Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Practice--Hitting wonderland
I assume that somewhere in the Hitting Wonderland, actual baseball is played. At the Basketball Station, we are not exactly aware of where that takes place.
Tuesday's practice got off to a promising start when Gabe ran up to Coach Andrew and said, in the quietest voice ever used by a member of the Proctor family, "The practice shirts are here." And it wasn't just practice shirts--GM Jenn/Clubhouse Manager Jenn had uniforms, pants, shirts and hats for everyone. The new all-black motif is certain to be very intimidating (as long as no one uses the word "motif" again).
Things turned bloody when Gabe noticed his loose tooth was bleeding. Adam and Coach Rob eyeballed it and advised him to put a napkin on it to stop the bleeding and then subtly moved as far away as possible. GM Jenn, showing that her versatility extends to oral surgery, proceeded to extract the tooth and still retain it for later use. Gabe's smile now looks a little different.
The rest of practice was devoted to a series of hitting stations, plus the basketball station, which consisted mostly of the tall kids practicing hanging on the rim while Adam and Asher showed off by getting major ups to scrape the bottom of the net. Also, Referee Sticks commandeered Coach Tom's whistle, which led to some very questionable calls.
At the post-practice team meeting, Coach Andrew provided another key piece of uniform advice, asking the Mudcats what one key part of the uniform they must remember at tomorrow night's season opener. Guesses ranged from uniforms to running shoes, but eventually the answer was determined to be hitting shoes (seriously, that's the first thing that comes up when you Google "hitting shoes").
Pregame, which hopefully will not take place underwater, begins tomorrow at 4:30, with the first pitch promptly at 5:30.
Tuesday's practice got off to a promising start when Gabe ran up to Coach Andrew and said, in the quietest voice ever used by a member of the Proctor family, "The practice shirts are here." And it wasn't just practice shirts--GM Jenn/Clubhouse Manager Jenn had uniforms, pants, shirts and hats for everyone. The new all-black motif is certain to be very intimidating (as long as no one uses the word "motif" again).
Things turned bloody when Gabe noticed his loose tooth was bleeding. Adam and Coach Rob eyeballed it and advised him to put a napkin on it to stop the bleeding and then subtly moved as far away as possible. GM Jenn, showing that her versatility extends to oral surgery, proceeded to extract the tooth and still retain it for later use. Gabe's smile now looks a little different.
The rest of practice was devoted to a series of hitting stations, plus the basketball station, which consisted mostly of the tall kids practicing hanging on the rim while Adam and Asher showed off by getting major ups to scrape the bottom of the net. Also, Referee Sticks commandeered Coach Tom's whistle, which led to some very questionable calls.
At the post-practice team meeting, Coach Andrew provided another key piece of uniform advice, asking the Mudcats what one key part of the uniform they must remember at tomorrow night's season opener. Guesses ranged from uniforms to running shoes, but eventually the answer was determined to be hitting shoes (seriously, that's the first thing that comes up when you Google "hitting shoes").
Pregame, which hopefully will not take place underwater, begins tomorrow at 4:30, with the first pitch promptly at 5:30.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Cancelled: Scrimmage
Our big travel scrimmage is a no go. The field took on too much water to be playable. Enjoy the off day with your Mudcat player!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Preseason Scrimmage
In a game very similar to the NFL exhibition season, but without the squabbling over $9 billion, the Mudcats and Bees met Tuesday night in a preseason scrimmage. All the trappings of a regular game were there--the uniforms, the helmets, Cole Bouquin on the PA for at least a cameo appearance, and two rarely-seen rules interpretations for the would-be umpires in the crowd (none of whom would ever yell at the hard-working officials).
The Mudcats started the 2011 scoring--unofficially, of course--in the top of the second, as Charley--who had a three-hit day--rapped a leadoff single. After a double from Hayes, Anthony and Christopher picked up an RBI apiece.
But the Bees, who earned some goodwill by delivering a hand-made and team-signed "Get Well Soon" sign to Drew before the game, responded with six runs in the bottom of the frame. The big inning was built on seven hits, but the Mudcat defense also allowed a couple extra bases that kept the scoring rolling. "I really want us to want the ball when we're in the outfield," Coach Andrew said. "Playing in the grass is just as important as playing in the dirt." Illustrating that point were Chris, Anthony and Zach, all of whom made solid catches in the outfield.
The Mudcats hit a lull in the middle of the game, allowing another big inning and going scoreless in the third and fourth. But a double from Chris and RBI single from Zach in the fifth seemed to ignite the offense, which exploded for seven runs in the sixth. In total, ten different Mudcats picked up base hits in the scrimmage and seven different Mudcats scored runs. In the big inning, the squad batted all the way around, stringing together ten hits in a row and sending Asher to the plate twice in the same frame for the first time in his career. In the postgame press conference, he mentioned he would not mind doing that every game.
"I don't know the score," Coach Andrew told the team, which he then proved by citing a score that seemed a little creative. "We haven't had our win/loss talk. I don't care if we win. I do care if we play to win. Sometimes we're going to do everything right and not win the game and that's not a problem. Sometimes we're going to do some things wrong and still get a 'W,' and that is a problem."
With a busy weekend on the horizon--two practices plus a non-conference scrimmage against North Wake that the teams are considering playing on an aircraft carrier--Coach Andrew issued the following goal for the future: "My goal is to not talk for an entire game," he said, which seemed like a bit of a lofty goal. And while that may not literally happen, the point was well-taken, as he wants the players to take more of a leadership role, especially defensively. If the Mudcats are able to play a whole game without Coach Andrew speaking, it would probably require an all-out Coaches vs. Kids game of wall-ball, in which the kids would likely have the advantage due to the fact that no one has any clue what the rules of that game might be.
Get ready for a very busy Mudcat weekend, as the team will practice at 5 p.m. Friday (at West Raleigh), noon on Saturday (at Kentwood), and scrimmages North Wake at 2 p.m. Sunday. Following the incredibly busy weekend, it is suggested that all kids take their parents to Barbados or some other suitable resort to recover.
The Mudcats started the 2011 scoring--unofficially, of course--in the top of the second, as Charley--who had a three-hit day--rapped a leadoff single. After a double from Hayes, Anthony and Christopher picked up an RBI apiece.
But the Bees, who earned some goodwill by delivering a hand-made and team-signed "Get Well Soon" sign to Drew before the game, responded with six runs in the bottom of the frame. The big inning was built on seven hits, but the Mudcat defense also allowed a couple extra bases that kept the scoring rolling. "I really want us to want the ball when we're in the outfield," Coach Andrew said. "Playing in the grass is just as important as playing in the dirt." Illustrating that point were Chris, Anthony and Zach, all of whom made solid catches in the outfield.
The Mudcats hit a lull in the middle of the game, allowing another big inning and going scoreless in the third and fourth. But a double from Chris and RBI single from Zach in the fifth seemed to ignite the offense, which exploded for seven runs in the sixth. In total, ten different Mudcats picked up base hits in the scrimmage and seven different Mudcats scored runs. In the big inning, the squad batted all the way around, stringing together ten hits in a row and sending Asher to the plate twice in the same frame for the first time in his career. In the postgame press conference, he mentioned he would not mind doing that every game.
"I don't know the score," Coach Andrew told the team, which he then proved by citing a score that seemed a little creative. "We haven't had our win/loss talk. I don't care if we win. I do care if we play to win. Sometimes we're going to do everything right and not win the game and that's not a problem. Sometimes we're going to do some things wrong and still get a 'W,' and that is a problem."
With a busy weekend on the horizon--two practices plus a non-conference scrimmage against North Wake that the teams are considering playing on an aircraft carrier--Coach Andrew issued the following goal for the future: "My goal is to not talk for an entire game," he said, which seemed like a bit of a lofty goal. And while that may not literally happen, the point was well-taken, as he wants the players to take more of a leadership role, especially defensively. If the Mudcats are able to play a whole game without Coach Andrew speaking, it would probably require an all-out Coaches vs. Kids game of wall-ball, in which the kids would likely have the advantage due to the fact that no one has any clue what the rules of that game might be.
Get ready for a very busy Mudcat weekend, as the team will practice at 5 p.m. Friday (at West Raleigh), noon on Saturday (at Kentwood), and scrimmages North Wake at 2 p.m. Sunday. Following the incredibly busy weekend, it is suggested that all kids take their parents to Barbados or some other suitable resort to recover.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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.
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.
Practice #8: Breakdown Hitting
The Mudcats met in three groups to work on hitting. While waiting the players watch a scrimmage between the Riverdogs and Bats. The players were able to move through the four stations (tee, hurricane, soft toss, and live pitching) two times.
The tee station was such hard work that several coaches had to tag team. Coach Jim started off but went MIA. It is rumored he left for a basketball game. We are all wondering what team he plays for. Coach Rob was eager to step in.
Coach Sean thought it was safe to attend practice. He did sport a Mudcat Red shirt with BEAST written on the front. This was the theme for his station, The Hurricane. He worked with each player to be more beastly while at the plate.
Coach Tom broke down soft toss. He even added a special nose blowing session to his station.
Coach Andrew kept the pitches going as Coach Mike made sure all went smooth.
Practice #7: Where are all the Coaches?
It was a great Thursday evening at The Hegeman Hitting Wonderland. The team was down several coaches, including Coach Sean. It is rumored he was afraid to show up since he has heard about the famous Mudcat birthday celebrations.
As always, the most popular station was basketball. Since the all time post player was missing, Noah's Mom was the referee. She learned a lot of new "Mudcat" basketball rules. It seemed like the boys had a great time.
Gabe was upset that Coach Tom was missing which meant no golf ball hitting stations. He tried his best to find a golf ball for each player but came up with only 6, including one pink.
As practice ended, the Mudcats sang "Happy Birthday" to Coach Sean even though he was missing and ate lots of yummy cookies.
Coach Tom pulled in after practice ended dressed like an Alexander Julian model and of course just in time for the famous cookies.
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