I think now is a good time to start this thing up again.
I was really nervous pulling up to practice. I didn't know what to expect since I've never played before. I thought everyone was going to be miles and miles better than me. But I passed my first test; actually heading out there to give it a shot. Once I got there I went to the dugout where the "D-2" team was. There I met the other guys going out for the last roster spot(s). I was informed the other day that 1-3 spots are open on the roster. So I met them, talked to the coach. He said we would be fielding and hitting, but I asked him if I could pitch. He said I would get a bullpen and to start warming up. So I started by taking a jog on the warning track and getting loose, stretching everything out, etc. Then we started with a bit of a long toss, and then the catcher was ready. He suited up and I was told to limit myself to 25 pitches.
I was so nervous when I took the mound in the bullpen. For some reason or another, I decided to be the first of the four guys to do my bullpen. That was a mistake. I should have let another guy go before I did my thing. But it felt all right to throw. My sinker was decent, my cutter had the bite it picked up this summer, and my changeup stayed low, which was important for me. I bounced a couple throws off the dirt, and fortunately I didn't throw anything too high. My personal strategy is to always stay low in the zone. This was also the first time I have ever thrown off a mound. The bad thing was that I could not throw the breaking ball, probably because I was so nervous. I know what I did wrong with it though so I can fix it for next time. And I know next time there is nothing to be nervous about. The other guys had all thrown previously and looked a bit rusty too. There are some great arms that I'll be competing with, and I'm excited because competition will bring out the best in everyone. The thing I want to work on Wednesday (my next practice) is just calming down, relaxing, and throwing my pitches. I kept throwing my pitches, trying to locate everything, and the catcher told me, "you are at about 45." For some reason this registered as I was throwing 45 mph, but then I smacked some sense into me and remembered it was my pitch count. I threw one more of each pitch so I was just shy of the 50 pitch mark. And my arm felt fine. I think I could have gone out there and thrown 50 more pitches. It felt fantastic.
Then I watched the other guys throw their bullpen. Just watched mechanics and location and movement, and all that good stuff. I talked to one of the other guys who said my movement was pretty on. I thought he meant my downward movement but he said my pitches had lateral movement too. That made me really excited, because the last thing I want to do is go out there and throw flat pitches all day. The coach didn't really correct me on anything; that either means there was way too much to correct or only small things. I talked to him after practice was done, and he said there's some things to work on. More on that later.
After the bullpen session it was time to lace the cleats up and take the field. Coach put me at first base and we all fielded some ground balls. I didn't do the best job at fielding the throws from 3rd and short, but I thought I did a good job on getting throws from 2nd base. Then he tossed a few ground balls at me, which I think I did a good job of fielding. I missed one of the balls he batted to me. He had me throw to home plate and 3rd base, and my throws weren't exactly the best. I could blame it on the fact that I had just thrown a bullpen, but that's not good enough since I had more in the tank after the bullpen.
Fielding practice was quick. I think it's because we all were pretty rusty. But then we switched back into sneakers and went to the batting cages. I had a lot of fun there, and I hit from both sides. I felt a lot better from the right side, but I still hit some balls from the left that felt really good. I was concerned going into the cages that I would swing and miss a lot, but I made some pretty solid contact. That felt really good to do.
After it got closer to dark, we wrapped up batting practice and covered the field for the night. Then the coach had some words for everyone about the games this weekend. I'm not playing in the games this weekend because I still haven't made that roster spot. There are anywhere from one to three spots open, like I said. It all depends on how the Varsity Team makes its cuts and if they take anyone from the D1 club. That may happen, so I may get a chance. There's four guys going out for the last spots, so competition will be tough. I'm a lefty so I think I may have an advantage. I wonder if I make a spot, if I'll be put in the starter role or play out of the bullpen. I have to make the spot first. And even if I don't make the spot, I can still practice with the club, which I plan on doing if I don't get that last spot.
After he discussed the games, I talked to him about my mechanics in the bullpen. He said it looked all right but there are things to work on. I figured that. I did some mechanical work this summer but I know there are things to polish up on. I'm going to keep an open mind going into this thing. I might not even make the club as a pitcher. Maybe they put me in the infield... I'd prefer pitcher, but if they feel that I can help them as a first baseman, I'll play first base. I know outfield isn't happening; apparently they have a ton of outfielders. I like my chances though; I'm optimistic and I'm keeping my head up. Even though that breaking ball didn't work, I have plenty of chances this coming week to get it right. The hardest thing will be waiting til Wednesday for my next practice.
Also, one last quick thing. The season ends in mid-October. So if I make the club there's not too many games to play in. However, it sounds like practice continues afterwards. I'll be doing that as well.
I'll be blogging about this experience the entire semester... keep it posted here for the very latest!!!
