Mom's suggestion lit a fire under Noah. He gave a stiff nod as an answer in the moment, but Sunday morning, I could tell he was working harder than before. He even bargained with Dave, offering to catch a bullpen session in exchange for Dave helping him practice his reflexes and fielding.

The two of them worked hard all morning, making me look like a couch potato as I literally stayed on the couch. Grampa and I watched some morning baseball of games playing on the East Coast.

He would occasionally comment 'good play' or something along the lines of 'idiot'. All his remarks were mostly to himself, but it still put pressure on me.

I worked up the courage to face Grampa after the seventh 'idiot' comment that came after a swinging strikeout.

"Grampa…

"

He turned to me casually.

"Yes?

"

I pursed my lips.

"What…makes them idiots?

"

Grampa pointed at the tv and started to wag his finger.

"He's swinging at a pitch in the dirt. What is he if not an idiot? He's supposed to be a professional.

"

The corner of my mouth tug.

"But…the pitcher is a professional too…

"

Grampa dropped his hand and looked at me.

"There's still a line of making dumb decisions.

"

"Do you think…I make dumb decisions?

" I asked, hesitantly. This is what had been on my mind. I was nowhere near the pros on tv yet he thought they were dumb? What about me?

"

"Of course not!

" He laughed.

"I'm biased! I would never think that way about you and the boys.

"

I let out a small laugh. Grampa was still so honest. I'm glad he didn't see me play last year. He probably wouldn't be able to bear it.

After Noah and Dave showered and finished getting dressed for the game, I changed into some A's gear too and we hit the road. Dave drove with Noah in the front passenger seat and I got the middle row to myself. The ride there was easy as it was Sunday. No rush hour to fight or worry about.

We made good timing and got to the stadium almost two full hours until game time. We parked and headed to the gate behind home plate. It was the only one that opened this early, and it was the one where we would meet Rose.

She greeted us near the ticket windows with a big smile.

"Hey, boys! Let me congratulate you all before I forget! Well done on winning your championship game.

"

All of us were surprised.

"Did Jeremy tell you right away or something?

" Noah asked.

Rose grinned.

"Of course. He's proud of you guys. I can't tell you how many times I heard him say undefeated. It's rare in any sport to not suffer a loss all season.

" She led us through security and walked along the halls.

"I've got to say, you guys really inspired Jeremy because now he's talking about being a repeat champion too. It's only the end of May.

" She laughed to herself.

"Hey, he's just gotta play steady and the team will make it to playoffs for sure.

" Noah said.

"With him and Maberry carrying the offense, we just need the pitchers to win half their games. Then once we're in, we have to explode!

"

"It's still early to be talking about playoffs.

" Rose didn't agree.

"Right. I think the first half of any baseball season is just a precursor.

" Dave added.

"I think after all-star break is when you have to get your act together. Falter in the second half of the season and that's the end of you.

" He dragged his finger across his throat.

Rose looked at me.

"What do you think Jake? Do you like strong starts or strong finishes?

"

"Don't ask him.

" Dave laughed.

"He's never lost. He probably doesn't have a strong mentality to lose a bunch of games.

"

"That's not true.

" I quickly denied.

"I played in the game that we lost to University Prep.

"

"Yea, but you weren't feeling good that day.

" Noah pointed out.

"You had nightmares and didn't sleep well. Heck, you're not even close to being that person anymore.

"

I scratched my face, kind of agreeing with noah. I've grown a lot since that loss.

"I wonder if those punks won again too.

" Dave got his phone out and started to look it up.

Noah looked to Rose.

"Since we won CIF again, does that mean we get to be recognized on the field again before a game?

"

Rose nodded with a smile.

"Of course! Tomorrow morning I'll be making the calls to all the athletic directors and coaches about coming this Friday night.

"

"This Friday?

" Noah repeated with a frown.

I twisted my lips, not liking the sound of that. I don't want to miss out on Zeke's conference tournament. We already have to miss the quarterfinals because of school, but would still get to see semifinals on Friday. And while I do have faith in him and his team…I don't want to accidentally miss it.

"You boys have plans already?

" Rose asked, chuckling.

"You three look like I gave you bad news instead of good news. Very few things can compete with being at an A's game so let me guess.

" She snapped her fingers.

"You already have plans to watch Zeke play?

"

"Dang, we're that predictable.

" Dave shook his head, sounding disappointed.

I nodded at Rose.

"Yea, Zeke has his conference tournament coming up. He might be in the semifinals Friday night. And then Saturday would be the finals. We were already planning to be there for him and our friend, Rhys.

"

"Well how about Sunday then?

" Rose suggested.

Noah laughed.

"Are you seriously going to move the day we get celebrated just because of us? Would you have to do that for all the schools?

"

She gave a friendly smile.

"There's no hard set rules. We're and try to work with schools, giving them a few select dates that we can host. It's not like I have to call up all these schools and rearrange them to Sunday to accommodate you guys. There's a bunch of schools, spring sports, and division levels. I have a feeling that your coach wouldn't mind coming Sunday.

"

"I think we should take the opinions of the whole team first.

" I spoke up. The three of them looked to me.

"Well, it's not fair to pick Sunday just for us, right? Like what if they all prefer Friday night like last year. I rather miss then make someone else miss if we do it Sunday.

"

Dave patted my back.

"You're a nice kid.

" He pointed at Noah.

"Take notes.

"

Noah shrugged.

"I mean, I am excited about getting recognized on the field, but if it's really Friday then I know what I would pick. Zeke. We can go to a bunch of A's game all summer. There's no guarantee that Zeke will have another one.

"

"That would be embarrassing for him.

" Dave laughed.

"Wouldn't it be awesome if he didn't make it to the College World Series and then next year, I make it and beat his team? And then I would win a college championship ring before he does?

"

"Yea, no.

" Noah shook his head.

"If that happens, then I'm going to think the whole thing is rigged.

"

Dave pounced at Noah and put him into a playful headlock.

"I'll talk to your coach and tell him the options he can pass along to his team then.

" Rose told me as the other two messed around.

"I do hope you guys can be here, but I understand.

" She gestures towards a hall.

"Do you guys want to go to the backstop and see some of the visiting team's batting practice. Jeremy's side should be done by now. He can probably spare some time to talk too.

"

That got Dave and Noah to break it up and put on their most well-behaved faces. I smiled and nodded.

"Yea, let's go.

"

She led us there and then had to leave to do some of her responsibilities, promising to come back to take us to our seats personally.

"Crazy to think we just won here.

" Dave whistled, looking out to the field.

"It makes the majors feel closer than it actually is.

"

"Yea, especially for a college commit like you.

" Noah sighed, taking in the same view.

"Kyle is just entering the bottom as well.

" Noah grinned, looking up at Dave.

"Now what would be really great, is if you beat Kyle to making your major league debut despite taking the college route.

"

Dave laughed and nodded.

"I like the way you think.

"

Jeremy came out of his dugout a few moments later, heading straight for us. He grinned.

"Congratulations!

" He greeted me first, doing a handshake into a half hug. Then he did the same to Dave and Noah. He asked about our finals game and banquet before having to go back to prepare for his game. He wanted to catch up after the game so Dave sent Dad a text that we would be a little late.