Saturday I got my opportunity to play, and succeeded at hitting a home run every time I came up to bat.
"Wow, Jake." Julian told me at one point while we were both on the bench. "You took two weeks off, but you look stronger than ever."
I turned a shade of red from his compliment. "I've been feeling stronger...than before, at least."
Julian patted me on the head. "You're going to be even better next year. Too bad I won't get to be a part of it." He glanced to his younger brother, who was up to bat. "Andy might though."
"I think Andy will make his own mark on the team." Zeke spoke up. "He doesn't need to be a prop for Jake. Or Noah. He's got his own skills and talents."
Julian laughed. "You think Coach will just start letting freshmen on the team after Noah and Jake? Those are big shoes to fill."