683 V2 ch155

I hung my head as I went back to the dugout. 

"Don't be too upset about it." Coach Leroy said as soon as I stepped in the dugout. "That would have been a homerun on a high school field. Unless an outfielder climbed the fence."

I looked up at him. "Really?"

"Of course. I know my field dimensions." He grinned. "You put on more weight and gain some more muscle, you won't have to think so hard. You'll be able to hit quite a few homeruns this season. I'm sure of it." He put his hand on my shoulder and lowered his voice. "Take your time, Jake. You're already ahead of the curve for your age."

I nodded and went to my bag to grab my glove and hat. I understood that Coach's words were meant to cheer me up and assure me that I was doing well. It's just...after facing those minor league pitchers...I felt like I was lacking. I know age is a factor, but also, Jeremy...he's the same age as the guys I faced and he's playing at an even higher level.