The Hitting Zone

Friday, we all had a late start. I woke up to the sound of Dave talking on the phone. It only took me a second to detect that it was Kyle on the other line. It was all about pitching and what adjustments he had to make during the game. And especially if he felt gassed.

"The ump wasn't very lenient." Kyle complained. "And the catcher and I just weren't syncing. I kept shaking my head. He kept thinking I could throw a curve. Honestly, more embarrassing for him than for me."

"Do you pair up with him next time?" Dave asked. "You gotta get on the same page with this guy so he can help you shine."

"Who knows." Kyle expressed uncertainty. "There's a couple catchers. None are really designated as a starter, but none are fully just bullpen either. I'll have to adjust."

"Be accommodating." Dave said. "Don't get an attitude-"

"I don't get an attitude." Kyle cut him off.

I stifled a laugh at how much attitude he gave just now.

"Was that Jake?" Kyle asked.

I clutched my comforter and peeked at Dave, making eye contact.

Dave laughed and tossed the phone next to me. "Here. You guys talk. I gotta get in the shower before Noah comes up from the gym." He grabbed his change of clothes and got into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

"You still there?" Kyle asked.

"Yea." I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and started to stretch. "How's your arm feeling today?"

"A little sore, but that's to be expected. I was overthrowing a lot." Kyle said. "I also didn't sleep that well, but I'll take a nap before I go to the field."

"Do you guys have another game today?" I asked, a little unclear about his schedule. "Do you practice with the team or with the pitchers?"

"After a night of pitching, I'll do active arm care." He told me. "Maybe do a core workout. Watch film if they have any."

"Wouldn't they only have film if they broadcast the game? We couldn't find any video." I told him.

"It's much harder to broadcast than to just film. I'm still new to this, but I figure if no one recorded anything, I'll look into hiring someone to record me when I start."

"Is that going to be expensive?" I scratched my cheek. That idea sounded more expensive than mom's idea to send him groceries.

Kyle let out a rare chuckle. "Nah. I don't need a professional or something. I think I can find someone to spare a few hours every week to just set up and watch. It'd be great if he had his own camcorder and then I can just supply the memory cards."

"Is it that important to see yourself?"

"Maybe not to you because you're so self-aware. But there's a lot more to pitching. Am I lifting my leg high enough? Too high? Am I stretching out too far? Revealing my pitch too soon?"

"Ok, ok." I felt a headache coming on.

"It's just for a few weeks." Kyle said. Then he suddenly sighed. "You know, Jake…I don't think I put myself in your shoes. Not once. But last night was the closest I think I could have ever felt."

My nose twitched, unsure of what to say.

"I told Dave and now I'm going to tell you. But neither of you can ever tell Noah or Zeke."

"What about Mom and Dad?" I automatically asked.

"Not them either. They'll worry."

I sat up. "Should I worry?"

He laughed. "No, no. God, I hope not. It shouldn't happen again." He took a deep breath. "You know how I said I couldn't eat before the game yesterday?"

I nodded. But then realized he couldn't see me. "Yea. You ate late. With the late notice and nerves, you said you would eat after the game."

"My nerves was so bad once I got the nod that I would start." He cleared his throat. "I threw up my lunch."

Oh. That's it? "Did anyone see you? Did you feel faint?"

"Thankfully I had the clubhouse to myself. Everyone was on the field or in the gym." He told me. "As soon as I felt my stomach rumbling though, I bolted for the bathroom. Not dramatically or anything. I just couldn't hold down what I had put in."

"I'm glad you were able to calm down to pitch after that."

"I had a few hours. I drank some gatorade and water to stay hydrated, but even the sight of a granola bar made me want to heave."

"I dont think I've ever seen you guys be sick." I thought about it.

"I hope not to be after last night. At least I recovered quickly." He paused. "I just…wanted to say…you're tough. Tougher than you think. You can bounce back from those lows and keep going. If I had it as bad as you, well, you could probably find me in bed, calling it a day."

I laughed. Mostly because I couldn't imagine that at all. None of my brothers were the type to stay in bed. Or even stay still. He's talking about me bouncing back, but it's more like I have a lot of support to help me up.

Kyle swore me to secrecy one more time before hanging up. I finally got out of bed and picked out my clothes for the day. It was already time to eat but we still had to wait for Noah to come back and shower too. Once we three were ready, we met up with Grampa and then found Mom and Dad in the business center. We tried something new for lunch, a Korean barbecue. Which was fun and good, but definitely not quick. By the time we were done, it was off to the stadium.

Stanford had the first game of the afternoon. Even though they still had the comfort of not having lost yet, they played a very tight game, scrapping by 3-2. They would be moving on to the finals!

Arkansas had an easier time in the later game, also getting the right to move on after winning 5-2 over Florida. That meant the finals would start Saturday night. It was going to be a best of three series so no matter what happened, we were going home Tuesday.

"Rhys has to be pitching tomorrow." Noah declared. "Game one. You have to set the tempo."

"I think it's better to save him." Dave scratched his chin. "See how they fare. Arkansas has been showing some good offensive performances."

"I'll ask Zeke." Noah pulled out his phone. "He has to know. Rhys would want his mom and aunt be there for the last game he pitches this season."

"They'll be there for all three games to cheer the boys on." Mom spoke up. "So it won't matter which game he gets or if he even comes in as a relief pitcher. And, I believe this is a secret, but his dad will be there."

"For all three?" Noah asked.

"What about his job with the Giants?" Dave followed up.

"I can't speak on his career, but yes, he'll be there for all three." Mom confirmed.

"I've got to sit next to him." Dave declared. "I want to hear all he has to say about these pitchers. What makes them good. What they can do better. Professional insight."