Lucas had a general idea about the facilities, but experiencing them in person was something else.
'No wonder tuition is so expensive,' he thought.
His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Do you like the dorm?"
Lucas smiled as he turned to the director. The director had never seen Lucas express much emotion before.
"You finally look like a baseball player," the director said with a chuckle.
Lucas felt a bit embarrassed as his cheeks reddened, but he didn't want to hide how he was feeling.
"I don't think there will be any major complaints about the school facilities," Lucas replied.
The director nodded. "Yes. You couldn't ask for anything more here. This is a practice facility that really makes baseball fun."
"Haha. Thank you for saying that. As you can see, today is a day without training."
Formal training started next week, so they had some freedom until then.
"But the reason you came here is to train, right?"
"Yes."
"Then you can use the training facilities freely. I'm bored too, so I'll watch you train."
Lucas could barely keep from smiling. He had planned to just train on his own, but with the director's permission, he could use the facilities as much as he wanted.
'I can't refuse the director's generous offer,' Lucas thought.
"Then I will ask you to do it shamelessly."
"Ah. Before that, just a moment," the director said before disappearing into his office. He soon reappeared with something in both hands.
"This is the benefit I promised you."
Lucas's eyes widened as he saw what the director was holding—four gloves, two for fielders and two for pitchers. They were from an expensive brand used by professionals.
'Wow. How much is all this?' Lucas wondered, estimating the gloves' value to be over $800 each.
Lucas took a deep breath to steady himself before bowing his head in gratitude.
"Thank you. I will work hard."
Lucas knew it was important to get the gloves as soon as possible to shape them to fit his hand.
This process, known as taming, was essential for a player's performance. A well-tamed glove could significantly enhance a player's ability.
'First, I'll tame them gradually after training,' Lucas decided.
He immediately picked up a ball and stood on the indoor mound, catching his breath.
'How long has it been?' he thought.
Until the previous two games, he hadn't felt any dramatic change of heart while on the mound. But now, the old feeling of his body bursting with energy to be on the mound every day was back.
After winding up, Lucas threw the ball.
Swoosh—!
Thump—!
It hit the wall he was aiming for.
'It feels strange,' Lucas thought.
Despite taking a year and a half off from baseball, it seemed like his speed had increased compared to when he was dominating competitions.
Of course, it could just be an illusion since he hadn't been on the mound for a while.
If he had a friend to catch his balls, he could make a more accurate judgment.
Unfortunately, that friend wasn't here right now.
"Do you have some worries?" the director asked.
Lucas nodded. "Yes. It feels a bit different, but it's not a bad thing. In fact, I feel like the ball has gotten a bit better."
The director chuckled. He knew the reason but decided to wait until the surprise gift he had prepared for Lucas arrived.
When Lucas didn't hear a response, he continued throwing the ball. How long had it been since he'd thrown a ball so carefree? Now, he could enjoy baseball without worrying about others' opinions.
He thought he had thrown about 30 balls when he heard someone enter the indoor baseball stadium.
'Huh?' Lucas turned his head toward the sound.
A man in a pure white baseball uniform approached with a firm stride. Lucas furrowed his brow, squinting to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
The closer the man got, the greater Lucas's surprise grew.
'What… what is this?' Lucas thought, unable to believe his eyes.
The director approached the man, placed a hand on his shoulder, and pointed to Lucas.
"Lucas, this is the person I was talking about."
The man in the Dodgers uniform tilted his head slightly as he looked at Lucas.
"This is the Asian student you've been praising so much," Joel Austin said as he walked briskly toward Lucas and held out his hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Joel Austin, the starting pitcher for the LA Dodgers. And I'm your senior at school."
Lucas recognized him instantly. How could he not know an active major league pitcher?
Lucas had been told that private tutoring with professionals was one of the benefits of joining the team, but it was now September.
The Major League Baseball season was at its busiest as the season neared its end.
'Even though Dodger Stadium is close to here, is it okay for me to be here right now?'
Lucas wondered, observing Joel's expression closely.
Joel noticed Lucas's gaze and nodded.
"The manager called me. He's the benefactor who sent me to the major leagues. When my benefactor calls, I come running."
Lucas's eyes widened in realization. There must be a reason why a major leaguer would come on such short notice.
Joel smiled and continued, "Today isn't your starting day, but you can't leave your spot. So let's see what skills you've got."
Lucas, excited and nervous, nodded.
He had heard of Joel Austin's reputation and now had the chance to see him in action up close. This was a golden opportunity to learn from a professional.
Joel watched as Lucas resumed his throwing, offering occasional tips and encouragement. As the sun began to set, the two continued their practice session. Lucas felt his old rhythm returning, each throw bringing him closer to his goal.
After the session, Joel clapped Lucas on the shoulder. "You've got potential. Keep working hard, and you'll be ready for the major leagues sooner than you think."
Lucas beamed, his determination reignited. He thanked Joel and the director, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.