The Game

Recruited ~Ben's POV~

As I close the door, I stand there for a minute, debating whether I should run out after Sam and kiss her.

I held back. I couldn't just go out and kiss her. She likes Tyler now. I can't get in the middle of that.

After I put my suitcase in my car, my mom called and told me to text her once I arrived. Before I get in the car, I hug Emma and Mary and hop in my vehicle.

As I started my drive, I began to sweat. If I don't get recruited, everything I have worked for will have been for nothing.

I was halfway to Nashville when I picked up my phone and decided to play a different playlist. I scroll for a minute before I stop on the one Sam sent me a while ago. I smile and press play.

I arrived at my hotel around midnight. I had to be at the field at 6 am. I groan as I hop on my bed and fall asleep with the lights on.

~~~

It was chilly, but the sun was high in the sky. I do a 360 looking all around me. I was in awe of the facility. Once everyone arrived, we met the coaches, and they talked to us for a little bit.

We started with two laps around the field, and we did arm and leg stretches. We then had to pick a partner for throwing; I saw a guy on the outer part of the group.

I walk over to him and say, "Hey, wanna throw?"

He agrees and grabs a baseball.

"I'm Ben. I live near Knoxville. How about you?" I said to him as we were beginning to throw.

"I'm Alex; I'm from Minnesota. I play 1st base." He said as he threw it back to me.

"Nice, I am a pitcher," I said with a laugh

He laughs, "Be careful saying that to everyone. The majority of the boys here are pitchers."

I looked around and was right. I could tell by how they threw. I could see hints of the pitching stance in their throwing stance.

"Alright, boys, we will start by taking all the pitchers and catchers down to the bullpen to check out pitching speed, locations, and how well the catchers can adapt to each pitcher.

I could feel my heart almost beat out of my chest.

I was last in line because while everyone was picking up speed to walk over to the bullpen, I was slowing down.

The pitching coach didn't say much, as each pitcher showed their pitching locations and speed. He just stood there nodding his head.

After what felt like forever, I was the last to go. I slowly pick up a new baseball and look down at the catcher. His name was Will.

The pitching coach asked me the same questions he asked the other, "What is your current speed, what do you throw the best, and what location do you need to work on."

I cough, "I throw 90 usually. My best pitch is a curveball, and I would say I need to work on my screwball."

He nods as he grabs the velocity tracker and waits for me to begin. The catcher signaled for a fastball down the middle, and I nodded.

I get in my stance, and I pitch it right to his glove, causing a successful smack as the baseball hits his glove.

I glance over at the coach, and he raises his eyebrows as he scribbles down a number, Will then signals for a curve ball.

I take a deep breath as I pitch, and the baseball makes another smack to the glove.

After throwing a couple more pitches, the coach signals most pitchers and catchers off to go back to the field.