Babe Ruth Players on 2017 Provincial Teams
Date: Dec 31, 2017
1. Have the hitter in the hole get the foul balls
First, for accuracy the official term for the next hitter on deck is actually "in the hold". Originating from the sailing term where a boat was "in the hold" prior to being "on deck". I learned this little tidbit from Vin Scully and, in my opinion, Mr Scully can never be wrong.
Regardless of the term that you use, let the on deck hitter focus on getting ready to hit and the hitter in the hole can chase down the foul balls.
2. Change your infield routine between innings
I get it, baseball is entrenched in history. We do so many things because that is the way they have always been done. But we play in a cold weather climate and adjustments need to be made. So here is one to make with your team immediately:
-Have all of your infielders except the first baseman take a ball out to the field between innings.
-After the infielders sprint onto the field have the first baseman and second baseman make 8-10 quick throws from about 50 feet. Have the shortstop and third baseman do the same. Getting a number of quick throws in will help keep arms warm and loose throughout the game.
-After getting in a few quick throws the third baseman will put the ball in his glove, set his feet in a fielding position (straight on, forehand, or backhand), and make a throw across to first base. After the first baseman receives the ball he will immediately lob it back to the third baseman and the shortstop will throw a ball across (start with ball in glove, footwork through fielding position, throw the ball across). When the first baseman receives the ball from the shortstop he will complete a double play feed to give the ball back to the shortstop. Right after that throw is made the second baseman will walk through a fielding position and throw the ball to first base.
Why this works...
1. Getting in some throws immediately after coming off the bench will prep arms for the upcoming inning.
2. Our infielders get NOTHING from the first baseman rolling a ball to them. They can't work on their glovework, the pace of the ball is far too slow to simulate footwork, and the angle that they receive the ball is not even close to game like. Shadowing a fielding position on the backhand with the ball in their glove will at lease replicate game-like angles and challenge infield footwork.
3. You can easily do the exact same pattern, but turn double plays on every ball. Turning 35-42 (5-6 double plays before each inning) more double plays every game will certainly improve your team's ability to turn a double play in a game.
4. Your first baseman actually get an opportunity to work on something productive (double play feeds) between innings.
Enjoy the first week of game and I hope to see everyone at the League Social and Opening Day!