, confident in his oldest brother's ability.
Mr. Atkins smiled with pride as he turned to watch Zeke workout with the team. ”He's very adaptable.”
The only question is whether he can keep developing at each level.” A stranger walked in the row in front of us. He was average at best in height and looks. He wore a baseball cap with a logo on it, and had sunglasses on to block the glare of the late afternoon sun. ”Wayne, Mary, how are you two doing?” He took off his glasses and put them away in a jacket pocket. He then held out his hand for Mr. Atkins to shake.
Mr. Atkins complied, and gave this stranger a handshake and a smile. ”Hello Will, we're doing well, thanks. How are you?”
”Oh you know...just a lot of traveling up and down the coast now that high school baseball is officially starting everywhere.” He shook hands with Mrs. Atkins next. ”Imagine my surprise when I heard that Zeke would be visiting a college. I dropped what I was doing and hustled here on a red-eye flight.”
Mrs. Atkins took her hand back before replying. ”You shouldn't have. It's not like Zeke is making a commitment just yet. We want him to explore his options.”
”Entering the draft is a valid option!” Willie said energetically. ”Zeke would definitely be a top pick by the end of his senior season and can secure a guaranteed contract.”
”Willie, we're just showing Zeke some college options right now.” Mr. Atkins said in a calm manner. ”He never used his official college visits so we asked him to at least look some over. I know your set on pushing him to the draft, but even if he does get drafted, he can still decline.”
Willie wasn't discouraged by their cold attitude. ”Right! Which means you should see where he'll land at least. If it's in the later round, he could go do some years in college, and possibly move up to be an overall number one pick.”
Noah and the twins gasped. I was still a little lost on who this guy was, but it seemed like he had something to do with players going in the draft and becoming pros.
”Or,” He added in a somber tone. ”He could drop in the draft if he performs poorly in college. Then he would have trouble getting any scouts like me to look at him.”
The twins shifted around a little restlessly.
Mr. Atkins wasn't fazed. ”We'll see. Zeke is a hard worker with tremendous talent. I won't force him either way, but I won't let others force him either.” He pointed to the field. ”And it looks like he's fitting right on in.”
All of our eyes drifted to the field. The team had started to conduct some fielding drills after splitting between infielders and outfielders. Pitchers and catchers had presumably gone off to the bullpen. Zeke stood with the outfielders not looking like a high schooler with college guys. He caught high fly balls, dove for line drives, and smoothly picked grounders out just like the rest of them. You couldn't really tell that it was a tryout. It was just a practice.
The 'Willie' guy pulled out a notepad and started to jot some things down while mumbling. ”Outstanding. No signs of nervousness or hesitation. He's definitely suited for the pros.”