Fresh off Saturday's win over the Scrappers, the Mudcats returned to West Raleigh on Sunday afternoon and had one of their best practices since the preseason. Under a sunny, warm sky that was a stark contrast to Saturday's chilly temperatures, the 'Cats spent the first 30 minutes in the batting cage.
Once they hit the field, the All Blacks split into infield and outfield groups. In the outfield, the focus was on calling the ball clearly when it was hit between two fielders. Outfielders also worked on picking the ball up barehanded when it goes off the fence and is at a standstill, so that they can turn and fire back into the infield immediately. Even a second's hesitation could mean an extra base for the opponent.
After working in groups, Coach Sean put the team through some game situations. Highlights included several close plays at the plate, a couple of throwing errors by Coach Andy, and Will clearing the bases with a walk-off home run way over the fence to conclude the situational drills. Practice finished with a relay race that ended--incredibly--in a dead heat, after Gavin turned in a great effort keeping up with Donovan on the final leg.
A host of Mudcat alums were around for the practice, including Christopher, Drew, Coach Andrew, and Zach, who was overheard telling one of his Hooks teammates, "I hit one off that scoreboard against the Riverdogs." In reality, I think that ball went over the scoreboard, but it was nice of King Za to downplay it.
The 'Cats return to the field on Tuesday at 5:30 with a game against the Bats, with pregame beginning at 4:30. Keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow's doctor appointment for Christopher, whose status is uncertain due to an unfortunate encounter with a trampoline.
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Hey, Looks like you guys are having a great season. Anthony enjoyed checking in and checking up on his old teamates. Love the video of Tom jumping in the pool. We miss you guys . Say hello to the kids, from Hoover.
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