1167 v4 ch15 Regional Tryout Rd2 (4)

"You nervous, Jake?" Coach Hastings asked as we walked down to the designated field together. "Or are you just the quiet type?"

"Both." I answered truthfully. I glanced up at him. "Not nervous about hitting, but about meeting new people."

He laughed. "Yea, I understand. A lot of people are like that. I used to be too. Especially back in middle and high school. But as you get older, you start to realize that a lot of people are awkward with first meetings. But as long as you have common ground, it's much easier."

When we reached the field, I saw that two other coaches had everyone paired up and throwing the ball across the outfield. Further than I could ever throw.