Seth is disgusted to be relegated to the junior varsity (JV) team. He finds every aspect of it demeaning, especially since Jimmy and Todd are having such a great season and begin to exclude him socially. He says, “Practicing near them was like picking at a scab—the wound won’t heal” (111).

Seth works on getting the best JV batting average so he can get moved up to varsity. His selfish playing causes his team to miss opportunities in several games. After ignoring his coach’s signs, Seth hits a home run on a 3-0 pitch. However, the next day, Sharront instructs the JV coach to bench him for two games. Though he is resentful, Seth realizes the coaches are correct.

Though it is a struggle, Seth works diligently to become a team player. The JV team wins games and Seth acknowledges he is part of their resurgence. When the JV season ends, Seth focuses on the varsity team. Jimmy and Todd are receiving lots of media attention and have received the nickname “the Bruise Brothers” because of their batting prowess. In the last game, they are to face St. Francis to see which team will advance to the state tournament. Seth arrives two hours early to speak to Jimmy.