545 V2 ch17 (1/2)

I didn't know what I was expecting when they say they would honor our win on the field before game time, but it exceeded all of my expectations.

Rose and her coworkers organized everyone and when it was time to head out, she lead the pack. Our team was somewhere in the middle, which turned out to be a great spot to be in. The line of teams walked from the outfield entrance all the way to the infield. Without stepping on the dirt, the line bent around, staying in our team clumps.

”This is crazy!” Noah said with awe when we stopped just about in the center, right behind second base. The jumbotron was showing all the teams at once and the crowd was applauding.

The rest of the team was just like Noah, unable to believe that we were on a professional baseball field.

For me...I was more overwhelmed by the fans. They didn't even know us, yet they were still applauding as the announcer introduced each team over the loudspeaker and made comments on our CIF Championships.

Rose walked backed along the line with a cameraman, who was doing up close shots of the teams when they were called out. Just as I was thinking about hiding towards the back, Noah threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, waving at the camera.

”C'mon, Jake, smile and wave!” Noah yelled.

I lifted a hand and tried my best to smile naturally.

Rose gave us two thumbs up behind the cameraman and they moved onto the next team.

”That wasn't so bad.” Noah let go of me. He turned to the team. ”If anyone's parents were able to get pictures of us, send me some! I want to show my Mom and Dad.”

”I'm sure my Mom was able to take a thousand shots.” Brian laughed. ”She's attached to her camera.”

”Awesome.” Noah grinned.

”You'll have to wait a couple days though.” Brian explained. ”It's a real camera so she'll have to download the pictures to our computer and then I can get it to you.”

”I don't mind!” Noah chatted happily.

The whole team was excited, taking selfies and waving at the crowd in the stands. It made me happy to see everyone so happy. It was a long season and I even joined in late. I couldn't imagine how they felt, putting in all that work all year and got to this moment. The seniors especially.

”Jake! Smile!” Noah pointed his phone at me and took some pictures, resembling his mom. He was quick to change it to selfies, including me in the background.

Dave joined in, disregarding Zeke's earlier command about keeping his distance. Kyle was right behind, trying to fit in the background. It wasn't just them either. Slowly, more and more of our teammates tried to fit in.

Noah complained. ”My arms aren't long enough!”

”How about I take the picture for you guys?” Jeremy volunteered. He apparently came jogging over while our focus was on taking pictures.

This time everyone, including Zeke and the coaches, got in and smiled as Jeremy snapped the pictures with Noah's phone. He even took a selfie from further away so he could include himself in our group shot. He came back to the group and handed Noah his phone. ”I took as many as I could. You might have to delete the blurry shots.”

”That's not a problem.” Noah said. ”Thanks.”

Jeremy smiled. ”No biggie. I have to make sure Jake doesn't forget such a special experience.”

Noah stiffened. ”We'll be here again.”

Jeremy looked unsure of what to say. ”It's hard to duplicate. Especially in a sport like baseball.”

Noah narrowed his eyes. ”Same can be said about the MLB, but teams can make it to the World Series in back to back seasons, with different players.”

Jeremy laughed. ”Alright. It's not impossible. I'll be hoping to see you guys here next year then.”

Noah's eyes widened. ”Does that mean..”