The Path Going Forward (2)

Over the next two weeks, Linus threw himself into the rhythm of regular practices, finding comfort in the routine. The structure of each practice became familiar, and while the intensity remained high, Linus started to feel more at ease. Coach Chris led the sessions with a calm but firm approach, ensuring every minute was used effectively.

Every practice began with a skill-building warm-up. The team would gather in small groups, working on fundamentals like ground balls, footwork, and throwing accuracy. Linus had never been the type to enjoy monotonous drills, but baseball was different. Each repetition felt like a step toward improvement.

Even though he couldn't see immediate physical changes, Linus knew that his fielding was improving. He was quicker to react, more confident in his movements, and his throws were becoming more accurate. This was especially noticeable during their "playing catch" drills. What used to feel like a simple warm-up had become an exercise in precision. Every throw had to be on target, and every catch required focus. Coach Chris made it clear that this wasn't just a warm-up—it was one of the most important parts of practice​.

"Your feet are the key," Johannes Berglund had explained one afternoon while they practiced catching throws from the outfield. "If you don't move them right, your arms won't matter. Always be ready."

Johannes didn't speak often, but when he did, it was worth listening to. Linus found himself paying close attention, adjusting his stance and working on his footwork. It was a subtle change, but after a few practices, Linus noticed he was getting into position faster and making more accurate throws.

Batting practice was a whole different challenge. Linus had been putting in extra time outside of team practices, working on his swing, but the team drills pushed him even harder. Coach Chris ran a "12-player drill" during batting practice, where every player was constantly moving, either hitting, fielding, or chasing down balls. There was no time to stand around—everyone was involved.

Linus felt the pressure every time he stepped up to the plate. He could still hear the sharp ding of the aluminum bat from his first good hit weeks ago, but replicating that success wasn't easy. Coach Chris and the other players were supportive, offering tips and encouragement.

"You've got the power, Linus, you just need to trust your swing," Lukas Eriksson had said during one of the drills. "Stop thinking so much and let your body do the work."

It wasn't bad advice, and Linus tried to relax more with each swing. He focused on the fundamentals—his grip, his stance, and the timing of his leg movement. Slowly, his confidence grew. He wasn't crushing the ball, but he was making solid contact more often, and that was progress.

Team drills were another essential part of practice. Coach Chris loved running defensive stations, making sure every player understood their role on the field. They practiced everything—from turning double plays to relays from the outfield. Linus, primarily playing shortstop. He learned quickly that being a shortstop required more than just quick reflexes; it was about leadership, too. He had to communicate with the second baseman, anticipate where the ball would go, and be ready to make quick decisions. 

Linus had picked up shortstop for this reason, thinking that if he threw himself into the hardest position fielding-wise he would have to improve in the most areas. Shortstop also had to field the most balls, giving him the repetitions he so desperately needed.

During one of these drills, Linus was paired with Oliver Bergström, who played first base. The drill focused on making quick throws across the infield, and Linus was responsible for fielding grounders and getting the ball to Oliver as quickly as possible.

"Don't rush it," Oliver had said after Linus overthrew him the first time. "Take a split second to plant your feet. You've got the arm, just give it a little control."

It was simple advice, but it made a big difference. Linus started to focus more on his footwork and less on trying to throw as hard as he could. Soon, he and Oliver had a rhythm going, making clean plays without much trouble.

Despite the physical strain, there were moments of lightness in practice. Lukas, with his competitive spirit, often tried to outdo everyone during drills, earning teasing remarks from the rest of the team. Johannes, quiet as ever, would give a small smile whenever Lukas got too cocky and then beat him in a drill. And Oliver, always dependable, would laugh off his own mistakes, keeping the mood relaxed even when things got tough.

After practice, Linus often found himself hanging around with the other guys. They'd talk about school, baseball, and life outside of the game. Johannes shared stories from growing up in a small town where baseball wasn't as popular, while Lukas talked endlessly about his dream of playing abroad one day. These conversations, though casual, helped Linus feel more connected to his teammates. He wasn't just an outsider learning a new sport—he was becoming part of the team.

There was still a long way to go. His batting wasn't perfect, and his fielding could always improve, but Linus was committed. He was beginning to understand why people loved baseball so much—the grind, the team, the constant pursuit of getting just a little bit better every day. It was becoming more than just a game for him.

As everyone was lounging around, Coach Chris spoke up, "Alright, everyone," he began, glancing around at the tired but attentive faces. "I know school is starting soon, and it's been a tough few weeks of practice. Normally, I don't like to hold scrimmages during the season. I'd rather focus on game situation drills, working on specific plays to make sure we're ready for the games. But I also know you guys have been working hard, and with the break coming up, I think it's time for a little fun."

Linus could feel the mood shift instantly. A buzz of excitement spread through the group. Scrimmages were rare under Coach Chris, who preferred controlled drills to simulate game conditions. The idea of playing a full-on game in practice was thrilling, especially for the players who didn't always get the chance to start during real games.

"We'll hold a scrimmage at the next practice on Tuesday," Coach Chris continued. "So, make sure you're ready for it. This is a chance for everyone to show what they've been working on, and yeah, have a little fun before school starts."

As soon as Coach Chris finished, the team burst into chatter. Linus could hear the excitement from some of the non-starters who didn't get much playing time during actual games. For them, this was a chance to shine, and the energy in the air reflected that.

Lukas, as usual, was already talking about how he was going to dominate on the mound. "I'm going to make sure no one gets a hit off me," he declared with a grin, earning groans and playful shoves from the rest of the team.

Oliver, who had been quieter throughout practice, smiled at the news of the scrimmage. "I've been working on my batting," he said, mostly to himself, though Linus overheard. "Maybe this time I won't strike out every other at-bat."

Linus, while excited about the scrimmage, couldn't help but feel a small pang of anxiety. The mention of school starting soon reminded him that his carefree summer days were coming to an end. It was Sunday, and school was set to begin in just eight days. He'd been so caught up in baseball that he'd barely thought about it. The routine of school, homework, and balancing his new passion for baseball with his studies loomed ahead.

As the chatter about the upcoming scrimmage continued, Filip Johansson, who had been quietly listening to Lukas boast about dominating the mound, finally spoke up with a smirk on his face. "Alright, if Lukas is going to pitch, then I want to be on the other team." he said, his voice calm but laced with competitive fire. "Let's see who handles the lineup better."

A few of the guys laughed, sensing the rivalry between the two pitchers, but Lukas turned to Filip, his grin widening. "Oh, it's on," he said, clearly enjoying the challenge. "We'll see who walks away with the bragging rights."

Coach Chris chuckled at the exchange, holding up his hand to bring everyone back to focus. "Alright, alright, calm down," he said. "I was already planning to split you two up for the scrimmage. But just a heads up, both of you are on a pitch count—no more than 75 pitches. We're still in season, and I don't want anyone wearing out their arm before we have real games to play."

Lukas groaned in mock protest, while Filip simply nodded, already thinking about how to make the most of his limited pitch count. "75 pitches is all I need," he said quietly, mostly to himself.

Linus couldn't help but feel the anticipation building within him. Watching Lukas and Filip, the two top pitchers on the team, go head-to-head in a scrimmage would be exciting. It was clear that the rivalry between them was pushing both to be better, and Linus could feel that same competitive drive stirring in himself as well.

The rest of the team seemed equally energized by the idea, the usual end-of-practice fatigue replaced with buzzing excitement. Tuesday's scrimmage wasn't just going to be a fun break—it was a chance for everyone to prove themselves, whether they were a starter or someone who usually sat on the bench during games.

As Linus packed up his gear, he found himself reflecting on how far he'd come since joining the team. He wasn't just the new kid anymore; he was part of the group, part of the competition. The thought of school starting soon still lingered in the back of his mind, but for now, he was focused on the scrimmage, eager to test his skills and see where he stood against some of the best players on the team.