650 V2 ch122 (1/2)

With it being numerical order, I was stuck behind Noah again. This time, there was no worry or pressure.

”It's weird to see it so packed and busy.” Noah commented as we waited for our turn.

I nodded in agreement. Last time we were here, only one station was open and there were tarps to keep it more private. Now, the tarps are all gone and all three cages are going. Our group was in the middle, while two other groups were on either side of us. Each cage had two people running it: one with a clipboard and one controlling the machine. Chandler was in charge of calling out our number and sending us in.

I started to count the pitches that each player got. It wasn't any set amount, and instead it varied from 25-35 pitches.

I wasn't the only one to notice. The guy in front of Noah asked Chandler how many pitches each person would get.

Chandler shrugged. ”Until the judges are satisfied.”

”Is it all one speed?” Noah asked. ”Last time we were here, they had a machine that could randomized the speeds.”

Chandler squinted at him. ”You've been here before?”

Noah nodded. ”During my brother's recruitment visit. Some of the guys, Shawn and Nick, had taken us to the cages for some fun.”

Chandler looked surprised. ”Oh.” He put on a much more relaxed expression. ”There's only one machine like that so we aren't using it to save on time. Plus, after this station, we'll go to the field so we can see you guys hit against a real pitcher.”

”So it's all one speed?” Travis asked from behind me.

I shook my head and answered before Chandler could. ”No. They've been starting it around 75mph, but have been upping the speed slowly. Usually at 85mph they've been stopping.”

”You can tell?” Travis was astounded.

”You can't?” I tried stepping to the side so he could have a better view.

”I'm glad you said something before I went up.” Noah frowned as we watched someone else's turn. ”I don't think I would have realized with the slow increases.”

I made a face. How could he not realize? I glanced at Chandler and found him staring at us. I hurriedly looked away.

”Did your brother end up committing to go here or somewhere else?” Chandler asked.

”Here!” Noah grinned. ”He's actually one of the counselors like you. Zeke Atkins.”

Chandler gave a nod and didn't say anything else about it.

Noah's turn came and he went in the cage with a smile, full of confidence. I stood behind with Chandler nearby. Chandler called out Noah's number and the pitching machine came to life. Noah was steady in the beginning, hitting with power. Doing those core exercises have really stabilized his balance. As he got more pitches, the speed began to increase. I clenched the handle of my bat.

”Do you need any batting gloves?” I heard Chandler ask.

”You don't get blisters?” He frowned.

I shrugged. ”If I do, it doesn't bother me. I like holding my bat with my bare hands.”

”And risk injury?”