Chapter 5

The late morning sun had caused the temperature to raise at least twenty degrees and Jeff was not happy about it. This meant that his team had to stay hydrated, which meant more breaks, which meant less practice. It was hard to evaluate a new team when just as they were getting into the flow of the game, they had to stop practice. There was a reason baseball had spring practice, because the temperature was supposed to be mild, but if it was already this hot in April he was gonna hate this summer and the temperature that would come with it.

From what little bit he had seen this morning he was semi impressed. They had only been working on ball skills, just trying to figure out the level everyone was on. Luke had been right his outfield was solid. The guys were all tall, which was good because if it came down to it they could jump up and catch any balls that approached the back fence. They all also had really good arms so they could through the ball back into the infield so plays could be made.

His infield was playing alright, but they didn't seem to be quite meshing as well as he had hoped. He knew it was only the first day of practice and the first time all these men had been on the field together, but Jeff had coached long enough to know that a team that couldn't get a long and work together was doomed to fail. It didn't' matter how talented an individual player was, without teamwork you would lose every time.

Jeff looked over to where Luke had the new pitcher working on his arm. Already Jeff was sorry he had come to the team. He could tell that Morgan felt entitled and that he was God's gift. The kid showed up late to practice, which was something Jeff didn't appreciate. Jeff knew that Jason had an arm that could lead to quick outs and that would be hard to hit off of, but at the same time if Jason was going to act like he was better than every other player on the team, was he worth it?

Jeff had seen Jason's type many times before. A player with tremendous talent that was destined to have a long successful career, but had an attitude to go with the talent. Jeff just hoped that Jason's attitude wouldn't be the downfall of his season. Cassidine had recruited Jason to this team to bring on the wins, and Jeff knew he had the talent to do so, but Jeff was still worried all the same.

Jeff glanced down at his watch. It had been about a half hour since his team had taken a break and it was close to lunch time. He figured now would be a good time to stop this morning. He signaled to Luke to stop working Jason then he signaled to his third and first base line coaches so they could gather the rest of the team to gather.

As they all settled on the ground around the pitcher's mound, Jeff decided to address the group. "So far so good. I was very impressed with everyone. Yes it's only the first day of practice, but if this is just you all practicing I can't wait to see you play in a real game. We're gonna break for lunch now, when we get back we'll be working on our hitting skills. You have one hour for lunch. I expect everyone back on this field by one." He spared a glance in Jason's direction, "not 1:05. I expect you to be ready and on time. So go on get out of here."

Everyone began to rise and head to the locker rooms, so they could get their much needed brake. Jeff took another glance at Jason, "Before you leave Morgan can I see you?"

Jason walked over to where Jeff stood, not saying a word. Jeff took one look at Jason and realized he looked more like a stone cold statue, and less like the self-absorbed youth he thought he was. Maybe Jeff had pegged him wrong, or maybe Jeff had it right and Jason had a problem with authority. It didn't really matter either way, Jeff was the manager of this team and therefore his players had to learn to obey his rules, and if he had to make an example of his star pitcher on the first day of practice so be it.

Jason finally stood maybe two feet away. "I know this is a new team for you," Jeff began, "but if there is one thing I cannot tolerate it is tardiness to practice." Jason still had the silent borg look going on. "So to show you just how much I dislike it and to hopefully teach you to not do it again I want you to run ten laps around the field. Not just the diamond but the area around the fence.

Jason said nothing. He dropped his glove in front of Jeff's feet and took out to the fence and started his laps. Jeff was now even more confused about the younger man then ever. The older coach just shook his head, hoping his season was worth the new personalities he was going to have to deal with.