231 Stanford University: Friday 7

Noah puffed up his chest. "So what? I'll be the starter for my college team too!"

Nick smirked. "Sure you will, kid." He looked at me. "Let me see the reaction ball."

I dug it out of my pocket and handed it over.

He looked back at Noah. "It doesn't look like we can use the field right now but we could play a little in here." He gestured to the area between the fake mounds and home plates. "If we go across, fence to fence, that should be about the distance from a batter to a shortstop playing in towards the grass. Best out of five?"

Noah snatched the reaction ball out of his hand. "The same person should roll or bounce it every time to keep it fair. We can just stay on the same side and switch accordingly." He handed the ball to me. "Here Jake. You can do it."

I pouted and eyed my ice cream that I was still licking.

Shawn grabbed the ball out of my hand; not like I was going to fight him for it. "I can do it. Let the kid eat. I'll throw it the same way every time. As a pitcher, I can guarantee it."

Noah, who had been impressed with the handstand performance beforehand, acquiesced. He and Nick moved to one side of the bullpen and Shawn headed to the other side. To get out of the way, I moved to where the twins were. They were both sitting up now, with their legs crossed, ready for the mini competition between their younger brother and a college player.

"Who do you think will win?" I asked.

"Obviously Nick." Dave snorted at my question like it was a no brainer.

"Noah is at least seven to eight years younger, half a foot shorter, and just not as experienced. You could say that Nick has played with and against future pros." Kyle lectured.

"Can't we say the same if Zeke goes pro?" I asked, tilting my head to look at them. "Noah said before that age is just a number. Which I believe. I'm the same age as him and nowhere near as good."

"In fielding. But your batting is better." Dave nodded. "I see what you're getting at. Talent is also a factor at play. Raw talent helps a player learn and adjust quicker compared to someone who could only rely on hard work."

Kyle glanced at us. "Yea, but...Nick could have talent too. And a higher level at that. I still say experience matters the most."

"Ready?!" Shawn asked, making all eyes go to him. He waved my reaction ball in the air, looking at the two competitors. Nick and Noah had set up cones about ten to fifteen feet apart. "If it hits the fence, you don't get a point. Make the catch with two hands, one point. One-handed is two points. Who'll go first?"

"I will!" Noah placed himself right in the middle of the cones. Nick stepped to the side. "Ready!"

Shawn grinned with a glint in his eye. He started an underhand throw, but instead of releasing it like a ground ball, he threw it up. He didn't throw it too high as we were in an enclosed bullpen. But still went up enough to catch Noah off guard. It came down and bounced, but of course it wasn't a normal bounce. As soon as it hit the ground, it skirted to Noah's right.

Noah dove to his right side, but it was no use. The ball hit his forearm and then the fence behind him for no points. Noah got back up on his feet, dusting the dirt off his clothes. Surprisingly, he didn't yell for foul or cheat or whatever. He just accepted it as is and switched places with Nick. Nick picked up the ball and threw it back to Shawn.

"Ehhh, who knew the kiddo could be so mature?" Nick smiled as he took his spot.

"Shawn said he'd be fair. And, you can never be sure how a grounder will come at you." Noah crossed his arms over his chest. "I do regret not going second though. Now you'll know that he'll be unpredictable as well."

Nick laughed. "Shawn is always unpredictable. Don't worry, he won't go easy on me either. If anything," He looked at Shawn. "He'll play even more tricks on me."

Shawn laughed, but I noticed how he didn't deny it. "Ready?" Nick nodded. Shawn whipped the reaction ball at him with a sidearm throw, without wasting a second. The ball skipped towards Nick, bouncing whichever which way, showing no signs of rhythm.

Nick moved like a crab towards his right and scooped up the ball with both hands. "One point." He declared, straightening up, and throwing the ball back to Shawn in the air.

Noah and Shawn frowned at the same time. I could understand why Noah was upset...because he was already down by one. But as for Shawn, I couldn't say. Maybe he's just very competitive like the whole Atkins family?