Here is a video of the first two days of the Easter State Championships.
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The First Baseman has it pretty easy. He rarely has to throw the ball any farther than the pitcher’s mound. But let’s not forget that he has to sprint to first base, find it, turn, see the ball, and catch the ball on every ground ball hit on the infield. Not only that, it’s his responsibility to hold any base runners at bay to reduce the likelihood of stealing. While holding the runners he has to be able to pounce back into his fielding position before the pitched ball reaches the batter. The Second Baseman needs to have the speed and agility to react to hot shots in the hole between him and the first baseman and the hard grounders up the middle. He’s got to have the ability to get to the ball, field the ball, set his feet and throw the runner out at first. To add to the demands of the position he’s got to have the grace of a ballerina and the quick hands of a prize fighter in order to turn the double play. The Third Baseman needs lightening fast reactions to handle the lasers hit his way and a strong arm to make the longest throw on the infield. He needs the speed to charge on a bunt and the agility to dive to either side on ground balls. The Shortstop needs the speed and agility of the second baseman with the arm strength of the third baseman. Like the second baseman he needs the fast hands to start the double play and the fast feet to complete it. The Outfielders need great reactions to read the ball off of the bat and great sprinting speed to get into position to field it. They also need the strongest arms on the field to throw quickly and accurately to the bases that are over 200 and more feet away. They require the endurance to move on every play whether they are backing up a ground ball on the infield or chasing down a long fly ball in the gap. You will notice that there are many similarities, but also many glaring differences in the demands of each position on the diamond. Courtesy of Baseball Strength Training – For More Free Tips Visit Baseball Strength Right field is not the most coveted position in the game. But perhaps it should be. After all, some of the world’s best baseball greats played this position. In baseball, unlike other some other sports, players have to play both offense and defense. They have to be able to play one of the infield positions or outfield positions. Those who are good at pitching are pitchers and the catchers are usually good at reflexive moves and can send signals to the pitcher on what type of ball to pitch, based upon the stance of the batter. Infielders are considered better defensive players. Outfielders include those playing left, right and center field. In the major leagues, the ball will often pop up to the outfield and the outfielder better catch it. To drop a fly ball in little league is not a big deal. To do this is in major league baseball is considered an error and a black mark against the player. Since most batters are right handed, left field sees most of the action, as does center field. Right field does not see a lot of action, which is why the players who are not the best defensive players are put in this position. But who, through the years, played right field? One famous right fielder was not that great on defense. He was put in right field because he was able to hit, but not the greatest fielder. He wasn’t very athletically built, either. In fact, the joke was that he had to hit a home run all the time so that he would be able to make it around the bases. This somewhat heavy set fellow had his work cut out for him. He wasn’t going to do much running, so they stuck him in right field. The stubby guy who played right field for the Yankees so long ago? He was known as the “Sultan of Swat.” Yep, old Babe Ruth played right field. No one ever questioned his baseball abilities. He was the undisputed home run king for quite some time. Hank Aaron beat his home run record in the 1970s. Hank Aaron, also a powerful hitter also played right field. As did some of the other biggest hitters in the game. Right field may not be the most coveted position when it comes to defense in baseball, but anyone who plays this position is in pretty good company.
Come and support our WA Little League Representatives on their way to the Australian National Baseball Championships!
Arrive 7.00pm for 7.15pm start. Morley Eagles Baseball Club, Crimea Street, Morley. Licensed premises, no BYO. Bring a plate of nibbles to share at your table.
There are 6 ponies per race, with 8 races held during the night. The ponies will be auctioned off before each race with the winning bidder becoming the pony’s “rider/owner”. There will be a track set up which the ponies will follow. There are two large dice, the first dice thrown will select the number of the pony to move forward, the second dice will determine how many spaces the pony will move. The first pony to complete the course will be the winner! There will be a payout to the “rider/owner” of the pony that wins. Race watchers will also be able to bet on the ponies at a tote and the winning pony will deliver a winning dividend per bet. Other prizes will also be available during the night. NOTE: Due to gaming regulations, children under 18 years are not permitted to participate in the game. For more information contact :fundraising@easternphantoms.com HIT THE STICK QUICK DRILL -courtesy of Baseballs Best Drills To develop a short, quick swing you should slowly move the tip of the hose when the hitter swings, making it harder to hit without a short, quick stroke. Note: Don’t make it too difficult to hit the tip of the hose. Simply reinforce the need for a short, quick stroke. |
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