The Hitting Zone
chapter-570

As his guys set up the camera and sound equipment, Mr. and Mrs. Atkins came back after sending everyone off. Even the stragglers were sent away with the explanation that Zeke is firm in his decision and that Stanford is his pick.

George Pickens still showed up even though Zeke wasn't looking at those contracts anymore. Mr. Atkins went to the living room with him and they turned on the draft so they could watch. The twins followed them, while Noah and I stayed with his mom to watch Zeke's interview with Mr. Cameron.

Once everything was set, Mr. Cameron sat at angle from Zeke and the camera began to roll. He grinned at the camera and did his introduction before facing Zeke. "First off, Zeke, I would like to congratulate you on such an exciting season of high school baseball. You finished your high school career with a championship under your belt. How does that make you feel?"

Zeke smiled. "It was a dream come true. What made it even more special though, is that I was able to accomplish this with the help of all four of my brothers."

Noah nudged me.

"Yes, your brothers have been showing some success on the field as well. Does that drive you to do better?" Mr. Cameron asked.

Zeke nodded. "It does. There is no better competition than your own family. I know them and they know me. We push one another to keep striving for new heights."

"Do you think they can repeat another CIF championship after you leave?"

"Without a doubt." Zeke nodded confidently. "Not just because I have faith in my brothers, but also in the teammates I leave behind. There are juniors who are ready to step up and take over. The sophomores are also waiting for their chance to shine."

"That's reassuring to your coach, I'm sure." Mr. Cameron said. "But I'm also positive that the hole you leave behind will be significant. Your legacy at Watsonville High has been incredible to follow. Let's talk about this next step you plan to take."

"Stanford University." Zeke said with pride.

"Yes, we covered the signing ceremony when you had made your commitment. However, it's not uncommon for college-bound players to change their mind if they get drafted early. We saw earlier some team representatives asking you about your future and your willingness to go pro. Can you tell us a little more about your decision?"

Zeke slowly nodded. "I was impressed and surprised by how many people came to see me today. If I had this kind of attention last year, I probably would have stuck with my original plan to go pro after high school. As for why I'm choosing to stick with Stanford, there are a lot of reasons that come with that."

"Such as?"

"Well, first off, I'm not about the money. There might have been a time, just a few months ago, where being a pick in the first or second round would be life changing for me."

"And why is that?"

"Because that was my dream. Actually, it's almost every player's dream to get picked early and sign a big contract."

"At what point did you change your mind?"

Zeke smiled. "It was gradual, not very sudden. First, my parents. They really pushed for me to visit some colleges. Even though the season had started and we were nearing to graduation, I didn't think I would change my mind. My first visit was to Stanford and it was eye-opening. There are players not even that much older than me, yet they can hit the ball yards further."

"And that scared you?"

Zeke shook his head. "No. It inspired me. This would be my future. Even if I was drafted, I'd be on some minor league team learning how to improve my play there instead of at a college. Why not use that time at college to improve my play and get an education? Two birds with one stone."

"You don't think you'll have to spend too much time in the minors even after college?"

Zeke's friendly smile turned into a cocky grin. "It won't be a long stay."

Mr. Cameron laughed. "By the sight of how many people came by to talk to you today, I believe it. My next question for you is: are you planning on staying at Stanford for all four years?"

"No. I'll be done before then." Zeke told him.

"Done? Done with what?" Even Mr. Cameron was confused along with me and Noah. Mrs. Atkins just kept smiling at her son.

"Done with my degree." Zeke replied. "I've spoken with my academic counselor there and have already planned out an accelerated program."

"Wow. Does Coach Leroy know about your plans?"

He nodded. "Yes. We have had a conversation of what he expects out of me, and what I expect out of the program. I'm very thankful for this opportunity. I plan to show my appreciation by bringing home a College World Series ring."

Mr. Cameron was now more than surprised. He paused for a second before finding the words. "I'm impressed with your goals that you have set for yourself. With Coach Leroy, Bradley Thompson, and the returning seniors, I'm sure you guys will have a good shot at the championship. I'll be rooting for ya."

"Thank you." Zeke simply nodded after making such a claim.

Mr. Cameron turned to the camera directly. "There you have it folks. Zeke Atkins won't be going pro this year, but don't rule him out two years from now. Until then, be sure to catch him in action at Stanford University."

The camera turned off and the guy behind it gave the thumbs up.

Mr. Cameron sighed with relief. "Man, you really threw me for a curve there, Zeke. I didn't know you had your academic life already planned out. Does that mean you're taking some summer classes?"

"Just a few easy ones online." Zeke answered. "Have to get a head start if I want to be done in two years." He looked to his mom. "Maybe Noah and Jake can do a summer class too, like you suggested before."

Mrs. Atkins beamed. "I've been looking into it." She glanced down at us. "Do you boys want to rethink about taking a summer class?"

I looked at Noah.

Noah thought about it. "I mean...it can't be math since we aren't on the same level. I told Jake before that getting ahead in Spanish wouldn't be such a bad idea. Is that allowed?"

Mrs. Atkins nodded. "I'm sure it'll count if we find the right class in the school district. I'll try get you two in. It probably won't be online though, like Zeke's."

Noah was hesitant. "Well...we still have softball, Mom."

"Softball..?" Mr. Cameron interrupted.

Noah nodded. "Yea. Jake and I 'missed' travel ball tryouts. So we're going to play in an adult softball league. Zeke's joining too."

Mr. Cameron's eyes widened. "What..?" He stared around Zeke in disbelief. "You're going to prepare for college ball by playing in a softball league? Are you taking some time off to give your body a rest?"

Zeke opened his mouth to answer him, but was cut off by loud screaming in the next room over. Apparently the twins were excited. It wasn't long before they started chanting, "Zeke! Zeke! Zeke! Zeke! Zeke! Zeke!"

Mr. Cameron laughed. "I'm guessing you were selected early."