On a lazy spring afternoon with nice northeast weather for a change, the scouts amble in as the players are warming up and playing catch in the outfield.

The field is tucked into a corner of the woods and it is quiet, save for the sounds from the lacrosse field through the woods. When THE PITCHER gets on a tiny portable mound in the bullpen, it seems like just another guy warming up, but on this day, the scouts are assembled, ready to watch the prized high school prospect. Rumours of 100 MPH have drawn them to watch this small private high school, Greenwich Country Day School, to see THE PITCHER, Bryce Hill.

A quick warmup, a quick senior day announcement, and THE PITCHER takes the mound. The 20+ scouts huddle behind home plate, a tiny space partially obscured by a wind-screen with three tiny holes for clear vision. With each pitch, the scouts raise their guns and the phones for video. Some take notes, some whisper quietly to each other, some just watch, dreaming of what this pitcher could be some day. Numbers flash – 95, 93, 91, and oooh, a 96.

The other team valiantly tries to make contact, but with little success. Errors are make, which is actually good for the scout to see how THE PITCHER handles adversity.

His team helps him with a few runs, but no one but a few parents seem to notice, as everyone is just waiting for THE PITCHER to take the mound again. A bunch of 93’s, some 95’s, some 91’s. A decent slider. A bunch of strikes.

By the fourth inning, less video cameras and radar guns are being pointed. He comes back out for the fifth inning, and after his last pitch, his 72nd, the scouts grab their backpacks, nod goodbyes, and head out quietly down the left field line. Some are rushing back to the airport to go see another prospect in another state; Some are racing to a neighboring night game; Others are heading back home. The game continues.

THE PITCHER’S day is done: Five innings, two hits, no walks, 1 hit batter, 11 strikeouts. Little stress, little fanfare, business decisions – Pro Ball or Stanford – loom ahead for THE PITCHER and MLB scouting directors in distant cities. The game ends with a 3-0 senior-day win for the home team. A quiet day at the ballpark, yet so much quietly happening.