Practice--Buffalo stampede

Under threatening skies and with frisbee golf discs whistling overhead, the Mudcats practiced for the first time in over a week Friday night at Kentwood. The session began with a pair of throwing contests under the harsh judgment of Coach Neal, with Smiley, Hayes and Drew all showing impressive arms from a long-distance cone.

Next came the rhythm section of practice, during which the Mudcats proved indisputably that they are better baseball players than cheerleaders. Eventually, though, they got the hang of it, and will add a new element to their pregame routine tomorrow morning. For an added element of excitement, the day's outstanding leader will get the responsibility of leading the team cheer, which means they get to shout really loud, which is always a plus. Coach Andrew also revealed a giant new team sponsorship. The offensive player of the game will now receive Oreos, while the defensive player of the game will receive Doritos. All we need now is a footwear sponsor...and maybe a blog sponsor.

The All Blacks split into three groups for stations, with one ninja station with Coach Tom, one outfield/baserunning station with Coach Rob and Coach Jim, and one infield station with Coach Andrew. Gum could be earned at each station, and the coaches were largely in a generous mood with the gum (probably because it actually belonged to GM Jenn). Special recognition is due to the youngest group of Brenner, Noah, Gavin and Asher, who had perhaps their best round of infield of the year, with almost everyone serving as a vocal leader throughout the drill.

After stations, a lengthy period of practice was devoted to baserunning, which has been an occasional Mudcat bugaboo. Emphasis was placed on awareness on the bases, paying attention when running through first base in case of potential advancement to second, and tagging up at third base on fly balls to the outfield.

As a light rain began to fall, Coach Rob identified JJ and Asher as the two players who best exemplified the Mudcat goal of having fun at all times. That meant they served as captains for the relay. Because of the amount of gum earned, all coaches were eligible to be selected for the race. Asher wisely picked Smiley first, leaving his dad in the draft pool and ensuring Asher would not be getting any dessert after dinner. When the teams were selected, the highlights included Coach Andrew, Coach Rob, Cole, Luke, Coach Tom and Coach Adam sprinting around the bases, with JJ's team taking the victory.

The win entitled JJ to lead the team cheer, which is still a work in progress. Early incarnations were a little shaky. However, later versions of the cheer showed some real potential.

Team pictures take place tomorrow bright and early at 10 a.m., with pregame following at 10:30 and the first pitch slated for 11:30.