Chapter 772 - V3 ch7 (Challenge Jake) (1/2)

Coach eventually finished answering all the questions that were asked. Most of which was by the few players that weren't able to come to the summer camp. Practice started with a jog around the JV field a couple of times, then as we stretched, Coach put us in groups by position.

The infielder group was divided into three, and I was still with Noah. And we got Mr. Miller. Good. To make things even better, our group got to start with batting drills. I could feel the stares whenever it was my turn in the batting cage, but I was getting good at blocking it out.

The week flew by. Classes. Practice. Classes. Practice. On Friday, Coach divided us into the teams and had announced it as we stretched. Afterwards, he came over to where I was and squatted down since I was sitting in the grass.

I felt a little nervous staring into his sunglasses. ”Yes, Coach?”

”A few pitchers have approached me and my other coaches, asking if they could face you today.” He told me. ”I've come to realize that not everyone will get a fair chance to face you because of how I put the teams together. So I was wondering how you felt about doing a few extra at-bats after your scrimmage?”

”Is this something that will happen to Jake every Friday?” Noah asked Coach before I could come up with an answer.

Coach thought about it. ”Maybe. We can figure something out like having pitchers sign up on Thursdays so it won't be a guessing game for Jake on how many pitchers he'll face every Friday.”

”So I would have to stay late on Fridays?” I asked, feeling hesitant.

”Would that be a problem? This is completely voluntary. I know I'm asking a lot from you, but I thought you might like the extra swings. Plus, it grants me an extra look at the pitchers and how they progress over the next few weeks.” Coach said.

I scratched my cheek. ”I want to, but...I have to ask Mom. She makes us dinner shortly after we get home from practice. There's also the twins. They're the ones who drive us to and from school.”

Noah started to laugh. ”Mom would be okay with it. And who cares what the twins think. They can't leave without us.”

”How about we start next week?” Coach said. ”You get permission from your mom and I'll start a signup sheet for the pitchers interested.”

I nodded.

That night, at the dinner table, I told Mom what Coach wanted me to do.

Mom looked concerned. ”Why do all the pitchers want to face you?”

”Because if they strike him out, they automatically get to be on varsity.” Dave explained. ”I don't mind staying late on Fridays because I want to participate too.”

Mom was still unsure. ”Isn't that a little too much pressure put on Jake?” She looked at me. ”Are you interested in doing this?”

I nodded. ”I like batting, and I like to see different pitchers.”

”Aren't you scared of striking out?” Mom asked, worried. ”What if you have a bad day and a lot of people get you out? I don't want your coach to blame you.”

”I'm pretty confident I won't strike out.” I told her honestly.

”Ugh. So c.o.c.ky. It's like another Noah.” Kyle joked. Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=12185250005052805)/v3-ch7-(challenge-jake)_%!d(string=51630016965960216) for visiting.

I felt my face flush. ”Sorry.”

Noah poked me. ”Don't apologize to him.” He looked at Mom. ”Jake's so good, even Garret can't strike him out. If the other guys make it happen, then they should be on varsity too. All Jake has to do is put the ball in play.”

Mom looked to Dad. ”What do you think?”