Practice #17--Return of the Mike

Some of you are thinking it already. For those who aren't, your enjoyment of this blog entry will be greatly enhanced by letting this play in the background...while picturing Coach Mike taking over lead vocals and changing the words to "Return of the Mike."

Yes, it's true--Coach Mike came off the disabled list for Tuesday night's practice. Although he might have looked a little different, his spirit was still the same, and the Mudcat chemistry finally seemed to be back where it needed to be. "That was an awesome practice," Coach Andrew told the team afterwards, as everyone enjoyed their hard-earned piece of gum. "That was one of our best practices all season."

The theme for the day was teamwork. That started right from the beginning of practice, as all players took a lap around the pristine Method Road field. They didn't just take any lap--they took a lap with at least one other teammate.

The first chunk of practice saw the squad split into two groups. The outfield group focused on charging ground balls and getting the ball aggressively back into the infield, possibly even getting a force at second base. One player at a time was designated as the base runner and ran in a game situation format, advancing on a ground ball and using good judgment on a fly ball.

Meanwhile, in the infield the Mudcats concentrated on fielding grounders with good form and making smooth throws to first. After a couple successful trips around the horn, Coach Andrew mixed in some game situations, requiring everyone to be heads-up about locating the appropriate base at which they should get an out.

Practice concluded with a four-part scrimmage, which featured live baserunning and the Mudcats smacking the ball all over Method Road. At the conclusion of practice, three helmet stickers were awarded:

1. To Coach Mike, who showed toughness in overcoming his injury to come out to practice. It felt much more like a "real" Mudcats practice with him there. Let's just hope he doesn't read the blog so he doesn't get overconfident.

2. To Gabe, for having to live with Coach Mike over the last two weeks. Oh, what? Sorry, couldn't read my notes. It actually says Gabe was awarded a sticker because Coach Rob was looking for hustle, and Gabe was the perfect illustration of that piece of the Mudcat Motto.

3. To Christopher, also by Coach Rob for his hustle. There is a rumor that Christopher may be celebrating his birthday after tomorrow's game and that cookie cake may be involved. Hey, where's everybody going? Why are all those cars lining up at West Raleigh? Doesn't anyone want to read the rest of the blog?

Hitting shoes go on at 4:29, pregame at 4:30, game (against "It Doesn't Matter") at 5:30.