Around 5 outfielders went out to left field, Neo and Leo included. The other 10 players went to the infield and took their positions. During practice the bases still shift in order for players to get used to anything. The Upsilon Unruly had about one starter per position, as well as a utility player. In case of an injury, the utility player would take over for them. There are 3 PO's, also known as pitchers only. As well as 2 catchers. Of course some players on the field were capable of pitching, but they were only to be used in case of emergency.
The outfielders hustled out to leftfield to start progressions with the outfield coach. The outfield coach was a woman in her 40's. She had dark black hair that reached her shoulders, and bangs that poked out from under her hat. A pair of shades covered her eyes while she stood and awaited everyone to group around her. She wore a purple jumpsuit as well. Coaches often don't dress out until game day.
A dirty white bucket stood beside her, filled to the brim with pearls. Brand spanking new baseball's. All 5 outfielders gather around in the shape of a semicircle. The shades made it impossible to tell where she was looking. She scanned the outfielders, seeing Neo and Leo. She used her index finger to tilt her shades down, revealing her amethyst colored eyes.
Neo flashes a look at Leo who was to his left. Leo's face was as red as his hair, his eyes wide.
"Um, your nose seems to be bleeding young man," she points out.
Leo wipes a stream of blood coming out of his nostril with his hand.
"Oh shit, I am! My apologies," Leo says with a smirk. " I didn't know beauty could hit so hard. Looks like you're already making me bleed before we even start practice!"
The rest of the team turn to Leo in shock. Neo side eyes Leo trying to suppress his laughter.
"Well aren't you a charmer. Leo, right? Normally I'd make you run for a remark like that, but because it's your first day I'll let it slide. You can refer to me as Coach Atlas." she informs the rookies, glancing at Neo.
"And you must be Neo! I coached your father back in the day. He was a real troublemaker much like your friend here. Be sure to keep him under wraps," Coach Atlas states to Neo.
"You got it," Neo answers back.
"Now then, everyone grab yourself a ball and get in line," Coach Atlas commands.
Everyone walks over to the bucket and grabs themselves a pearl. Arranging themselves in a straight line along the foul line. Each player takes turns to toss Coach Atlas their ball. Then pivoting in a direction to run back and receive the ball thrown by coach. The first round is without gloves to work on hand eye coordination. Leo and Neo are placed in the back, so the rest of the players can lead by example.
"Are you always that way with the ladies?" Neo asks Leo.
"Not all of them, just the ones that catch my eye. It's like an uncontrollable impulse. I can't help it," Leo explains.
"Well, you sure seemed to catch her attention. Make sure you use that to your advantage so that you can get a chance to start." Neo suggests.
"Good idea, I think I may just do that." Leo responds just before going up.
Leo stands in front of Coach Atlas, and tosses her his ball. Followed by a well executed pivot to his right. He sprints away without looking to gain some distance. Leo takes a look over his shoulder to track the ball, but it seems the coach wanted to see what he can do. Having put some oomph into the ball, it was going much farther than anticipated.
Leo on the other hand, didn't seem to be fazed by it. It was as if an abstract weight was lifted off of him. Having managed to gain ground he was still just a bit shy from the ball. So he dove before it could reach the ground and managed to snag the ball. Landing on his stomach and then raising his glove high in the air to prove he caught it.
The team was impressed, and they started to clap. Neo looked at Coach Atlas who's eyes were fixated on Leo with a thrilled smile. And it may have been the heat of that day, being a scorching 90 degrees, but it appeared as though she was blushing. Neo watched as Leo jogged back to the end of the line.
"Real smooth Leo. My turn," Neo thought to himself.
Neo went up and tossed his ball to the coach as well. Fully expecting something similar to Leo he unhooked the trailer from the get go and went full speed. Neo glanced over his shoulder to get a read, assuming the ball wouldn't be too far off.
Yet to his surprise the ball was way behind him. Coach Atlas already knew what Neo was capable of, so instead she wanted to see what he would do with a misread. Knowing there was almost no time to hesitate, he slammed his right foot into the ground in order to change direction. Causing a small, foot shaped crater in the ground. He sprinted full speed at the ball nearing the floor, accelerating at an alarming pace. Taking a last chance to dive at the ball, before just barely grasping it with the tips of his fingers.
Impressing everyone yet again, Neo too got some cheers. He half jogged back to the end of the line, giving a fist bump to Leo.
"Alright everyone, gloves on," Coach Atlas informs.
They all pick up their gloves and repeat the exact same process. Coach Atlas doesn't pull anything special this time around, having already examined the skill of the rookies. When the glove round was finally finished they moved on to some fungo. Which is essentially the Coach using a bat with a lengthened handle to hit balls tossed up to themselves. The bats are designed to be lightweight so that coaches can swing it without fatiguing. It recreates game-like scenarios for practice
The outfielders are pushed further back into the depths of the outfield. Around where centerfield would be stationed. The premise is simple, catch the ball, make a throw, get back in line. A screen is placed just beside Coach Atlas. It is what everyone is aiming for. If you miss you run a pole, and if you don't, you don't.
The Upsilon Sector isn't as wealthy as others so their methods of practice are a bit dated, but there isn't anything wrong with an old fashioned practice. It still serves its purpose all the same.
Practice continues smoothly without a single person messing up in the outfield. The infielders took grounders and made plays in accordance to who is on base. Obviously nobody is actually there, but that's how you practice anyway. After about an hour had passed, Head Coach Mauve gathered everyone at home plate.
"I hope everyone has put 110% of their effort into today's practice so far. We're almost finished, but I want to go over game simulations to finish up." Coach Mauve takes a second to wipe off some sweat. "It's pretty hot today huh?" he asks.
"Yes sir!" The team responds.
"Alright, go get some water and take five. Take your positions when you all finish. Dismissed," Coach Mauve orders.
Everyone runs off and into the shade of the dugout. Jugs of water are stored there with plastic cups on the side. Each player waiting their turns to fill a cup. Some chugged the cup, others savored it. A few of them just poured it over their heads and let the cold water run down their faces. After about five minutes everyone was back out on the field.
Neo posted at Center with one other. Leo at Left with one other. Right field was occupied by one single player. Lucky him, he doesn't have any competition for his position. The whole field was filled as if it was a game. With Head Coach Mauve at home plate, holding a fungo bat.
"Hey Neo!" Leo shouts to get his attention.
Neo looks over to Leo.
"Let's see who can make the least mistakes!" Leo proposes a challenge.
"You're on!" Neo responds with some competitive spirit.
The two get into an athletic stance, ready for anything.
"Remember, practice like you play. Use 110% of your effort towards every play, even if you're only backing someone up," Coach Mauve screams to remind everyone.
"Right, this is my chance to really show what I can do. Today is a practice without support items, but that doesn't mean I'm completely helpless. It's time to go 110%," Neo motivates himself.