525 Banquet 2 (2/2)

\”Next are the individual awards.\” He glanced at the boys. \”This is a team sport but there are a select few who made this team the way it is. Starting with our defensive mvp, Aaron Fipps.\” Everyone started clapping again as the kid walked up to his coach and accepted the plaque that was handed to him. \”Aaron had never player first base before until this season. He embraced the change and worked hard at becoming the best, and has shown us that he has the drive to succeed.\” More clapping.

\”Thank you Aaron.\” Coach Ryan sent him back to his position in line. He received another plaque from his assistant. \”If you have a defensive mvp, there is bound to be an offensive mvp. Nolan Pham.\”

\”Whoop! Whoop!\”

\”NOLLLLAAAANNN.\”

The freshmen team got a bit louder for this guy as he went up to accept the plaque from his coach.

\”Nolan is not only a powerhouse hitter, but he had a very low strikeout percentage, even surprising me and my staff. Our offense was so destructive thanks to this young man.\” Coach Ryan said a few more words before sending Nolan back. \”Most improved. Now, I've got to say, I was shocked when this young man made my team. I didn't pick him, Head Coach Wilcox did and assigned him to my team. He obviously saw something that we couldn't. This young man worked tremendously hard to become a starter and we couldn't be more proud. Dalton Nelson.\”

Dalton received his plaque and waved at the room who was clapping. \”I just want to say thanks. Thanks to all the coaches for giving me a shot.\” He went back.

\”As for best sportsmanship, there were a lot of good candidates on the team, but the best was Marshel Butler. His character is something every baseball player should strive to have.\” I could hear Noah snort from beside me. He must now this guy too. \”He has respect for his team, his coaches, and his opponents. He won games with class, and lost them with dignity.\” A boy received the plaque and I recognized him from the bus incident. Someone that was friends with that Austin guy.

Ugh. What a faker. I rolled my eyes, channeling my inner Noah. Noah must be feeling even worse than me since he was actually friends with these guys.

\”For our last award, we have the whole team take a vote on their choice for team mvp. This would be someone that not only plays well, but the whole team looks up to and treats like a team leader. Unsurprisingly, the team voted for one of our captains, Austin Goetz.\”

The clapping was loud and the cheers from the freshmen team was fierce.

I was stunned. Eyes wide, jaw dropped, stunned. I looked to Noah as Austin, the same jerk that's been giving Noah a hard time all season, walked up to accept his plaque. This guy was really the team's mvp? Someone that the other boys looked up to?

Noah sat there like a statue, looking calm and collected, but his clenched fists gave him away. Before I could say or do anything, Zeke wrapped an arm around Noah's shoulder and pulled him close to whisper in his ear. Noah nodded and slowly, the tension left his body, his hands unclenching, but still leaving nail markings in the palms of his hands.

Zeke caught me looking and gave me a reassuring nod. He must have told Noah to relax or gave him a reason to. This was beyond messed up though.

I glanced up at the kid at the podium. This was the same guy that called me handicap and shut Noah out of his summer baseball team. Who knows what else he has done and if we're the only ones to have a problem with him.

I felt sick to my stomach as I watched him accept the award amid the clapping and cheers. This must be what injustice feels like. A bad guy wins the awards for being the best? Noah was a hero to me. He has done so much for me, for this program, yet-

\”Simmer down there, kiddo.\” Dave rested a hand on my shoulder. I was sitting between him and Noah, with Zeke beside Noah. \”You look like you're going to hop out of your seat and start a fight. I think you've been hanging out with Noah too much.\”

\”But this-\” I tried to explain my feelings.

Dave shook his head. \”It's just a freshmen team award. What are you getting so worked up for? There are bigger and better awards waiting for us.\”

I sighed. \”If you think so.\”

He winked. \”I know so.\”