The Hitting Zone

Chapter 1218: V4 ch65 A Pair of Calls

*Third Person POV*

Shortly after finishing dinner with his wife and father-in-law, Wayne got a call on his cell phone. It was an unknown number, not unusual in the real estate industry. He went into his office and answered the call. "Hello, this is Wayne Atkins."

"Hi Wayne. This is Brent Coffey, the team director for the Northwest Regional Teams."

Wayne sat down in his office chair. "Hi, yes, the boys have been excited to see if they've made it."

"Well, you already knew Jake was a shoo-in." Brent's smile could be heard through the phone. "This call is mainly for Noah. We would like to invite him to North Carolina."

Wayne chuckled. "No way he'll say no. He's the one that convinced Jake to say 'yes' regardless whether he made the team or not. Can I ask if they're on the same team?"

"You can, but I don't know for certain just yet." Brent explained. "When I make these calls, it's off a set list of players we would like to see make it to North Carolina. Not all teens can make that happen. Whether it's because of other commitments or because of the financial costs. Maybe their parents can't make it work with the short notice. There's a lot to factor in. I can have Rob give you a call as soon as we know."

"Sounds good." Wayne smiled. "You can go ahead and put us down as a yes. The boys will be there."

"Great. Keep an eye out on your email for the confirmation. There will also be hotel, travel, and food vouchers so please take note."

Wayne paused. "Well, we already organized our travel and hotel. Is there a way we could pass those on to other kids that may need it?"

"No." Brent sighed. "It's a flat discount per player. We have a few partnerships that can work with us but we can't fully pay for those even if we think they deserve it. Go ahead and still take a look at the vouchers. If you're staying at one of our partners, they might still be able to apply the discount. I encourage you to take advantage where and when you can."

They discussed a few more details before hanging up and moving on. Wayne checked his 'find my friends' app and saw that his three sons were still at the A's stadium with their friends. It would be a couple more hours until they made it home. He was about to get up and share the good news with his wife, but his cell rang again. This time he had the number saved under Coach Rob, given to him just months ago during the first round tryout.

"Hi Rob, how are you?" Wayne answered.

"I'm doing good. How are you? And the family?" Coach Rob asked.

Wayne answered. "All is well. We just heard from Brent. The boys have been looking forward to this all summer."

"Good. Good. I'm actually calling about the arrangements for the teams. I wanted to know your opinion on having Jake and Noah on the same team? Or not having on the same team?"

"Well, what do you think?" Wayne leaned back into his chair.

"I want to make sure Jake is the most comfortable." Coach Rob told him. "I don't care about the balance of the teams, but more focused on the players individually. This little tournament is just a stepping stone of getting their name out there so they can reach the next level. Team USA."

"Teamwork isn't something you practice?" Wayne jokingly asked.

Coach Rob laughed. "Team chemistry helps more with teams that are stuck together for longer periods of time. These kids will know one another for a couple days to play baseball together. There won't be time to get along or to get upset with anyone. It'll be a few days filled with baseball and skills will be the focus. If you tell me Jake will perform better with Noah on his team, I will make that happen."

Wayne thought about it. "Well, I won't lie to you. Jake will most certainly do better with Noah around as his mental support. Though we had been preparing him for the possibility that Noah won't be in the same dugout as him. Can I ask; did Noah make the team simply because of Jake?"

"No." Coach Rob let out a laugh. "We care about player development, but not to the point of wasting a roster spot. We organize a list of players, graded by the skills they showed us, then go down the list to contact each one to confirm whether they can make it. We do separate the list into pitchers, catchers, and then everyone else."

"Oh? You don't even care about infield versus outfield. First baseman vs shortstop?"

"Most kids that make it are athletic. They're the top of the top. In one way or another. Even if their fielding can use some work, their talent at the plate will have the opportunity to make up for it."

It was Wayne's turn to laugh. "You know what I was implying then. Yea, Jake's fielding does get made into quite a few jokes around this household. He can hold his own at the plate and he can play second base pretty well in my opinion…"

"He should really practice his fielding more." Coach Rob stated plainly. "If he wants to be drafted out of high school, his draft position will only climb higher and higher the more well-rounded he is as a player."

"Ah. Yes…" Wayne nodded, mostly to himself. Although he was supportive in his children's choices, he really only interfered when they needed an attitude adjustment. He had never taught the boys anything about baseball beyond playing catch in thr yard or at the park. His first four children had created and developed their own interest in the sport and he didn't have to be their coach. One would learn and the others would follow so they wouldn't be any worse than the other. Even as their skills became unique, their competitive spirit always burned.

Jake was not competitive. Not outright like any of the other four children.

Wayne pulled his chair closer to his desk. Picking up a pen and started to take some notes.

"Anyways, you can let Jake rest easy. I'll make sure he and Noah are on the same team." Coach Rob said. "If you can, keep them from doing any dumb teen things for a few weeks so they can stay healthy. I'll see you guys in North Carolina. If you need anything, or have any questions, you have my number."

"Sure. Thanks, Rob." Wayne said a few more words before hanging up. He got back to the notes he was jotting down. He was a little too relaxed with his eldest going off to college, and definitely didn't do much for his twins. He believed his teens could make decisions on their own for their futures, but maybe he should be more helpful in the guiding process.

Noah was adamant about not going to college and Wayne wanted to make sure he visited his five schools seriously. Jake was like a lost dog and seemed willing to go anywhere he felt safe. They're both approaching the second half of their high school years and decisions had to be made.