The morning practice was straight running. Run this way, run that way, speed up, slow down. We ran the short side of the inner field, and then the long ways. Everyone took part, from freshmen to Zeke, even Dave ran. Of course, he stayed beside me the whole time under the pretense of making sure I didn't overwork myself, when in actuality he just wanted to look fast against a slow runner like me. I was only slightly offended.

Our running wasn't as bad as Noah's though...or Austin's, I guess. While we had short breaks in between each sprint, they had to run continuously. Noah was crazy fast and caught up to the Austin kid after a few laps, but Coach didn't let it end there.

"Again.

" He would say.

Noah would pass up Austin, take a few more laps, catch up and Coach would say 'again' over and over. It was getting to the point where I was confused if Coach was punishing Austin or punishing Noah.

During a water break, I worked up the courage to walk to Zeke. I poked him in the arm and earned his unwavering attention.

"Is Coach mad at Noah?

"

Zeke pulled his water bottle away from his lips.

"Why would you think that?

"

l glanced at my best friend who was still running laps.

"He's been running for a long time.

"

The corner of Zeke's mouth upturned, as he also took a glance at his brother.

"He's got something to prove.

"

Oh. I nodded and left him alone.

The running practice continued until the sun rose a little higher.

Coach finally called it quits and released us from the torture. But not without some parting words.

"I expect better from all of you. No more division among us when we all represent the same team.

" He looked at our sweat-soaked bodies.

"This afternoon, I will hold the mini-tryout. Catchers are especially welcomed. Everyone else should think twice. It won't be easy to replace anyone else on the team that doesn't voluntarily leave. You can't just be on the same level, you have to be a step above.

"

"As for the original members, you don't have to show up, but if you feel threatened or insecure about your spot on the team, then you can come. Bring the very best you've got.

" He continued.

"What if we feel secure in our spot?

" Jason spoke up.

"Mentally, I mean. But then you decide someone is better. Would we lose our spot and be sent to JV?

"

Coach grinned, but it definitely didn't come off as good-natured.

"Doesn't sound like your confident.

" His eyes swept over the varsity players.

"Like I said, this is optional. If you treat it that way, then me treating you as just another option is as expected.

" His eyes narrowed and smile disappeared.

"2pm. If you're late, don't bother stepping onto the field.

" He turned his back on us and joined the coaches for a mini-meeting.

"So, not optional at all.

" Kyle muttered under his breath.

Zeke shot him a glance, but didn't say anything. He just packed up and started to head for the parking lot.

"What.

" Noah huffed a little, still out of breath from his hour and a half run.

"Didn't he say pitchers didn't need to show up?

"

"Yea, pitchers for the tryouts.

" Kyle said, picking up his own bag and started to follow Zeke. We did the same.

"But you heard him at the end, he wants the whole varsity team to show up this afternoon.

"

"So...it's not an option at all..?

" I asked, trudging along.

Dave laughed and slapped me on the back.

"What are you scared of? You're average is probably second best in the league let alone the team. Why worry? Just show up and flex your hitting skills.

"

"I'm no good at confrontations.

" I gulped. I started to imagine all the players who want my spot, coming up to me to demand a showdown of some sort.

Dave laughed some more and Kyle joined in.

Noah patted my shoulder.

"Jake, it's just a tryout. Not a fight. We'll just show up, do work, go home. Nothing will change.

"

His statement already held an error. Something has already changed. Jordan was gone, and Kelvin was hurt. At the very least, two new players would join, depending how bad off Kelvin is.

Kelvin? I frowned.

"Where was Kelvin today? Julian showed up to sit on the sidelines.

" And a few others that I guess were injured.

"Is he-

"

"He's seeing an orthopedic surgeon.

" Zeke told us once we got to the car.

"Coach said that the X-rays weren't good late last night so they kept him at the hospital. Coach might know more by the afternoon practice.

"

I gulped and I wasn't the only one. All the boys looked depressed over the news that one of our starters might be on the injured list for the next few months, ruling him out for the season. Hopefully no worse than that. It's his senior year after all.

"Okay, that's enough gossip.

" Zeke opened the driver's door.

"Let's get home and washed up before an early lunch. Then we'll come to the field together.

"

We got into the car as well.

"Do we really have to wash up if we're just going to get dirty again?

" Noah groaned.

"I'm staying like this.

"

"That's not very hygienic of you.

" Kyle pointed out.

"Plus, you might not get a choice if Mom or Dad is home.

"

"Zeke, you'll remind Coach that I have a doctor appointment this afternoon, right?

" Dave ignored the other two and focused on his eldest brother.

"Mom will take me after lunch, but who knows how long it'll take or what that can even do about my nail.

"

Zeke gave a nod and Dave sat back with relief.

Kyle and Noah discussed hygiene all the way home, where we found out Kyle to be right. Their mom was already starting to make lunch when she came out of the kitchen and told us to take showers.

"If you don't, then I won't let you watch the game while eating lunch.

" Mrs. Atkins threatened when she saw Noah about to argue.

Noah clammed up, sprinted up the stairs, and was already in the shower by the time I got to the room. I guess Noah was really excited about the MLB season starting.