Meet the Mudcats: Jacob "Smiley" Mitchell

hroughout the season we will be talking to and getting to know the players on the team. By asking them questions and finding out more about them, our hope is that all of the players grow closer together. Please share the information with your player or better yet have them log on and follow along themselves.

Now let's get to know "Smiley".

What is your favorite baseball team?
The Yankees

Who is your favorite player?
I don't really have a favorite.

How old are you?
Seven

What is your favorite subject in school?
Math

Do you have any pets?
Yes I have two. I have a dog named Peanut

What kind of dog is it?
It's a Yorkie

What is your other pet?
My other pet is a Hermit Crab named "Whalebone"

Wow that is some name, where did it come from?
That is the name of the hotel that we stay at when we go to the coast

What is your favorite breakfast?
Captain Crunch cereal

Last question, what is your favorite desert?
Vanilla cake

My thanks to Smiley for answering all of our questions and being the first brave player to be interviewed. We will do our best to meet all of the players and maybe even some of the coaches. Some of the questions will change and some will be the same.

March 29: Thunder at Mudcats

After the booming thunder last night and rain all morning, the field was in decent condition, and all the players were excited that we were going to play ball. The Mudcats were happy to have the home field advantage for the first time this season.

Things were tight after the first inning of play but in the second things got a little looser. The Thunder scored 10 in the inning creating a sizable hole for the Mudcats to did out of all evening. Into the third they went and things did get better with a stronger defencive showing. After 3 the score was 11 to 1.

In the fourth the Mudcats made a defensive stand retiring three batter in a row on ground balls. Including solid play at short by Jacob showing off the arm with a long throw and nice stretch at first base. A single by Leyton got things going and Adam hit an RBI single to the right center field fence. That proved to be the only run of the inning. After 4 the score was 11 to 2.

The Thunder cranked the bats back up in the fifth scoring three in the top of the inning although there were three nice plays by the defense. Jacob tagged a runner going from second to third, Sticks and Anthony connected for a put out at second, and there was a nice play from the Pitcher to first. The Mudcats would only send four to the plate with one single in the bottom of the inning. After 5 the score was 14 to 2.

Again the defense came to play in the sixth. A nice catch by Zach in left field on a high fly ball got things started. Then the rare center field to second for the put out. Then Smiley catches a pop up at pitcher and you think maybe the momentum is turning. It was not meant to be tonight and the Mudcats go scoreless in the sixth. Final score was 14 to 2.

After the game Coach Andrew did his best to encourage the players. You could see that things are starting to get to them. Coach reminded them that you got to have fun when you win and when you loose. "We are better than our record" he encouraged them again letting them know that they can all make better hits, throws, and catches.

Coach Rob added that we need to play with more confidence. Coach Mike reminded the players to concentrate on the little things. And Coach Joe told them "Don't give up!" They need to forget the past and focus on the next game.

No stickers were given out after this game.

Although this was a tough loss you can see the desire in the players eyes to win. The way they swing with all they have. The way they stand in the way of a hard hit ball. They way they run hard around the bases. The score board may not show it right now but all of these players are winners and in the end this team will show how great it can be.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-up by Frank
Pictures by Tonya

Optional Practice on March 31st Added

An optional organized practice will be held at East Cary on Wednesday, March 31st from 6-8PM. Please let Jenn know if you will not be attending so the coaching staff can be prepared with the practice plan. This practice has been added to the calendar.

Go Mudcats!

March 27: Mudcats at Scrappers

The opening ceremonies were over and it was time to play ball. Lead-off Leyton started the Mudcats off again with a hit. Three singles in the inning led to 2 runs and the early lead. Someone call ESPN because the first batter in the bottom of the inning grounded sharply to the whole between first and second. Adam made a diving stop, scrambled to his feet, and won a foot race sliding to first to collect the out. The number three batter hits a hard line drive to left center about 145 feet where Christopher found a way to catch the ball twice. The ball was hit so hard that it took the glove out of his hand which he caught again, amazing. The Scappers did manage to plate one run in the inning. After 1 the score was 2-1.

The top of the second went pretty quickly with no runs scored and only batting five. The Scrappers had five singles turning into three runs. After 2 the score was 2-4.

The bats came alive in the third for the Mudcats. Back to back doubles by Leyton and Tyler really got things going and Adam hit a one hop triple off the fence. Anthony kept the inning alive with a two out RBI bringing the total runs in the inning to five. Christopher started the defense catching a high infield fly at second base. After 3 the score was 7 to 7.

Inning number four went by in about four minutes with both teams going 3 up and 3 down. A nice backhand of a grounder to Jacob at short was all that anyone will remember of it. After 4 the score was 7 to 7.

Gabe collected his second hit of the game to start the fifth inning running hard as usual. Adam cleared the bases on a ground ball just inside of first that went to the fence and he kept on running. Zack singled for his third hit of the game and the Mudcats score three. The Scrappers came back. After 5 the score was 10-11.

The Mudcats needed a run to continue the game. Smiley singled and made it to second base. Charley came up with two outs and hit one back to the pitcher. The pitcher bobbled the ball and all you could hear was Coach Joe telling Smiley to round third and go! In a play that looked like slow motion, Smiley was half way home and Charley was almost at first, when the slow arched throw finally beat him and ended the game. Final score was 10-11.

After the game Coach Andrew has some words for the Mudcats. "You have to stay awake" he told the boys. "Keep your head in the game" he reminded them. He wants the players to anticipate the play before it happens. Be moving forward on the pitch and play what is going to happen out in their heads. One sticker will be issued to all the players for the effort shown today, but they only get it if they show even more next game. The sticker will be held to then and two will be awarded.

There were two extra stickers given out at this game. The first to Christopher for making two really nice catches, including the 2 for 1 catch. The other to Adam for his amazing defensive play in the 1st.

The Mudcats will look for their first win on Monday against the Thunder. Maybe being the Home team will be the key to victory. We will have to wait and see.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-up by Frank
Pictures by Tonya and Scott

March 24: Mudcats at Riverdogs

Well it was finally here, the first game! And out of the third base dugout, the Mudcat bats came out on fire. Leyton led off with one of eight hits in the inning and Adam collected his first double of the season. In the bottom of the inning the Riverdogs started off with a double and tried to go back to back, when a great throw by Ben and a great tag by Jacob made sure that did not happen. The Riverdogs did score a few runs and Jacob ended the inning with a nice play to Sticks at third. After 1 the score was 5-3.

Ben led off the 2nd by smashing a single into left center and eventually scoring the only Mudcat run of the inning. On defense Zack showed some solid play at third base recording two of the three outs holding the Riverdogs to just one run. After 2 the score was 6-4.

A couple of singles by Adam and Jacob, was all the team could muster, as only four batted in the top of the 3rd. In the bottom it was time for the Ben and Jacob show again, where from the right field fence another Riverdog was gunned out going for two. Luke showed some heads up baseball on a grounder up the middle by throwing out the advancing runner from his left center position. After 3 the score was 6-7.

No runs scored in the top of the 4th on a couple of infield singles by Zack and Christopher. The bottom of the inning things began to come apart for the Mudcats allowing several runs to score. Tyler almost made the play of the season at second base diving for a really hard line drive but the ball got away from him this time. Jacob ended the inning catching a line drive of his own but not until after the Riverdogs scored 7. After 4 the score was 6-14.

Leyton collected his third single of the evening and eventually scored giving the Mudcats some life witch carried over the the bottom of the 5th. Where the Mudcats defense held to only four batters and no runs. The inning was ended when Jacob knocked a line drive down with a man on first and fired a throw over to second. Christopher was alertly there for the throw. After 5 the score was 7-14.

Sticks led off the 6th with a nice line drive to left center. It was not enough to overcome the 7 run lead, and the Mudcats fall 7-14 for their first loss of the season.

After the game coach Andrew spoke to the team. "Who had fun today?" Reminding the players that it is not only about winning but also enjoying the game. Coach let them know that the team came out and hit the ball hard early, then seemed to loose focus as the game went on. Stickers were awarded to everyone on the team for working so hard to get ready for this game. Four special stickers were awarded to three players. Ben received two for his two amazing throws from right field. Christopher received one for his heads up play covering second to give Jacob a chance to make an out. Sticks got a sticker but should have gotten a courage badge for taking a grounder off the face. The ball took a bad hop at third and got him. Tough as nails, he did not even shed a tear and got ready for the next pitch.

Great job to all the Mudcat players! See you on opening day.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-up by Frank
Pictures by Tonya

March 20th: Scrimmage

It was great to see the Mudcats take the field for the first time in this spring. Even though this was a scrimmage you could see that both teams were playing to win. The Mudcats started out the game in the field after coach Andrew won the coin toss.

After giving up 4 in the top of the inning it was time to hit. You can see why they call him "Lead Off Leyton" as he started off everything with a double to left field. After batting nine the score was tied up at 4-4.

The second inning showed some impressive defense with Adam making a great stretch at first base and the defense going three up and three down. Some impressive hitting in the bottom of the second with Ben clobbering the ball for a single and T-Rex hitting a triple to the fence scoring 5 in the inning. Score after 2 was 4-9.

The third inning coach Andrew changed up the defense. In the bottom of the inning it was uneventful with the Mudcats not scoring and only batting four. Score after 3 was 7-9.

In the fourth the Mudcats only batted three and after they gave up 7 in the top the score was 14-9.

The defense came to life in the fifth shutting them down and that stirred the bats to life in the bottom. Leyton, T-Rex, Adam, Gabe, and Sticks all singled in a row to score 3 runs closing the gap in the score to 14-12.

In the sixth the Mudcats could not muster enough of a comeback and the final score was 15-12.

After the game coach Andrew has some encouraging words for the team. The team needs to focus on every play and always be baseball ready. A big hand for Leyton being tough. He was hit by a foul tip that caught him square on the wrist. He shook it off and got right back in there. Everyone needs to work on running hard and through first base and never to give up.

First game is Wednesday.

On three MUDCATS!

Write-Up by Frank
Pictures by Scott and Tonya

Spring 2010 Concession Stand Schedule

Date and Time                      Player Families

Friday, March 26 4:45PM - 7:00PM:        Proctor and Hurand

Friday, March 26 7:00PM - 9:15PM:        Proctor and Bloebaum

Thursday, April 29 4:45PM - 7:00PM:     Mitchell and Gruskin

Thursday, April 29 7:00PM - 9:15PM:     Maciejewski and Barnacascel

Thursday, June 3 4:45PM - 7:00PM:      Trexler and Hegeman

Thursday, June 3 7:00PM - 9:15PM:      Lever and Alberghina

March 14th

Practice today is a go! We will be using the batting cages. Group 1 starts at 3:10: Jacob Mac, Adam, and Gabe. Group 2 starting at 3:30: Luke, Tyler, and Leyton. Group 3 starting at 3:50: Smiley, Charley, Ben, and Zach. Group 4 starting at 4:10: Andrew, Christopher, and Anthony.

March 9th: Practice

With the Mudcats gearing up for opening day, practices are starting to get a little more intense. Starting off in the cages where coach Andrew had the boys hitting, hitting, and hitting again. The bats are really starting to come alive in there. After a warm up lap and some stretching it was time to take the field.

The first infield consisted of Sticks, Anthony, Tyler, Leyton, and Luke. They were looking sharp running through the drills with what is starting to look like precision. While in the outfield there were big flies from the foul line to the 162 sign in center. Then it was time to switch with Zack, Christopher, Gabe, Charley, Ben, and Smiley taking the diamond.

After infield it was time for a one inning scrimmage between the two squads. Leyton led off the inning with a two hop double off the wall. The rest of the team hit well and went twice through the line up. In the bottom of the inning the hits continued. Christopher had a big one into the outfield and Ben had himself a couple of triples. Smiley was absolutely robbed buy his sister at first base on what would have defiantly been a double, not fair! We seen some hard running from Gabe showing the rest of the team what is expected of from all of them.

The relay race was a photo finish with the lead going back and forth between the two teams. Then coach Andrew had to race half the team around the bases, fortunately no hamstrings were pulled.

18 days until opening day.

On three MUDCATS!!!

March 6th: Practice

What a beautiful day for baseball with a slight chill in the air and blue sky's above. Almost all the players took batting practice with their jackets and sweatshirts on. Things got exciting for a moment when Sticks ripped one that found a hole in the netting. Tyler must have had some good aim for he was the next to bat and found the same hole. Overall everyone was looking good in the cages.
The Mudcats took the field and set up three different stations. With only 8 players they were really worked hard by the coaches. Ground ball after ground ball went flying across the infield. After skills work came a little 4 on 4 with some good situational fielding play.
The players really look like they are shaking off the rust from the long winter offseason, and it looks like Mudcats are going to have a solid spring team.