677 V2 ch149 (1/2)

”Very rarely.” Kenny shrugged, helpless. ”It probably won't happen. Really, just remind yourself that this is a showcase. If it's any consolation, if the ball is hit to you, then someone else on the other team is shining. Getting some attention from the coaches.”

I sighed with relief and nodded. That's something. For the other players. I could tell how important it was to the majority that were here, to get some attention from coaches and scouts. I wasn't interested in this though.

”Do you think...about whether you want to play in college or go pro after high school?” Kenny asked, nervous.

I shrugged. ”Not really.” His nervousness didn't ease. I raised an eyebrow. ”Do you?”

He nodded. ”Of course. I didn't think that there would be any baseball players that don't think about going pro. Most athletes in all sports have it on their mind. Even for a second.” He glanced at me.

”Well, what do you want to do?” I asked, avoiding talking about my future.

”The majors is a pipe dream for me. A good college is important, but it depends on scholarships.” He seemed depressed. ”I'll go wherever the most money is. Even if that means going somewhere small if it's free.”

”I think you're good.” I told him. ”You can get on base.”

He gave a depreciating smile. ”I'm an outfielder who can't hit homeruns. I'm definitely not on the top of anyone's list for recruits.”

”Who says you can't hit homeruns?” I frowned.

He lifted his two thin arms. ”There's no power here.”

I stuck out my arm to put it with his. Just about the same. ”It's not about having big muscles.” I think. ”Even if it was, you can work out to get them. Zeke makes me run and do a workout most days, back home. I've gotten a lot stronger over time.” I looked away, avoiding eye contact. ”In the beginning I could barely do anything. Now,” I made a fist. ”Now, I'm trying to hit homeruns for the rest of this camp.”

Kenny blinked. ”You're crazy. But, crazy good.” He showed a small smile. ”I wish I had your confidence at the plate.”

Confidence?

I nodded. That's true. There's no longer any fear when I bat. Instead, I'm calm and anxious all at the same time. I'm calm, knowing I can bat well and most likely put the ball into play, yet anxious not to let my team down.

I looked over at the field, where my team just got a third out. It was time to play defense again. I grabbed my glove and jogged out with Kenny.

After getting a groundout, the new pitcher on the mound allowed a fly ball to right field. My heart almost stopped. I kept my eye on the ball as it came falling down, raising my glove to make the catch. I used my other hand to make sure the ball stayed in the glove.

I just made my first official catch in the outfield. Wow. That wasn't so bad. I threw the ball back to the infield and walked back to where I should be standing according to Kenny's hints.

”I have a feeling that you're going to be making some big splashes by the time next season rolls around.” Rhys told me on our way to the cafeteria.

Kenny had just split away from us, seeing a few guys he knew from elsewhere, leaving just me and Rhys.

I scratched my cheek, feeling a little shy. ”We'll see.”

”No, I'm positive. I believe in you.” Rhys said. ”Even if it's like today, one in three at-bats is a homerun, then no one is going to want to face you.”

I hesitated and asked, ”Like in the championship game?”

Rhys went blank for a second, then recalled the CIF championship game he watched us play in. I had been intentionally walked twice. Even worse, Zeke was intentionally walked for all four of his at-bats. ”I, uh, actually, I'm not sure.”

My shoulders dropped, my excitement lost.

Rhys gave me a pat on the shoulder. ”You can't possibly be walked every at-bat for the whole entire season. Even Zeke got to bat up until the championship game, right?”

”I don't know...he got a lot of intentional walks before that too.” I pointed out. ”Like in the semifinals.”

”Yes...” Rhys thought for a minute. ”But you know, when Zeke was a sophomore on the varsity team, he never got walked.”