The Hitting Zone
chapter-790

Noah could only talk about the A's all day Monday. He told everyone about our trip and how the A's looked good both on offense and defense. He didn't even care that some of our classmates weren't really into baseball, like Cassie in first period. She just stared at him blankly until Kaylee intervened and told Noah to shut up and do the lab.

She put us back on track during chemistry, but as soon as we finished, Noah was back at it. When we got to practice, it got worse...or maybe better. He had teammates and other players to talk to about the weekend games.

"I have a few announcements I want to make." Coach raised his voice as we were stretching, implying that the conversations had to stop around him. When he got everyone's attention, he nodded. "I know you're all excited about the A's bouncing back to take the lead in the series, but now it's practice time. I would like for you to focus on becoming a better player instead of talking about it."

Coach looked around. "As some of you can tell, our groups are getting bigger. The fall sports are ending and we'll have some more players joining in on these after-school practices. There will be some who do winter sports and will have a separate tryout in a couple of weeks. Also, we're going to start putting together the teams. Nothing will be official and will be subject to change, but I want to start getting a feel for my new starting lineup. It'll allow for more personalized coaching too."

He waved at me. "Jake, stand up."

I clumsily got up on my feet and stood straight.

"So far, no one has been able to strike Jake out." Coach pointed at me. "I know some haven't had the chance and some are waiting, but I want you to let me know soon. This Friday, there's no school which means no practice. Therefore, no challenges for Jake. That leaves two Fridays left before I start official tryouts. Then it's thanksgiving break. When we come back from break, I'll have preliminary rosters set and cuts made."

His words felt heavy. I looked around and saw quite a few players looked unsure.

"This week is midterms so practice won't be mandatory." Coach continued. "If you need to study or need extra time to work on your projects, use it. Although I like your focus being on baseball, grades come first. In order to play in the spring, your grades have to qualify. I take pride in the scholar athletes on my team. Work hard."

Coach nodded at me, signaling that I can go back to stretching. Practice had a more somber and serious feel as his announcements hung in the air. Midterms. Roster selections. The semester was really moving too fast.

On the way home, Kyle surprised us by saying he wasn't going to go to practice this week.

Dave nodded in agreement. "I'm not going either." He glanced back at me. "I was hoping you weren't either."

"I'm not struggling in any of my classes..." I said, unsure if they were trying to imply something.

"We need more help reviewing for the calculus midterm." Kyle sighed.

Noah laughed. "Are you serious? You're asking your little brother to tutor you?"

Dave threw an empty water bottle at him. "Shut up. You aren't taking calculus so you don't know. This stuff just comes naturally to Jake. We haven't even been copying his homework that much anymore."

My lips twitched. Maybe not as much, but still do. If anything, the only change was them asking me to explain some of my steps. "I can help you guys review."

Noah groaned. "What about me? I want to practice."

Kyle shrugged. "How about if we study in the library after school while you practice? When you're done, you can let us know and we'll come down."

Noah sighed with relief. "Yea. Okay."

Tuesday after school, we started to study. Kyle invited Marie along to study calculus with us. She didn't have the same class, but still had the same teacher. I was a little insecure with her asking me questions, but soon understood that she was at a similar level as the twins. She understood, but couldn't apply the lesson properly. Two hours passed quickly.

We met up with Noah at the car and went home to watch game six. It was a major letdown right away thanks to a bad start from the starting pitcher. He was pulled in the first inning, but the damage was done. We started in the hole, losing 4-0. The A's ended up scoring two runs, but never caught up. They lost 7-2 and would have to play game seven tomorrow night.

Everyone was restless as we went through classes on Wednesday. There were midterms to take, projects to turn in, and a final World Series game to watch. The twins and I had our math midterm on Thursday so we still studied in the library after school while Noah practiced. The twins were distracted, but I didn't mind repeating myself a few extra times. I was also nervous for Jeremy.

Our home continued to be the host for watching the game. This time it was packed. Almost everyone we knew came. Even though baseball was a long, drawn out game, every inning felt suspenseful. The sighs and clapping were louder, however in-between it was practically silent.

The A's took the lead in the third inning thanks to a two-run homerun from Jeremy. A few of the guys slapped me on the shoulder like it was me who had done it. The trend of the game stayed in favor of the A's. Maberry and Jeremy weren't alone on the offense. Almost everyone had pitched in with getting a hit or earning a walk.

The Nationals didn't stand a chance. They got behind and stayed behind. The A's closed them out in the top of the ninth and were declared the World Series Champions. The whole living went crazy celebrating for them like we were them.

Noah shook me like crazy and was the loudest of the bunch, hollering about being champions.

I made a quick escape in order to send Jeremy a congratulatory text. He played well. In fact, he did the best.

"Jeremy's going to be crowned MVP for sure." Dave left the living room too and saw me with my phone by the stairs. "You should go back in there and watch."

My lips twitched. "I think...I'll pass." The yelling and jumping around hadn't stopped yet.

Dave grinned. "You can try watching it on your phone." He came over and showed me what app to click and somehow got it to play the scene of the A's celebrating on the field. "Go watch it in your room if you want to be able to hear."

I nodded. "Thanks." I hurried upstairs.

There was a lot to watch, with coaches and owners giving speeches. Everyone had good things to say about the A's and that made sense. Because they're the winners. They're the best. There isn't anything else they could do to improve.

Sure enough, Jeremy was named MVP and soon stepped up to take the microphone. He waved, grinning the biggest I've ever seen. "Thank you! This means a lot to me. Especially as a young player just making my way into the show. This was always a dream of mine and I'm happy to accomplish it so soon. Now I can make more room for new dreams. Like back to back champions!" He lifted his award and let the cheers and applause rain down on him. "Thank you again! Thanks to the fans. My friends. My family." He grinned and pointed at the camera. "Jake, I have one more bat for you!"

I laughed by myself. Jeremy...so much like Noah.

Noah came to find me within seconds. "He said you're getting another bat!"

I showed him my phone. "Yea, I saw."

Noah grinned. "I'm glad you didn't miss it. Jeremy did great." He paused. "I'll do better. In fact, when I make it to the World Series, you can have the bats from my good games too."

I laughed and shook my head. "It's not a competition."

"But it is!" Noah exclaimed. "I have to be the better brother! I can't let him beat me."

I grinned. "You're the best brother."

Noah grinned back at me. "I know. I just like hearing it."