April 11 Notes

Will was only playing 20 games a season, but the challenge of going against older competition helped much more than 40 games against boys his age would have. The older you get, the faster the pace of the game…a lesson Will has been able to learn.

I‘ve was shooting for practices heavy on repetitions combined with on the spot instruction. I’m the organizer, which turns the other coach dads loose to instruct. Seven of the dads are coaches with more experience than me. With 15 on the team, we’ve had to use in-season practices into intersquad games. These have been successful because these rec leaguers need the experience reacting with live baserunners, etc.

It’s helped us identify who can pitch and who can’t…Josiah would’ve gotten as much of a chance to pitch, but will become one of the main pitchers now. During the “game” we coaches can roam the field offering instruction on the position each player is playing. Boys can try out positions they want to play, or a new position where they might excel. Josiah needed work at first. Nick and Andrew both struggled at first, but blossomed at third. With the glut at second and third, Russell got work at first. His arm is weak for a catcher, and he’s not that tall or fast, but his glove is reliable enough to play first. I’ve enjoyed putting the puzzle together.

Yesterday Will practiced with the travel team, and I helped some with Matthew’s practice. Only one rec player showed up for optional BP. I could tell Russell had been working on his hitting…he had been to Sportsarama some. I fed him soft toss, then threw him 2 buckets worth. Then he threw off the mound some, because he’s eager to pitch. He’s slow, but that throws off batters after a faster pitcher. I may give him an inning tomorrow after Will.

Nice Braves win. Have there been a quality start in every game except the Friday game? Perhaps not Davies.