648 V2 ch120 (1/2)

Chandler only gave us a couple of minutes before waving us on. ”Come. Leave your gear. We'll come back in-between the stations. The first couple won't require a bat or glove.” He didn't wait for any replies and started to walk.

Noah dropped his water bottle on top of his bag and hurried after him. I did the same, not willing to be left behind. The other guys in our group reacted the same way.

Chandler led us to a grassy area, where four bases were set up like a normal baseball field, each 90 feet apart. Three men of varying ages sat in foldable chairs. Chandler faced us. ”We'll start off with simple baserunning. You guys will sprint to first base and we'll take down the times. After a few sprints from everyone, we'll have you run the bases like you're trying to score an inside-the-park homerun. After that, we'll grade your sliding skills. We specifically chose to set up on the grass so I don't want to see any fear when sliding.”

I frowned.

”Don't care about whether he sees your fear or not.” Noah whispered. ”This isn't your strong suit anyways.”

I nodded.

”Lineup!” Chandler ordered. We got into a relatively straight line. He pulled out a stopwatch and would command 'go', timing us on the sprints. Occasionally the other men would ask him what number each player was wearing if they weren't clear. Chandler was very professional in announcing times and sticker numbers. He never complimented or made fun of anyone's numbers.

That helped me stay calm when it came to my turn. I sprinted at the sound of 'go' and tagged first base in what I think was my fastest time ever. I paid attention to the other times announced, and realized I wasn't last. It was a sense of relief just knowing that I wasn't the worst. Not like when I first worked out with the high school team.

Noah was the fastest in the group and he even ran faster the second time around. He led every timed sprint that Chandler conducted. The coaches that were recording the times took note, and all seemed to watch Noah every time he was up. Noah thrived with the attention, pushing himself even faster.

I was feeling comfortable for the most part until a mishap took place when we were being timed for going all the way around the bases. It was my turn and I had tripped after rounding second base, landing on my hands and knees. I felt the blood rush to my face as I hurried to get up and finish my run.

I didn't dare to make eye contact with the counselor or coaches, and headed for Noah, keeping my head down.

”Don't mind!” Noah slapped my shoulder. ”You completed the sprint at full speed still.”

I tugged my baseball cap, lowering it.

”Yea, nice recovery.” One of the other guys in the group came over. ”You hustled your best.”

And he did. I focused on the ground as I ran, making sure not to slip in the grass.

Chandler never said anything to me or about me aloud, but it was still an awkward feeling to be the only one that had tripped up. Chandler took us back for a short water break and instructed us to bring our gloves to the next station.

Along the way, Noah chatted with the other guys and became friends with them as they got to know one another. He introduced me to them as well and stated, ”Jake's a little shy and gets embarrassed easily. Thanks for trying to cheer him up. I tell him all the time to brush those errors off, but it still gets to him.”