Practice #9: Tough Times make Tough Teams

It was an unusually quiet day at the ball park. The Mudcats were down several players for previous commitments and injury. During warm ups one arm Sticks was spotted throwing with his team. After everyone was warmed up the coaches announced an accuracy throwing competition. Anthony won the first competition. Sticks won the second.

The coaches sent the team for one lap around the field. Stones took the lead and set the pace while Chris sandwiched everyone in. Once back, Coach Andrew reviewed the Mudcat Motto and gave the players their focus for the practice: Toughness. Coach reminded the boys there is no crying in baseball and Mudcats' are tough in mind and body.

The boys broke out into stations: base running, infield, and outfield. During the infield work, Coach Sean worked with the players on keeping their feet moving and moving to their left. At the base running, Coach Rob worked with the players on different base running situations. "Take a look," was heard a lot. Coach Tom and Coach Jim teamed up on the outfield station. The players worked hard and were tough.

After the station work was complete Coach Andrew had another challenge for the players. He wanted to know who thought Coach Sean could hit a home run. All the players cheered. Coach Andrew then challenged them, "If Coach Sean does not hit one then you all with have to run 30 laps as a team to end practice." Good thing Coach Sean cleared the center field fence and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Up next the famous scrimmage. The players divided into two teams. Any parent or sibling available was begged to join the field.  Gavin was overheard informing his teammates that the all time 1st baseman was at least a 5th grader (for a kindergarten that is old). No one had the heart to tell him it was actually Noah's older brother, Drew, who plays in the American League at WR. Each player batted four times. It was noted in the stands that the hitting practices were paying off.

The coaches pulled the players in for a wrap up meeting. Coach Andrew announced the Mudcats' were a doughnut free team. Coach Sean was not very happy. However, Coach Andrew went on to clarify doughnuts on bats. He explained that doughnuts make the bats heavier and train the wrong muscles. Coach Andrew said, "If you are not old enough to lift weights then you are not old enough to use a dougnut." The coaches want the players to have quick bats so NO BASEBALL DOUGHNUTS. Coach Jim revealed his toughness winner for the practice, Sticks and Anthony. Sticks and Anthony were anointed team captains for the relay race. Many thought Sticks was going to be able to run but at the last minute Coach Andrew put him back on the DL allowing him to drop the glove. The team of Sticks, Smiley, JJ, Charley, Noah, and Brenner took the W.

Practice ended with a final, bring it in: MUDCATS.

The Mudcats are next in action on Tuesday at Nowell Field for a scrimmage against the Bees. We are hoping our statistician and writer comes out of hiding by then.