The Hawks crowd cheered for the pitcher, shouting out their well wishes. Even though they were obviously behind, what parent wouldn't still cheer for their child.
However, Tex's eyes were drawn to the figure approaching the batters box. The confident expression on his face and even the way he walked spoke of a true professional. There was something about him that screamed star power.
Instinctively, he pulled the speed gun up and aimed it at the strike zone, his instincts tingling. For some reason, it felt like the guy would definitely hit the ball.
After a few moments, the tall figure took his position and awaited the pitch. He didn't have to wait long before a 90mph rocket came flying towards the outside of the strike zone.
WHOOOOSH
DOOONG!
With a steady hand, Tex managed to catch the exit velocity of the ball as it was struck soundly by the metal bat. He took his eyes away from the speed gun and followed the ball that soared over the fence in the right outfield.
The Gladiators bench erupted with cheers, their faces showing pure joy.
"Game, set!"
Thanks to the home run, the Gladiators moved to 10 runs ahead and were given the win by way of the mercy rule.
Tex was silent for a few moments, still caught up in the huge home run that he'd just witnessed. His eyes moved to the speed gun and his eyes almost popped out of his head from fright.
"97mph!?" He shouted, quickly standing to his feet.
The father of the pitcher Rob Thompson almost squealed in excitement. "Really!? My boy threw a 97mph fastball??" All disappointment from losing the match was thrown out the window as he heard this number.
For a moment, his mind was filled with all of the college offers his boy would receive after news got out of his crazy pitching speed.
"What? No you idiot." Tex scowled, sending the guy a incredulous gaze.
"W—What?"
Ignoring the annoying guy, Tex's mind began to work in overdrive. To have such a strike and be in an 18U team, he should already be a well known prospect. However, he had never heard of anyone matching the guys description.
'I need to find out more information…' Tex thought, his emotions in turmoil. If his guess was right and this guy had yet to be scouted, their team could get in early and pick up a great player without a struggle.
With this in mind, he placed his notepad and speed gun back in his bag and picked himself up from the chair. As if breathing a sigh of relief, the chair let out a groan once more.
He waited for the players to get off the field and directly approached the umpire who was busy chatting with some other officials.
"Hey, did you have the team lineups I can take a look at?" Tex asked politely, or at least what he thought was polite.
The umpire flashed him a look of annoyance, "Look buddy, it's been a long day."
Tex sighed and leaned forward, saying something in a low voice. Only then did the umpires eyes light up a little, "Ah sure thing man, why didn't you say so?"
Feeling a little embarrassed, the guy walked over to the scorers table and procured a piece of paper, handing it to him.
"Thanks." Tex replied, "Which one was that guy who just hit the home run?"
"Ah, I think that's Ken Taka or something." The umpire replied.
"Mmm, thanks again for your help."
With that, Tex turned around and quickly pulled out his phone. The first person that he called was his boss who had been on his ass since earlier.
"Tommy, I found a gem. The kid hit a bomb home run with a 97mph EV."
"What!? You sure he's not a prospect already?" Tommy replied with a hint of disbelief.
"I'm telling you man, I've never heard of the kid. But his batting is just next level." Tex continued, disregarding his boss's reservations.
"Hmm, alright. Send me through the details and I'll get back to you."
With that, Tommy hung up the phone.
Meanwhile, Ken was packing up his gear with the rest of the team, unaware of the stir that he'd caused on the sidelines. Despite him playing in 3 games, he was a little dissatisfied.
'I thought there would be more competition.' He thought.
Out of 3 games, he'd only pitched in the first 2, amassing a grand total of 100 pitches. That was only an average of 50 pitches per game.
Ken, who was used to pitching 200 a day, felt as if he hadn't even warmed up properly. However, he dared not to voice his complaints, especially since the rest of the team seemed to be in good spirit.
"Bro, at this rate you're gonna carry us to the championship." Steve said, placing a hand on Ken's shoulder.
"It was a team effort." Ken replied modestly. In actuality, the batters on the Gladiators team were rather good at getting onto base.
With both him and Max playing at 3rd and 4th batter respectively, they were in great positions to put runs on the board.
"Very true, if it weren't for my leads then you might have even given up some runs." He replied, sending Ken a wink.
Ken scoffed, "Yeah, of course."
"Hahaha."
In a great mood, the team left the field, followed by the wildly grinning Coach Wyatt.
"Excuse me coach, have you got a moment."
The coach swiveled on the spot, his mustache flapping in the wind. It was clear from his expression that he was pleased as punch. "Yes, what can I do for you?"
"Can you tell me more about your player Ken Taka?"
"Ken Taka? Do you mean Ken Takagi?" The coach replied, however, he instantly figured out why someone would be asking.
"Ah, that must be it."
"Well, I'm assuming you're a scout, I'd be happy to tell you all I know. As soon as I first saw Ken pitch, I knew that scouts would be knocking at the door right away." Coach Wyatt replied matter-of-factly.
However, Tex's face turned up in confusion, "Pitch? I'm talking about the guy who just hit that home run…"