343 Midseason Tryout 7 (1/2)
The coaches shared another look, but they didn't try and dissuade me anymore. The familiar coach just shook his head. ”If you're sure.” He got up from his seat and went to set up the machine.
I nodded, more to myself than to him. I went back to the batter's box and got in the righty's box. It's been so long since I've hit from this side. I stretched a little. This is a good opportunity to practice my right and to make sure that I could still do it. Too bad I couldn't pick 90mph for all twenty.
”It's ready!” The coach warned as he sat back down, clipboard in lap.
I heard the machine start running and heard the familiar sound of it getting ready to shoot out the ball. I cocked my bat back, elbow up, eyes on the machine. As soon as I saw the ball, I started my swing by stepping forward with my left foot and my arms came soon after. My wrists followed through as my bat connected with the ball and sent it right back at the machine. Luckily the netting protected it from getting hit by a comebacker.
I had to reset myself as the machine started to wind up again. Then I repeated the process, keeping everything the same for the next nine pitches. After the ten, the coach had to get up and adjust to the next speed. I took the opportunity to switch to the lefty's batter box. I even had time for a practice swing to help me readjust.
”Is he really going to try to switch hit?” I heard someone ask.
”Obviously. But he probably picked a slower speed since he's going to try lefty.” Someone else had replied.
I overheard a few other comments as well. Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please clickfor visiting.
”Ridiculous. He's just trying to show off. I bet he picked something slow like the 70mph.”
”Just a waste of time.”
”The freshmen give Noah a hard time, but it's this kid that's stealing a spot from us.”
”Shut up.” I heard Garret clearly as he raised his voice. ”You all don't even know what you're talking about. Jake is second on the team for batting average. Just him hitting all ten pitches perfectly back at the machine should put you to shame. Never mind the fact that half of you can barely even hit 85mph. Don't you feel ashame?”
I forced the unnecessary noise out as the coach had sat back down, signaling the machine was ready to start. Bat back, hands ready, eyes unblinking. The first pitch came and I smacked it right back. I was back on repeat as I kept crushing each pitch back the way it came. There was something simple about the cages that made it soothing. There was no surprise or twist in what the speed or pitch type will be. I just went mindless as my body already knew the movements for this kind of speed. A part of me wishes that high schools would use machines instead of pitchers, that way I would look like a better player.
My ten at 90mph were soon up, making me wish I could do a few more. Maybe I could convince Noah to ask his parents if we could go to the cages tonight? That'd be nice. I turned to walk out, but stopped when I saw that the whole group was staring at me. Maybe it'd be safer to stay where I'm at...
”Wow! Even more amazing than I thought, Jake!” Garret came in the cage only to drag me out. ”I definitely thought you would have done all 90mph though.”