Practice: Missing Coach Sean

The Mudcats returned to the practice field Thursday night, but they were Coach Sean-less, as he tries to juggle the approximately 14 teams for which he is responsible (you think it is tough keeping up with one team, try doing it for more than one). The combined efforts of Coach Tom, Coach Mike, Coach Andy and Coach Matt were almost enough to equal one of Coach Sean. Fortunately, Coach Tom's guns made up the difference.

Practice began in the cage, then moved to the field after the conclusion of the Bees-Thunder game. Third and first basemen worked on throws across the diamond, while the middle infielders focused on making a play on a grounder and making the quick flip to second base. In the outfield, the Mudcats continued to stress keeping the ball in front. With a game against the Riverdogs looming, outfielders are asked to remember to play deeper than normal so that they can make the play moving in rather than having the ball sail over their heads.

The final half-hour was devoted to game situations, as Coach Andy sprayed line drives all over the field. Practice concluded with a relay race that included some questionable strategy by a team that shall remain nameless (but one of the players on that team had a name that rhymes with Smasher), but their sneaky tactics were fruitless, and they still took the loss.

The 'Cats have a game Saturday at 1 on what is supposed to be a warm day, so arrive at noon for pregame and drink plenty of water (oh, and the kids should drink plenty of water, too).