But enough about the parents.
The half-meeting/half-practice session began with all 13 players and numerous parents gathered in center field for some brief introductions. Coach Andrew moved that the team colors be changed to a nice classy shade of blue (there were several seconds to this motion) before it was decided to stick with the traditional red and black. After all the players announced their name, years with the Mudcats, and favorite team/player (including Sticks' perplexing Yankees/Dustin Pedroia combination), Coach Andrew reviewed a few team rules. Highlights include:
1. Any player with a bat in his hands should have on a helmet.
2. Only swing a bat when you are swinging at a ball.
3. Hold bats by the barrel.
4. All players should wear sliders and a cup.
5. Drink plenty of water.
6. Players should carry their own equipment rather than bringing a personal sherpa/parent.
7. Don't ask me "Are we there yet?"...Whoops, wrong set of rules.
Players, coaches and parents also reviewed the Mudcat Motto, which has six key components:
1. Sportsmanship, including the head coach (the only person in Wake County allowed to talk to the game officials) exercising extreme diplomacy when conversing with possibly nearsighted but well-meaning umpires.
2. Hustle at all times.
3. Form and focus, maintaining all the key aspects of the game the Mudcats will practice regularly.
4. Toughness, both mental and physical.
5. Being confident but humble.
6. Have fun!
After the meeting, the players went through some brief stretching and throwing form practice. Meanwhile, general manager Jenn introduced the key elements of being a West Raleigh parent, including raffle tickets (sell $100 worth by the first game or unspeakable consequences will occur), working the concession stand (dates to follow), and the parent code of ethics, which sadly is not optional and must be returned signed on Friday.
As parents received their instructions, players worked on a fly ball station and a ground ball station. Several diving plays were made, significant hustle was shown, and other teams cowered at the formidable display of talent.
While this was taking place, parents stood in center field and tried to pretend like they weren't compulsively staring at their kid while hoping he made every catch. Fortunately, parents will be returned to their rightful place on the opposite side of the fence at Friday's practice, which begins at 5 p.m.
Awesome job!
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