The following days at practice felt different. Word had spread quickly about Daniel's high-speed throws, and now there was a sense of excitement and curiosity among the team. Players who had hardly acknowledged him before now came over to watch him throw or offer tips. For the first time, Daniel felt like he was part of something bigger—a team.
This particular afternoon, Coach Larkin gathered the players for a scrimmage. The late afternoon sunlight bathed the field in a golden glow, and the air was filled with a buzzing energy. Coach was determined to push Daniel, and the rest of the team, harder than ever.
"Alright, boys!" Coach called out, clipboard in hand. "We're going to do a full game scenario today. I want everyone in their positions. Daniel, you're on the mound."
The team scattered to their places. Max was covering first base, Ian stepped up as the second batter, and Jake, as usual, took his spot as catcher. Daniel gripped the baseball, feeling the rough seams beneath his fingers. He'd been practicing his grip, his stance, his windup. Every small adjustment Coach had suggested felt like it was finally falling into place.
Coach called out, "Let's see what you've got, Cooper. Focus on control, not just speed. If you're going to be a real pitcher, you need both."
Daniel took a deep breath, nodding. He could still feel the rush from his earlier throws, but he knew that Coach was right. Raw power wouldn't be enough. He needed to control the ball's flight, guide it, place it exactly where it needed to go.
Jake squatted down, signaling for a fastball low and inside. Daniel focused on the target, blocking out everything else. His arm moved in a smooth, practiced motion, releasing the ball with a powerful snap of his wrist. The ball shot forward, fast and precise, curving slightly just before it reached Jake's mitt.
Thwack!
Jake's glove absorbed the impact with a loud pop, and he looked up, nodding in approval. "That's what I'm talking about!" he said, tossing the ball back. "Keep that up!"
The first batter, a sophomore named Eric, stepped up to the plate. He adjusted his stance, eyeing Daniel with a hint of doubt—he'd seen Daniel's speed but had yet to face it himself. Daniel wound up, feeling the familiar power building in his legs and arm. He released the pitch, and the ball hurtled toward Eric with blazing speed.
Eric swung, but he was too slow. The ball whipped past him, landing in Jake's glove again.
"Strike one!" Coach Larkin called out, grinning.
The players in the field exchanged glances, some smiling, some shaking their heads in disbelief. They hadn't seen anything like this before, not at a high school level.
Eric steeled himself, adjusting his grip on the bat. Daniel focused, repeating the same movement. He let the ball fly, but this time, Eric was ready. He swung and made contact. The ball sailed into the infield, bouncing toward Max, who scooped it up and made the throw to first. Eric was out.
Next up was Ian. He sauntered to the plate, giving Daniel a friendly nod. "Alright, man, let's see what you've got," he said, tapping his bat on the ground with a grin. Daniel knew Ian was a strong hitter, fast and unpredictable.
Jake signaled for a curveball. Daniel had only practiced a few, but he trusted the call. He adjusted his grip, focusing on his wrist angle, and sent the pitch sailing with a snap of his wrist.
The ball arced, curving sharply to the left as it neared the plate. Ian swung hard, but the ball curved out of his reach, catching him off guard.
"Strike one!" Coach Larkin's voice echoed across the field.
Ian grinned, adjusting his stance. "Alright, alright. Didn't expect that. But I'm ready now."
Daniel felt a surge of confidence. He'd never imagined he'd be able to throw curveballs like this. He set up for another pitch, winding up, and released a fastball straight down the middle. Ian swung again and made contact, sending the ball screaming toward right field.
Daniel whipped around, tracking the ball as it arced high into the sky. The outfielder scrambled, running to catch it. It landed just in front of him, and Ian took off, sprinting toward first base. The outfielder scooped up the ball and hurled it toward second base. Ian slid in just before the tag.
The team erupted in cheers and laughter, patting Ian on the back as he dusted himself off. "Nice one!" Jake called out, flashing him a thumbs-up. Daniel grinned, feeling the rush of competition and camaraderie for the first time.
Coach Larkin blew his whistle, calling everyone in. The players gathered around, catching their breath, their faces lit with excitement.
"Good work, all of you," Coach said, nodding in approval. He turned to Daniel, a proud look in his eyes. "Cooper, you're a natural on the mound. You've got raw talent, but you're learning control. Keep that up, and you'll be a force to be reckoned with."
Daniel felt his chest swell with pride. For the first time, he truly believed that he could belong here. The players' smiles, the pats on his back—it all made him feel like he was finally part of the team. He wasn't just the new kid with a strange talent. He was a pitcher. He was one of them.
As they filed off the field, Jake slung an arm around his shoulder. "You've got something special, Daniel. Stick with it. This season's gonna be one for the books."
Daniel nodded, glancing back at the field. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready. This was where he belonged.