Page 39 of Big Pitch Energy

I threw the rest of the sequence with focus and fire, each pitch landing just where I wanted.

By the end of the session, sweat dripped down my back, but I didn’t feel drained. I felt electric. Like someone had plugged me back into who I used to be.

After the last pitch, I dropped the ball into Jorge’s glove and gave him a nod.

“Thanks for catching.”

He peeled off his gear.

“Good working with you, man. You’re sharp.”

I wiped the sweat from my neck and nodded.

“I appreciate it.”

He gathered his things and gave me a nod before heading out.

I walked over to where Ray was having a conversation with my manager and coaches.

Lenny gave me a satisfied smile.

“That was impressive. Your arm looks healthy, and your mechanics are clean. The velocity and movement? Exactly where we need you. You topped off at 99 and the rest of your fastballs were between 95 and 97.”

Elmer gave me a quick, approving nod.

“Welcome back. We’re counting on you this season.”

Kenny Hanover clapped me on the shoulder, his enthusiasm barely contained.

“Can’t wait to see you back on the mound.”

After wrapping things up, I headed to the locker room for a quick shower.

I toweled off, threw on fresh sweats and a Waves hoodie, and laced up my sneakers, the hum of adrenaline still buzzing beneath my skin. The bullpen session had gone even better than I expected. The velocity was there, my command felt locked in, and every pitch came out of my hand like it knew exactly where to go. When I stepped out of the locker room, Ray was waiting by the doors, phone in one hand.

He raised a brow when he saw me.

“Feel good?”

I grinned and nodded.

“Yeah, I feel like me again.”

We pushed through the double doors and stepped into the crisp Fayetteville afternoon. The sky was blue, the sun sharp but not punishing, and the air carried that strange mix of pine and potential.

“You looked sharp out there. It’s exactly what they wanted to see.”

We walked to his car in companionable silence, the kind that only comes after something big has settled in your chest. The kind that says yeah, you did it, but also, it’s only just beginning.

As we pulled out of the parking lot, I glanced back at the facility in the rearview mirror. It felt good to leave it on a high note.

“Think they’ll put me in the rotation right away?” I asked.

Ray smirked.

“After that? They’d be insane not to.”

I leaned my head against the seat, a slow grin tugging at my mouth.

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