When I told the other coach that apart from my son and JC, I had never coached any of the other kids, he was shocked. He was impressed with how they controlled the field, seemed to understand what to do when they got the ball and especially with their hitting. I am very proud to say all the practice and time we have taken as a staff of parents and coaches, working to develop their hitting skills--which is essential in TBall--has really paid off.
The RASCALS scored their league limit, 5-runs, in each of the four innings last night and held the opposition to less than 5 on more than one, thereby securing a victory. We have divided the team in half, being a first-round squad on the field the first two innings, utilizing those players with a bit more experience to help establish our lead immediately. Each child on my team knows what to do at the plate and they are all getting a taste for hitting the ball, running to first and scoring. (Now, if I can only get them to slide home and get dirty...)
After the opening two innings, I swap rotation, bringing my outfielders to the infield and having the original group in the outfield, rotating a catcher spot that seems to be pretty popular with the RASCALS. By experience with other leagues and teams most kids (and a vast majority of parents) don't want their child playing Catcher. For whatever reason, it seems the Catcher position carries some negative connotation with it. Being a former catcher of many years, I have to say that position is the MOST critical--though you won't see that in the TBall stages of the game. However, Evan, Dustin and Jake have volunteered for the rotation and they seem to love wearing what I call, the Darth Vader helmet.
There were some big hits and great plays last night and everyone had more than their share of runs, hits and excitement. I look forward to seeing the player’s progress, with each passing game. The next game will be early on Saturday the 29th and I hope the opposition brings lots of enthusiasm and plenty of hits... they will need it.
~Coach Bobby Ozuna | RYA Rascalswww.MySpace.com/ThisFieldThisGame
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