CLICK HERE to view the team and player statistics through Game #10
Oak Forest scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat the Warriors by a score of 11-8.
The Warriors starting pitcher, Jason Waner, allowed only one unearned run in three innings of work. The Warriors jumped out to an early lead by scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jason Waner, Paco Lauciello, Ryan Knightly and Jack Lebert each singled before Jim Robley lined a single into leftfield to score two runs with two outs. The Warriors held a 5-1 lead through two innings.
The Warriors extended its lead to 6-1 in the bottom of the third inning when Ryan Knightly singled to centerfield to score Robbie Maxfield. But, the inning ended when Tim Prendergast grounded to shortstop and was called out at first base on a close play in which two runs would have scored. This was one of the turning points in the game.
Oak Forest put five runs on the board in the top of the fourth inning despite getting just two hits. The first two hitters reach base on fielding errors on routine ground balls to the right side of the infield. The next two hitters walked before the sixth hitter of the inning was hit by a pitch. Five of those six runners would eventually score before the inning finally ended with two runners left on base.
The Warriors failed to score in the bottom of the fourth after Ryan Novak lined hard to the third baseman on a hit and run play that unfortunately resulted in an inning ending double play. The game was tied at six runs as it moved into the fifth inning of play.
Oak Forest took a one run lead in the fifth inning after a lead off walk came around to score. The Warriors tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when Ryan Tannebaum grounded to second base to score Sam Marc from third base.
Ryan Novak retired Oak Forest in order in the sixth inning on just seven pitches. The Warriors scored the leading run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Tim Prendergast singled to centerfield to score Paco Lauciello. But, the Warriors left runners on second and third base as the inning came to a close.
The Warriors were unable to hold the one run lead in the seventh, and final, inning. Once again, a routine ground ball to the right side of the infield resulted in an error which contributed to a big inning. Oak Forest scored four runs in the inning to take an 11-8 lead into the bottom of the seventh.
The first two Warriors were retired in the seventh inning. The Warriors then drew a walk to keep its hopes alive. But, despite not being held, the Warriors' runner was thrown out at second base on a 2-0 count to end the ballgame.
OAK FOREST: 11 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors, 8 left on base
WARRIORS: 8 runs, 11 hits, 8 errors, 6 left on base
2011 Chicagoland Tournament Champions & 2011 Lombard Tournament Champions!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Why is a "K" Used When Scoring a Strikeout?
Scoring Trivia
Back in the old days, "struck" was a common term for what is called a "strikeout" today. Scorers used the last letter of the word "strucK" to symbolize a strikeout. Another reason for that practice is that the letter "S" is already used to indicate a sacrifice.
Back in the old days, "struck" was a common term for what is called a "strikeout" today. Scorers used the last letter of the word "strucK" to symbolize a strikeout. Another reason for that practice is that the letter "S" is already used to indicate a sacrifice.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Grant Park Wins Tourny!
Grant Park was the winner of the Memorial Weekend Tournament. Manteno was the runner-up.
The Warriors opened the Memorial Weekend Tournament with a game against Grant Park in Frankfort. As it turned out, the Frankfort "pod" was a tough one as the two top teams ended up coming out of the our location.
Congratulations to Grant Park on the tournament championship.
The Warriors opened the Memorial Weekend Tournament with a game against Grant Park in Frankfort. As it turned out, the Frankfort "pod" was a tough one as the two top teams ended up coming out of the our location.
Congratulations to Grant Park on the tournament championship.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Warriors to Face Oak Forest Next
The Warriors will face Oak Forest on Sunday, May 31st at Noon at Humphrey #2. Players should arrive at the field by 11:15 am for pregame warm-ups. The team will be wearing its RED uniforms.
The deactivated players are Dennis Bresingham and Tim Carroll.
The deactivated players are Dennis Bresingham and Tim Carroll.
Rules Clarifications: Two Plays
I sometimes use this blog to review some of the more unusual plays that occur during the games.
Play #1:
During the New Lenox game, the home plate umpire issued a warning to our pitcher, Ryan Novak, about a pitching violation. The umpire claimed that Ryan was "going to his mouth" (bringing his pitching hand to his mouth) while still on the mound--without wiping his hand off before holding the baseball.
During Chicagoland Metro League play, every pitcher is entitled to a warning before any penalties (i.e., balk or illegal pitch) are assessed. So, this action had no consequence.
Under Official Baseball Rules ("OBR"), a pitcher cannot bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips while on the mound. The penalty for this action is a "ball"--not a balk. The pitcher may bring his hand to his mouth while off the mound--and is not then required to wipe his hand before holding the ball. Exceptions to this rule are generally made on cold days when an umpire will permit a pitcher to blow on his hand even while on the mound. If a pitcher attempts to doctor (i.e., alter, apply a foreign substance) to a baseball, the penalty is more severe--ejection and suspension.
Play #2:
In the bottom of the sixth inning of the Frankfort game, a sequence of plays developed which quickly ended a big Warriors' rally. The Warriors had runners on second and third with just one out when Ryan Novak hit a hard ground ball in the hole--which the shortstop fielded. The runner on third base, Ryan Tannebaum, broke immediately for home. He arrived at the plate before the ball, but was initially unable to get to home plate as the catcher had the plate completely blocked. Ryan then reached for the plate with his hand, but was called out by the home plate umpire. On the next pitch, Ryan Novak was thrown out attempting to steal second base (with Robbie Maxfield on third) to end the inning!
Whether Ryan Tannebaum touched the plate before getting tagged is a judgment call and not the point of this posting. Rather, this posting addresses the obstruction rule.
First, a catcher has the right to field a thrown baseball in whatever position that naturally takes him. As long as he is going for the ball, no obstruction should be called. Also, if a catcher already has the ball, he has every right to block home plate. He is not required to give the runner an opening to the plate.
However, if the catcher does not have the ball, he cannot block the plate and deny the runner's access to score. That is exactly what happened during this play. The proper ruling was to call obstruction on the catcher--score the run--and place Ryan Novak on first base and Robbie Maxfield on third base.
Play #1:
During the New Lenox game, the home plate umpire issued a warning to our pitcher, Ryan Novak, about a pitching violation. The umpire claimed that Ryan was "going to his mouth" (bringing his pitching hand to his mouth) while still on the mound--without wiping his hand off before holding the baseball.
During Chicagoland Metro League play, every pitcher is entitled to a warning before any penalties (i.e., balk or illegal pitch) are assessed. So, this action had no consequence.
Under Official Baseball Rules ("OBR"), a pitcher cannot bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips while on the mound. The penalty for this action is a "ball"--not a balk. The pitcher may bring his hand to his mouth while off the mound--and is not then required to wipe his hand before holding the ball. Exceptions to this rule are generally made on cold days when an umpire will permit a pitcher to blow on his hand even while on the mound. If a pitcher attempts to doctor (i.e., alter, apply a foreign substance) to a baseball, the penalty is more severe--ejection and suspension.
Play #2:
In the bottom of the sixth inning of the Frankfort game, a sequence of plays developed which quickly ended a big Warriors' rally. The Warriors had runners on second and third with just one out when Ryan Novak hit a hard ground ball in the hole--which the shortstop fielded. The runner on third base, Ryan Tannebaum, broke immediately for home. He arrived at the plate before the ball, but was initially unable to get to home plate as the catcher had the plate completely blocked. Ryan then reached for the plate with his hand, but was called out by the home plate umpire. On the next pitch, Ryan Novak was thrown out attempting to steal second base (with Robbie Maxfield on third) to end the inning!
Whether Ryan Tannebaum touched the plate before getting tagged is a judgment call and not the point of this posting. Rather, this posting addresses the obstruction rule.
First, a catcher has the right to field a thrown baseball in whatever position that naturally takes him. As long as he is going for the ball, no obstruction should be called. Also, if a catcher already has the ball, he has every right to block home plate. He is not required to give the runner an opening to the plate.
However, if the catcher does not have the ball, he cannot block the plate and deny the runner's access to score. That is exactly what happened during this play. The proper ruling was to call obstruction on the catcher--score the run--and place Ryan Novak on first base and Robbie Maxfield on third base.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Hidden Ball Trick
Baseball teams are always looking for ways to get outs. Some teams have a hidden ball trick play which can be used to get a careless runner out. But, the hidden ball trick is rarely executed properly and most often results in a balk call against the team attempting to run it! Here's why...
If a pitcher stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, it's a balk. For the hidden ball trick to work, the runner must be taking his lead while the pitcher is away from the rubber.
Many teams, like the Warriors, instruct runner to remain on the base until the pitcher is on the rubber. It is impossible to execute a hidden ball trick on a team that uses that lead off strategy.
Some coaches prefer that runners do not return to the base after each and every pitch. They believe that a runner should be alert and always testing the limits of the defense. However, this approach requires that the runner be alert at all times--or risk getting picked off or subject to the hidden ball trick. The Warriors are considering giving some of our more alert runners the green light for this lead off approach. But, that clearance is something that a runner must prove he can handle.
Another thing that makes the hidden ball trick so difficult to execute is the dead ball situation. Evergreen Park attempted to pull a hidden ball trick against the Warriors after a foul ball on Sunday night. The ball is dead after a foul ball...and it can only be activated by having the pitcher hold the ball while on the rubber. So, if the runner is tagged while leading off, he is not out unless the ball was already made live by the pitcher--which would take the element of surprise out of the play (i.e., it is no longer a hidden ball)!
If a pitcher stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, it's a balk. For the hidden ball trick to work, the runner must be taking his lead while the pitcher is away from the rubber.
Many teams, like the Warriors, instruct runner to remain on the base until the pitcher is on the rubber. It is impossible to execute a hidden ball trick on a team that uses that lead off strategy.
Some coaches prefer that runners do not return to the base after each and every pitch. They believe that a runner should be alert and always testing the limits of the defense. However, this approach requires that the runner be alert at all times--or risk getting picked off or subject to the hidden ball trick. The Warriors are considering giving some of our more alert runners the green light for this lead off approach. But, that clearance is something that a runner must prove he can handle.
Another thing that makes the hidden ball trick so difficult to execute is the dead ball situation. Evergreen Park attempted to pull a hidden ball trick against the Warriors after a foul ball on Sunday night. The ball is dead after a foul ball...and it can only be activated by having the pitcher hold the ball while on the rubber. So, if the runner is tagged while leading off, he is not out unless the ball was already made live by the pitcher--which would take the element of surprise out of the play (i.e., it is no longer a hidden ball)!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 9)
Q #9: With a runner on first base, the pitcher balks while delivering a pitch to the plate. The home plate umpire yells "balk", but the batter hits the pitch down the leftfield line for extra bases (a double). What's the call? Is this considered to be a "no pitch" with the balk resulting in the runner on first base being awarded second base? Is the pitch called a ball? Does the double count? You make the call.
A #9: When a balk is called, the ball is delayed dead. In other words, the balk may be enforced or not depending on what happened. If all runners, including the batter, advanced at least one base on the play, the balk is ignored. So, in the above situation, the double stands!
A #9: When a balk is called, the ball is delayed dead. In other words, the balk may be enforced or not depending on what happened. If all runners, including the batter, advanced at least one base on the play, the balk is ignored. So, in the above situation, the double stands!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Weekend Tourny Photos
CLICK HERE to view Ann Bresingham's photos from the Memorial Weekend tournament. The collection includes 93 images.
Statistics of Interest
Following are some statistics from the first nine games of the 2009 season:
- Four hitters have stuck out only one time in the season: Ryan Novak, Anthony Lauciello, Jason Waner and Jim Robley.
- The Warriors have drawn almost twice as many walks (1.85 times) as its pitching staff has allowed. This has contributed an additional 45 baserunners so far this season.
- The Warriors have won 6 of 9 games despite having fewer hits than its opponents during the season.
- The Warriors' pitching staff relies on fielding support. The staff averages only 4.1 strikeouts per seven inning game.
- All 14 roster players have at least one RBI and 2 runs scored.
- 10 of the 14 players have pitched in official Chicagoland Metro League play.
- Warriors' players are distributed throughout the OYA Pony League as follows: Tigers (3), Yankees (2), Cardinals (2), Mets (2), Indians (2), Blue Jays (1), Pirates (1), Brewers (1), White Sox (0), Cubs (0), Red Sox (0)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Warriors Finish Weekend on High Note
CLICK HERE for team and player statistics through Game #9.
The Warriors ended the weekend with a high note by winning at Evergreen Park by a score of 12-3 in seven innings. It was a special night for the Warriors as the team had the opportunity to experience a neighborhood ballpark atmosphere under the lights. And, the team played a nearly flawless game. The pitching and defense were strong and the bats really came alive.
The Warriors grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Paco Lauciello hammered a homerun to deep leftfield. The ball was rising at it passed the fence which is measured at 265 feet. The homerun landed well over 300 feet from the plate! The Warriors then left three runners on base in the inning--which was to develop into a trend for the night.
The Warriors ended the weekend with a high note by winning at Evergreen Park by a score of 12-3 in seven innings. It was a special night for the Warriors as the team had the opportunity to experience a neighborhood ballpark atmosphere under the lights. And, the team played a nearly flawless game. The pitching and defense were strong and the bats really came alive.
The Warriors grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Paco Lauciello hammered a homerun to deep leftfield. The ball was rising at it passed the fence which is measured at 265 feet. The homerun landed well over 300 feet from the plate! The Warriors then left three runners on base in the inning--which was to develop into a trend for the night.
Anthony Lauciello (Photo courtesy of Ann Bresingham)
Evergreen Park hit the ball hard in the bottom of the inning and scored two runs to tie the game. But, the Warriors' starting pitcher, Ryan Tannebaum, settled in and pitched scoreless second and third innings.
The Warriors' scored five runs in the second inning. Ryan Knightly smashed a line drive to the leftfield wall for his third double of the season to score two runs. Ryan also leads the squad with 13 RBI for the season. Lance Cardinal lined a single to centerfield for his second hit of the game. Lance would reach base on all five of his plate appearances! The Warriors led 7-2 after two innings and would never trail in this one.
The Warriors scored again in the third inning when Ryan Knightly grounded sharply to third to bring Jason Waner home. And, the Warriors added another run in the fourth inning when Robbie Maxfield lined a single to centerfield to score Jack Lebert. The Warriors led 9-2 after four innings of play.
The Warriors scored twice in the fifth inning when Jack Lebert lined a single to leftfield to score Ryan Knightly. Jack had four hits and a walk in this game and raised his batting average to .364 for the season. He is also tied for second on the squad with 8 RBI. Evergreen Park scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the inning to make the score 11-3 at the end of five innings of play.
The Warriors tacked on an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning when Ryan Knightly singled to score Robbie Maxfield. Jason Waner held Evergreen Park to just one run in his three innings of work. Robbie Maxfield pitched the seventh inning and quickly retired Evergreen Park in order--striking out the first two hitters of the inning.
It was one of those special nights for Warriors' baseball.
WARRIORS: 12 runs, 14 hits, 1 error, 14 left on base
EVERGREEN PARK: 3 runs, 5 hits, 2 errors, 7 left on base
Frankfort Edges Warriors 11-10
CLICK HERE for team and player statistics through Game #8
In a game that featured numerous lead changes, the Frankfort Eagles edged the Warriors by a score of 11-10 in seven innings. The Warriors attempted to manufacture some runs in this one as the Eagles had twice as many hits in the ballgame as the Warriors.
The Eagles jumped out to an early lead by scoring a run in the first inning on two singles to leftfield. The Warriors came back with two runs in the bottom of the frame after the first two batters walked and later scored.
The Eagles tied the game in the second inning with a run on three consecutive hits. Paco Lauciello threw a runner out attempting to steal third base to limit the damage. The Warriors regained the lead in the bottom of the inning when Jack Lebert walked and later scored. The Warriors led 3-2 after two innings of play.
Frankfort took a 4-3 lead in the top of the third inning after scoring two runs on two hits and an infield error. Ryan Novak lost a pop up in the sun--and that runner later scored the leading run. But, the Warriors regained the lead by scoring twice in the bottom of the inning on two more walks that later scored! The Warriors led 5-4 despite not getting a single hit versus the Eagles' 7 hits!
The Eagles scored three times in the top of the fourth inning on three hits and two walks. The Warriors came right back to tie the game at seven by scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning.
The fifth inning was the only inning that the Warriors' held the Eagles scoreless. The Eagles had two more hits and a walk in the inning, but Ryan Tannebaum threw a runner out from centerfield who was attempting to advance to third base. The Warriors also failed to score in the inning despite having the middle of its order at bat with two runners in scoring position. The game remained tied 7-7 as the game moved into the sixth inning.
The Eagles took an 8-7 lead in the sixth inning. But, the Warriors scored two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 9-8 lead into the final inning of play. Jason Waner singled to centerfield in the inning. Jason reached base during all four plate appearances and drove in two runs to move into second place on the team with 8 RBI for the season. Ryan Tannebaum also had a hit in the inning on a well placed bunt down the third base line.
The Warriors were unable to close the game as Frankfort scored three runs in the seventh inning to take an 11-9 lead. The Warriors battled back with two runs in the bottom of the seventh before the game ended with three runners left on base.
FRANKFORT: 11 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors, 8 left on base
WARRIORS: 10 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
In a game that featured numerous lead changes, the Frankfort Eagles edged the Warriors by a score of 11-10 in seven innings. The Warriors attempted to manufacture some runs in this one as the Eagles had twice as many hits in the ballgame as the Warriors.
The Eagles jumped out to an early lead by scoring a run in the first inning on two singles to leftfield. The Warriors came back with two runs in the bottom of the frame after the first two batters walked and later scored.
The Eagles tied the game in the second inning with a run on three consecutive hits. Paco Lauciello threw a runner out attempting to steal third base to limit the damage. The Warriors regained the lead in the bottom of the inning when Jack Lebert walked and later scored. The Warriors led 3-2 after two innings of play.
Frankfort took a 4-3 lead in the top of the third inning after scoring two runs on two hits and an infield error. Ryan Novak lost a pop up in the sun--and that runner later scored the leading run. But, the Warriors regained the lead by scoring twice in the bottom of the inning on two more walks that later scored! The Warriors led 5-4 despite not getting a single hit versus the Eagles' 7 hits!
The Eagles scored three times in the top of the fourth inning on three hits and two walks. The Warriors came right back to tie the game at seven by scoring two runs in the bottom of the inning.
The fifth inning was the only inning that the Warriors' held the Eagles scoreless. The Eagles had two more hits and a walk in the inning, but Ryan Tannebaum threw a runner out from centerfield who was attempting to advance to third base. The Warriors also failed to score in the inning despite having the middle of its order at bat with two runners in scoring position. The game remained tied 7-7 as the game moved into the sixth inning.
The Eagles took an 8-7 lead in the sixth inning. But, the Warriors scored two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 9-8 lead into the final inning of play. Jason Waner singled to centerfield in the inning. Jason reached base during all four plate appearances and drove in two runs to move into second place on the team with 8 RBI for the season. Ryan Tannebaum also had a hit in the inning on a well placed bunt down the third base line.
The Warriors were unable to close the game as Frankfort scored three runs in the seventh inning to take an 11-9 lead. The Warriors battled back with two runs in the bottom of the seventh before the game ended with three runners left on base.
FRANKFORT: 11 runs, 15 hits, 2 errors, 8 left on base
WARRIORS: 10 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Steel Spikes
OYA, and most other leagues, permit steel spikes starting at the Pony (age 13) level. Personally, I think this should be reconsidered. It is my opinion that steel spikes cause more injuries--both to the runner wearing the spikes and the fielder attempting to make a tag.
Unfortunately, two Warriors have been injured after being struck with the steel spikes in just the past week. Jim Robley was removed from a game after a runner stepped on his forearm with steel spikes as Jim attempted to make a tag. Jim was fortunate that the steel spikes did not puncture through his skin. He suffered some painful scrapes and recovered quickly.
Tim Prendergast wasn't so fortunate. During the rundown play this afternoon, one of the New Lenox Rebels stepped into Tim's leg. The steel spikes tore through his sock and punctured his skin. He suffered a deep gash that required stitches. He could be out for as long as a week with this injury.
I think it is time for OYA to consider banning steel spikes at the Pony level. I am interested in hearing your opinion on this matter. Perhaps it is something that can be brought to the Board's attention during this upcoming off-season.
Unfortunately, two Warriors have been injured after being struck with the steel spikes in just the past week. Jim Robley was removed from a game after a runner stepped on his forearm with steel spikes as Jim attempted to make a tag. Jim was fortunate that the steel spikes did not puncture through his skin. He suffered some painful scrapes and recovered quickly.
Tim Prendergast wasn't so fortunate. During the rundown play this afternoon, one of the New Lenox Rebels stepped into Tim's leg. The steel spikes tore through his sock and punctured his skin. He suffered a deep gash that required stitches. He could be out for as long as a week with this injury.
I think it is time for OYA to consider banning steel spikes at the Pony level. I am interested in hearing your opinion on this matter. Perhaps it is something that can be brought to the Board's attention during this upcoming off-season.
Warriors Advance After Come From Behind Victory!
CLICK HERE for current team and player statistics through Game #7
After losing the first game of a tournament doubleheader to Grant Park, the Warriors came from behind in dramatic fashion to beat the New Lenox Rebels by a score of 13-12 to advance to Sunday's round of the Memorial Weekend tournament.
In the first game, Grant Park scored early and often against the Warriors--jumping out to an early 8-1 lead. The team made an uncharacteristic number of errors in the field. Our pitching staff generally throws strikes and relies on the fielders to make plays. When the defense breaks down, the opponent tallies up runs at a quick pace. In fact, our pitching staff averages just over 4 strikeouts per game!
Ultimately, Grant Park would put 15 runs on the board of which less than half were earned runs. The Warriors had 8 hits and 6 walks. But, the timely hits were lacking. And, some bad baserunning decisions ran the team out of a few innings. Jason Waner's line drive to the third baseman on a hit and run play that resulted in a double play in the last inning symbolized the entire game.
GRANT PARK: 15 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, 4 left on base
WARRIORS: 3 runs, 8 hits, 6 errors, 9 left on base
In the next game, New Lenox jumped out to a 3 run lead in the first inning. The Warriors bounced back with two runs in the top of the third inning on two walks and an infield error. But, New Lenox extended its lead to 6-2 in the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, New Lenox padded its lead to 8-2. Things were not looking good for the Warriors as the team started the top of the sixth (and possibly final) inning with two quick outs. With just four outs remaining in the ballgame, the Warriors were still looking for its first hit!
Then, the offense sparked with a five run rally in the sixth inning. Sam Marc lined a double down the leftfield line to score two runs in the inning. The Warriors trailed by just one run (8-7) with New Lenox coming to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The home plate umpire notified the teams that ten minutes remained in the game per the two hour time limitation rule. So, the Warriors had ten minutes to retire the Rebels--or face elimination from the tournament.
Lance Cardinal pitched an effective sixth inning. More importantly, he did it quickly! The Warriors came within two minutes of facing elimination. But, since the new inning started before the two hour limit, the inning would be played in full without regard to the clock.
The Warriors' momentum from the sixth inning carried into the seventh inning. The team hammered out four hits and scored six runs to take a 13-8 lead. Ryan Knightly lined a single to centerfield to drive home the first run. Lance Cardinal smashed a double down the leftfield line to drive two more runs in. And, Sam Marc delivered again with a single to leftfield for another RBI. Sam is now tied for the team lead with 7 runs batted in for the season.
Jason Waner entered the game in relief in the bottom of the seventh inning. The first five New Lenox Rebels reached base. Four of those runners eventually scored. With no outs and the tying run in scoring position, Jason faced the heart of the Rebels' batting order (the #3, #4 and #5 hitters). The #3 hitter grounded a ball to Ryan Novak at third base for an out. The clean-up hitter struck out swinging. And, the last out of the game came on a pop up to Ryan Novak.
WARRIORS: 13 runs, 6 hits, 2 errors, 9 left on base
NEW LENOX: 12 runs, 13 hits, 1 error, 9 left on base
After losing the first game of a tournament doubleheader to Grant Park, the Warriors came from behind in dramatic fashion to beat the New Lenox Rebels by a score of 13-12 to advance to Sunday's round of the Memorial Weekend tournament.
In the first game, Grant Park scored early and often against the Warriors--jumping out to an early 8-1 lead. The team made an uncharacteristic number of errors in the field. Our pitching staff generally throws strikes and relies on the fielders to make plays. When the defense breaks down, the opponent tallies up runs at a quick pace. In fact, our pitching staff averages just over 4 strikeouts per game!
Ultimately, Grant Park would put 15 runs on the board of which less than half were earned runs. The Warriors had 8 hits and 6 walks. But, the timely hits were lacking. And, some bad baserunning decisions ran the team out of a few innings. Jason Waner's line drive to the third baseman on a hit and run play that resulted in a double play in the last inning symbolized the entire game.
GRANT PARK: 15 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, 4 left on base
WARRIORS: 3 runs, 8 hits, 6 errors, 9 left on base
In the next game, New Lenox jumped out to a 3 run lead in the first inning. The Warriors bounced back with two runs in the top of the third inning on two walks and an infield error. But, New Lenox extended its lead to 6-2 in the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, New Lenox padded its lead to 8-2. Things were not looking good for the Warriors as the team started the top of the sixth (and possibly final) inning with two quick outs. With just four outs remaining in the ballgame, the Warriors were still looking for its first hit!
Then, the offense sparked with a five run rally in the sixth inning. Sam Marc lined a double down the leftfield line to score two runs in the inning. The Warriors trailed by just one run (8-7) with New Lenox coming to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The home plate umpire notified the teams that ten minutes remained in the game per the two hour time limitation rule. So, the Warriors had ten minutes to retire the Rebels--or face elimination from the tournament.
Lance Cardinal pitched an effective sixth inning. More importantly, he did it quickly! The Warriors came within two minutes of facing elimination. But, since the new inning started before the two hour limit, the inning would be played in full without regard to the clock.
The Warriors' momentum from the sixth inning carried into the seventh inning. The team hammered out four hits and scored six runs to take a 13-8 lead. Ryan Knightly lined a single to centerfield to drive home the first run. Lance Cardinal smashed a double down the leftfield line to drive two more runs in. And, Sam Marc delivered again with a single to leftfield for another RBI. Sam is now tied for the team lead with 7 runs batted in for the season.
Jason Waner entered the game in relief in the bottom of the seventh inning. The first five New Lenox Rebels reached base. Four of those runners eventually scored. With no outs and the tying run in scoring position, Jason faced the heart of the Rebels' batting order (the #3, #4 and #5 hitters). The #3 hitter grounded a ball to Ryan Novak at third base for an out. The clean-up hitter struck out swinging. And, the last out of the game came on a pop up to Ryan Novak.
WARRIORS: 13 runs, 6 hits, 2 errors, 9 left on base
NEW LENOX: 12 runs, 13 hits, 1 error, 9 left on base
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Warriors Make the News!
An article about the Warriors appeared in this morning edition of the Orland Park Prairie. CLICK HERE to view the article.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 8)
Q #8: Runner on 3B with one out. Batter hits a long fly ball to centerfield. Runner goes back to 3B to tag. The ball hits the centerfielder's glove and deflects into the air. Runner breaks for home. Afterwards, the centerfielder finally makes the catch of the bobble.
Defense makes an appeal that the runner left the base too early? Do you call him out for tagging before the ball was secured by the centerfielder? Or, is it OK for the runner to tag once the ball initially makes contact with the outfielder?
A #8: The runner on third base (or any base for that matter) is free to advance one the ball touches an outfielder. He does not have to wait until the ball is caught. This prevents an outfielder from bobbling the ball all the way into the infield in an attempt to prevent the runner from being able to score.
Defense makes an appeal that the runner left the base too early? Do you call him out for tagging before the ball was secured by the centerfielder? Or, is it OK for the runner to tag once the ball initially makes contact with the outfielder?
A #8: The runner on third base (or any base for that matter) is free to advance one the ball touches an outfielder. He does not have to wait until the ball is caught. This prevents an outfielder from bobbling the ball all the way into the infield in an attempt to prevent the runner from being able to score.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Warriors Defeat Hawks 7-1
CLICK HERE for team and player statistics through Game #5
The Warriors defeated the Frankfort Square Hawks by a score of 7-1 on Sunday morning.
The Warriors failed to score in the top of the first inning--leaving two runners in scoring position as the inning ended with a strikeout. The Hawks jumped out to a one run lead in the bottom of the inning after the first two batters of the game drew walks.
After allowing a run in the first inning, Lance Cardinal did not allow another run over his three innings of work as the Warriors' starting pitcher. Lance lived a charmed life as the Hawks left six runner on base during those three innings despite drawing six walks. The Hawks led by a score of 1-0 as the game moved into the fourth inning.
The Warriors' Jason Waner singled on a swinging bunt in the thick infield grass to get things started. Two other Warriors' reached base on errors by the Hawks' shortstop. Sam Marc got one run home by driving the ball to the right side of the infield. The Warriors held a one run lead as the inning ended.
Ryan Novak pitched three scoreless innings in relief for the Warriors. Once again, he had good command over all of his pitches--including his knuckle ball. The first five Frankfort Square hitters all hit ground outs in the infield. Jim Robley was flawless at shortstop and Ryan Knightly made some nice plays on stretches over at first base.
The Warriors scored three times in the top of the fifth inning despite not getting a hit! Ryan Novak reached base on a hit by pitch and later scored. Three Warriors drew walks. All three runs scored on overthrows into leftfield on steal attempts of third base. The Warriors led 5-1.
The Warriors scored two insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning. Jack Lebert lined a single into rightfield and later scored when Dennis Bresingham put the ball in play by hitting a ground ball after having two strikes on the count. Tim Carroll walked (his third walk) and later scored. During the game, Tim improved his on-base % to a team leading .786.
Paco Lauciello retired three Hawks in order in the bottom of the seventh--ending the game on a called third strike.
WARRIORS: 7 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 8 left on base
FRANKFORT SQUARE: 1 run, 2 hits, 6 errors, 9 left on base
The Warriors defeated the Frankfort Square Hawks by a score of 7-1 on Sunday morning.
The Warriors failed to score in the top of the first inning--leaving two runners in scoring position as the inning ended with a strikeout. The Hawks jumped out to a one run lead in the bottom of the inning after the first two batters of the game drew walks.
After allowing a run in the first inning, Lance Cardinal did not allow another run over his three innings of work as the Warriors' starting pitcher. Lance lived a charmed life as the Hawks left six runner on base during those three innings despite drawing six walks. The Hawks led by a score of 1-0 as the game moved into the fourth inning.
The Warriors' Jason Waner singled on a swinging bunt in the thick infield grass to get things started. Two other Warriors' reached base on errors by the Hawks' shortstop. Sam Marc got one run home by driving the ball to the right side of the infield. The Warriors held a one run lead as the inning ended.
Ryan Novak pitched three scoreless innings in relief for the Warriors. Once again, he had good command over all of his pitches--including his knuckle ball. The first five Frankfort Square hitters all hit ground outs in the infield. Jim Robley was flawless at shortstop and Ryan Knightly made some nice plays on stretches over at first base.
The Warriors scored three times in the top of the fifth inning despite not getting a hit! Ryan Novak reached base on a hit by pitch and later scored. Three Warriors drew walks. All three runs scored on overthrows into leftfield on steal attempts of third base. The Warriors led 5-1.
The Warriors scored two insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning. Jack Lebert lined a single into rightfield and later scored when Dennis Bresingham put the ball in play by hitting a ground ball after having two strikes on the count. Tim Carroll walked (his third walk) and later scored. During the game, Tim improved his on-base % to a team leading .786.
Paco Lauciello retired three Hawks in order in the bottom of the seventh--ending the game on a called third strike.
WARRIORS: 7 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 8 left on base
FRANKFORT SQUARE: 1 run, 2 hits, 6 errors, 9 left on base
Saturday, May 16, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 7)
Q #7: The batter taps a pitch and the baseball lands (and remains) directly on home plate. Is this a fair or a foul ball?
A #7: Home plate is postioned in fair territory. Home plate is shaped so that if fits precisely into the corner of the field where the two foul line meet. So, any ball that remains on the plate is a FAIR ball.
A #7: Home plate is postioned in fair territory. Home plate is shaped so that if fits precisely into the corner of the field where the two foul line meet. So, any ball that remains on the plate is a FAIR ball.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Warriors Register for Another Tournament!
The Warriors will now play in an additional July tournament. This tournament is hosted by Oak Lawn Baseball and is called the "Oak Lawn Thunderstruck". It will take place between July 9th and July 12th in Oak Lawn. This gives our players an opportunity to experience additional games in a competitive environment. Given the number of games played within a short time period, it also allows more pitchers from our staff to gain valuable game experience.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Photos from Kim Lewis
The Warriors were pleased that the Lewis family came to see the team play at Hickory Hills on Sunday. Grant Lewis played the last two (2007 and 2008) seasons with the Warriors. He led last year's team in batting average, on-base % and runs batted in. He also led the pitching staff in earned run average as well as WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched). More importantly, Grant was one of the team leaders and was always a positive influence for the team. He now plays with the Orland Park Magic this season.
Dave Lewis was a coach with the Warriors for the past two seasons as well. And, Kim Lewis supported the team by assisting with many tasks over the course of the season--including submitting action photos from most of the team's games.
Dave Lewis was a coach with the Warriors for the past two seasons as well. And, Kim Lewis supported the team by assisting with many tasks over the course of the season--including submitting action photos from most of the team's games.
Kim provided several photographs from the Hickory Hills game. CLICK HERE to view all of her images.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Warriors Fall to Hickory Hills 12-8
CLICK HERE for updated team and player statistics through Game #4
The Warriors lost its first game of the season by a score of 12-8 at Hickory Hills on Mother's Day. This was a game in which the Warriors set a team record (16) for runners left on base!
The first inning was an indicator of things to come. The Warriors loaded the bases, but failed to score a run. Then, Hickory Hills scored five runs in the bottom of the inning on three hits and two infield errors. This Warriors' team is built on control pitching and defense--and when the defense collapses the opposing runs mount quickly.
The Warriors scored a run in the top of the second inning when Tim Carroll lined a double into leftfield to score Ryan Novak. But, the inning ended again with three runners left on base. Hickory Hills extended its lead to 9-1 in the bottom of the frame on four solid hits--including two doubles.
The Warriors loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third inning. But, once again the inning came to a close with the bases loaded--this time without any runs scoring. But, the Warriors regained its exposure after trailing by 8 runs on the road.
Lance Cardinal pitched two solid innings. He pitched a scoreless third inning and allowed two unearned runs in the fourth inning as a result of an error by the centerfielder. Ryan Knightly homered over the leftfield wall to lead off the fourth inning--the team's first homer of the 2009 campaign. The Warriors scratched across another run before this inning ended with just two runners left on base this time.
The Warriors scored two more runs in the top of the fifth inning to make the score 11-5 in favor of Hickory Hills. However, the inning again ended with three runners left on base. The team left 14 runners on base through 5 innings--one runner short of the maximum.
C.J. Brucki entered the game in relief for the Warriors in the bottom of the fifth inning. C.J. threw two impressive innings--allowing no runs and just one hit in that span.
The Warriors attempted a dramatic comeback in the top of the sixth inning, but ran itself out of a big inning. The first seven hitters reached base in this inning. But, only three runs scored as two runners were thrown out on the bases during the inning. The score was 12-8 in favor of Hickory Hills--and that score held to be the final score of the contest.
Game Notes:
Tim Carroll was hit by pitch for the third time this season. He has already tied the hit by pitch leader (Jayson Lenzen) for the entire 2008 season--which covered 31 games!
Jason Waner suffered some pain in his right shoulder after a relay throw from leftfield in the fourth inning. Jason was forced to sit out the remainder of the game. The Warriors wish for Jason to have a speedy recovery.
A lack of timely hitting hurt the Warriors in this game. The team had 9 hits and 14 walks. Including errors, the Warriors had 24 baserunners in 7 inning--but scored 8 runs.
HICKORY HILLS: 12 runs, 9 hits, 1 error, 6 left on base
WARRIORS: 8 runs, 9 hits, 4 errors, 16 left on base
The Warriors lost its first game of the season by a score of 12-8 at Hickory Hills on Mother's Day. This was a game in which the Warriors set a team record (16) for runners left on base!
The first inning was an indicator of things to come. The Warriors loaded the bases, but failed to score a run. Then, Hickory Hills scored five runs in the bottom of the inning on three hits and two infield errors. This Warriors' team is built on control pitching and defense--and when the defense collapses the opposing runs mount quickly.
The Warriors scored a run in the top of the second inning when Tim Carroll lined a double into leftfield to score Ryan Novak. But, the inning ended again with three runners left on base. Hickory Hills extended its lead to 9-1 in the bottom of the frame on four solid hits--including two doubles.
The Warriors loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third inning. But, once again the inning came to a close with the bases loaded--this time without any runs scoring. But, the Warriors regained its exposure after trailing by 8 runs on the road.
Lance Cardinal pitched two solid innings. He pitched a scoreless third inning and allowed two unearned runs in the fourth inning as a result of an error by the centerfielder. Ryan Knightly homered over the leftfield wall to lead off the fourth inning--the team's first homer of the 2009 campaign. The Warriors scratched across another run before this inning ended with just two runners left on base this time.
The Warriors scored two more runs in the top of the fifth inning to make the score 11-5 in favor of Hickory Hills. However, the inning again ended with three runners left on base. The team left 14 runners on base through 5 innings--one runner short of the maximum.
C.J. Brucki entered the game in relief for the Warriors in the bottom of the fifth inning. C.J. threw two impressive innings--allowing no runs and just one hit in that span.
The Warriors attempted a dramatic comeback in the top of the sixth inning, but ran itself out of a big inning. The first seven hitters reached base in this inning. But, only three runs scored as two runners were thrown out on the bases during the inning. The score was 12-8 in favor of Hickory Hills--and that score held to be the final score of the contest.
Game Notes:
Tim Carroll was hit by pitch for the third time this season. He has already tied the hit by pitch leader (Jayson Lenzen) for the entire 2008 season--which covered 31 games!
Jason Waner suffered some pain in his right shoulder after a relay throw from leftfield in the fourth inning. Jason was forced to sit out the remainder of the game. The Warriors wish for Jason to have a speedy recovery.
A lack of timely hitting hurt the Warriors in this game. The team had 9 hits and 14 walks. Including errors, the Warriors had 24 baserunners in 7 inning--but scored 8 runs.
HICKORY HILLS: 12 runs, 9 hits, 1 error, 6 left on base
WARRIORS: 8 runs, 9 hits, 4 errors, 16 left on base
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Warriors Travel to Hickory Hills on Mother's Day
The team will play Hickory Hills on Sunday, May 10th at 10:00 am. Players should arrive at the field no later than 9:15 am for pregame warm-ups. The fields are located at 9900 South on 7600 West (just north of the Bridgeview Courthouse on 103rd Street). CLICK HERE to view the Hickory Hills baseball website with links to the field location maps. Jim Robley and Dennis Bresingham are deactivated for this game. Please check the deactivation list on Friday evening as it subject to change. The team will wear its RED uniforms for this game.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Team Stats Updated Through Game #3
The Warriors defeated the Southside Express B team by a score of 7-5 in seven innings at Centennial #4 on Friday night. The Warriors had an uncharacteristic number of fielding errors (5) in this one. Yet, the pitching staff was able to overcome these errors by throwing strikes and mixing up speeds.
Jason Waner tossed three innings as the Warriors starting pitcher--allowing three unearned (and no earned) runs. Jason has not allowed an earned run in his six innings of work so far this season. Ryan Novak threw two effective innings in relief--allowing one (unearned) run. Ryan's ERA is an impressive 1.24 in 5 2/3rd innings of work this year. And, Anthony Lauciello closed the game--allowing one run over two innings. Anthony currently leads the pitching staff in WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) at 1.33. He recorded his first save of the season.
Anthony Lauciello led the offense with two hits, including a double to deep leftfield. He scored twice and now leads the Warriors with an impressive 8 runs scored in three games. C.J. Brucki reached base three times and is now ranked 3rd on the team's leaderboard for both on-base % and batting average. Robbie Maxfield also reached base during all three plate appearances and has moved onto the leaderboard for on-base %.
It's been a real team effort so far this season. After only three games, all 14 Warriors' players have at least one RBI and one run scored!
One other statistic that I like to keep an eye on is the number of walks the team allows versus the number of walks that it draws. A significant piece of the winning recipe for this team is to be selective at the plate (i.e., Ted Williams) while continuing to throw strikes (i.e., Ferguson Jenkins). Through the first three games, the Warriors have received over twice as many walks as it has allowed (34 to 15) for a 2.27 ratio. A ratio over 2 is outstanding! Most likely, those additional 19 baserunners have contributed greatly to the winning scores distributed over just three games.
CLICK HERE to view the team and player statistics through Game #3.
WARRIORS: 7 runs, 7 hits, 5 errors, 9 left on base
Southside Express B: 5 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
Time of Game: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Jason Waner tossed three innings as the Warriors starting pitcher--allowing three unearned (and no earned) runs. Jason has not allowed an earned run in his six innings of work so far this season. Ryan Novak threw two effective innings in relief--allowing one (unearned) run. Ryan's ERA is an impressive 1.24 in 5 2/3rd innings of work this year. And, Anthony Lauciello closed the game--allowing one run over two innings. Anthony currently leads the pitching staff in WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) at 1.33. He recorded his first save of the season.
Anthony Lauciello led the offense with two hits, including a double to deep leftfield. He scored twice and now leads the Warriors with an impressive 8 runs scored in three games. C.J. Brucki reached base three times and is now ranked 3rd on the team's leaderboard for both on-base % and batting average. Robbie Maxfield also reached base during all three plate appearances and has moved onto the leaderboard for on-base %.
It's been a real team effort so far this season. After only three games, all 14 Warriors' players have at least one RBI and one run scored!
One other statistic that I like to keep an eye on is the number of walks the team allows versus the number of walks that it draws. A significant piece of the winning recipe for this team is to be selective at the plate (i.e., Ted Williams) while continuing to throw strikes (i.e., Ferguson Jenkins). Through the first three games, the Warriors have received over twice as many walks as it has allowed (34 to 15) for a 2.27 ratio. A ratio over 2 is outstanding! Most likely, those additional 19 baserunners have contributed greatly to the winning scores distributed over just three games.
CLICK HERE to view the team and player statistics through Game #3.
WARRIORS: 7 runs, 7 hits, 5 errors, 9 left on base
Southside Express B: 5 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
Time of Game: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Warriors Team Photo
We were fortunate to have all 18 team members present this evening for the Warriors' team photo.
CLICK HERE to view the different versions of this year's team photo.
If you are interested in purchasing a photo, simply select the photo of interest and then click on the "Add to Cart" button located on the upper right portion of your screen. Please also note that the photo's caption includes a note regarding the most ideal print size (aspect ratio) for each image (e.g., 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc.). The pricing has been set at a minimal level for these particular prints. Please contact me if you have any questions about this process.
CLICK HERE to view the different versions of this year's team photo.
If you are interested in purchasing a photo, simply select the photo of interest and then click on the "Add to Cart" button located on the upper right portion of your screen. Please also note that the photo's caption includes a note regarding the most ideal print size (aspect ratio) for each image (e.g., 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc.). The pricing has been set at a minimal level for these particular prints. Please contact me if you have any questions about this process.
Bat Bags
Well, the bat bags finally arrived! Hopefully, everyone is happy with the quality of the bags.
The Warriors would like to thank Matt Rafferty for helping us with that special order. Matt was able to work through the same vendor who supplied last year's Warriors' bags. As a result, we were able to get the exact style of our existing bags at promotional pricing.
The Warriors would like to thank Matt Rafferty for helping us with that special order. Matt was able to work through the same vendor who supplied last year's Warriors' bags. As a result, we were able to get the exact style of our existing bags at promotional pricing.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 6)
Q #6: The batter hits a hard ground ball down the third base line. The ball hits the runner in fair territory--but the runner is standing directly on third base at the time. Is the runner out? Or, is the base a safe haven in this instance?
A #6: The bases are in fair territory. A runner is out when hit by a fair batted ball while touching a base, except when hit by an infield-fly or after the ball has passed a fielder and no other fielder had a play on the ball.
A #6: The bases are in fair territory. A runner is out when hit by a fair batted ball while touching a base, except when hit by an infield-fly or after the ball has passed a fielder and no other fielder had a play on the ball.
Monday, May 4, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 5)
Q #5: With a runner on first base and one out, the pitcher (while on the rubber) fails to come to a set position before attempting to pick the runner off of first base. Is this a balk?
A #5: The pitcher is not required to come to a set position before throwing to a base. The pitcher is required to come to a set position (a stop) before delivering a pitch from the stretch--or it is a balk.
A #5: The pitcher is not required to come to a set position before throwing to a base. The pitcher is required to come to a set position (a stop) before delivering a pitch from the stretch--or it is a balk.
Baserunning Opportunities
One of the biggest areas of opportunity for improvement for the Warriors is baserunning. After yesterday's game against Oak Lawn, we reviewed some of the areas that the team struggled with during the doubleheader.
When the ball is in possession of the pitcher or catcher, our baserunners must keep their eyes on the ball. Baserunners must know where the ball is at all times and gauge their leads accordingly. Many Warriors' baserunners find themselves looking down at the ground, or looking at a coach, or studying the flight patterns of planes coming in and out of Midway airport while standing off the base! This opens the team up to taking unnecessary outs--and those outs usually occur at the worst times.
Runners positioned on third base need to do a better job reacting to batted balls. With less than two outs, a runner on third base needs to tag immediately on fly balls to the outfield so that they are in a position to start running to home upon the catch. Many of our runners start moving on contact and then must try to return to the base AFTER the ball is caught--which gives the defense a much better shot at throwing the runner out. A runner on third should be looking at the trajectory of the ball coming off the bat. If it is rising (line drive or fly ball), the runner must start moving back to the base. The runner will move back to the base regardless of how far the ball is hit. Even if the ball is smashed 600 feet, runners must return to the base as they will score easily whether the ball is caught OR falls to the ground. Runners will not score easily if they are already approaching the plate and then must RETURN to third base after a ball is caught.
In most cases, if it is hit on the ground (with the infield back), the runner will immediately move towards home and try to score if the ball passes the pitcher (although this is situational and the coach will advise the runner prior to the play occurring).
Things are different for runners positioned on first or second base with less than two outs! If the ball is hit in the air to the outfield, runners should not tag. Instead, runners should go to a "half way" position. Technically, it's not really half way. Runners should get just far enough off the base so that they can return safely if the ball is caught and the outfielder attempts to make a throw back to the base. But, runners need to get out there enough so that if the ball drops they can try to beat the force at the next base. So, a runner on first base will get further off the base on a fly ball hit to leftfield than he would on a fly ball hit to rightfield--as the leftfielder has a much longer throw back to first. This is very different from third base where a runner is more concerned about tagging to score.
The last area (which we haven't yet discussed) is being aware of situations. We want our baserunners to be very aggressive, but only when the situation warrants it. We take risks when there is a potential reward. It is not smart baseball to take overly aggressive primary leads off first base when the bases are loaded with a 3-0 count on the hitter! For one thing, there's a runner already positioned on the next base which eliminates the steal. Also, pitchers in that situation usually act like caged animals desperately looking for a way out. The Warriors don't want to help an opponent get out of these situations that easily.
Overall, the team is doing a great job picking up baseball concepts. However, this is an area that we must improve upon. We will discuss this, as well as some pick off plays, at Friday's practice. We expect to see good progress during the Hickory Hills game on Sunday.
When the ball is in possession of the pitcher or catcher, our baserunners must keep their eyes on the ball. Baserunners must know where the ball is at all times and gauge their leads accordingly. Many Warriors' baserunners find themselves looking down at the ground, or looking at a coach, or studying the flight patterns of planes coming in and out of Midway airport while standing off the base! This opens the team up to taking unnecessary outs--and those outs usually occur at the worst times.
Runners positioned on third base need to do a better job reacting to batted balls. With less than two outs, a runner on third base needs to tag immediately on fly balls to the outfield so that they are in a position to start running to home upon the catch. Many of our runners start moving on contact and then must try to return to the base AFTER the ball is caught--which gives the defense a much better shot at throwing the runner out. A runner on third should be looking at the trajectory of the ball coming off the bat. If it is rising (line drive or fly ball), the runner must start moving back to the base. The runner will move back to the base regardless of how far the ball is hit. Even if the ball is smashed 600 feet, runners must return to the base as they will score easily whether the ball is caught OR falls to the ground. Runners will not score easily if they are already approaching the plate and then must RETURN to third base after a ball is caught.
In most cases, if it is hit on the ground (with the infield back), the runner will immediately move towards home and try to score if the ball passes the pitcher (although this is situational and the coach will advise the runner prior to the play occurring).
Things are different for runners positioned on first or second base with less than two outs! If the ball is hit in the air to the outfield, runners should not tag. Instead, runners should go to a "half way" position. Technically, it's not really half way. Runners should get just far enough off the base so that they can return safely if the ball is caught and the outfielder attempts to make a throw back to the base. But, runners need to get out there enough so that if the ball drops they can try to beat the force at the next base. So, a runner on first base will get further off the base on a fly ball hit to leftfield than he would on a fly ball hit to rightfield--as the leftfielder has a much longer throw back to first. This is very different from third base where a runner is more concerned about tagging to score.
The last area (which we haven't yet discussed) is being aware of situations. We want our baserunners to be very aggressive, but only when the situation warrants it. We take risks when there is a potential reward. It is not smart baseball to take overly aggressive primary leads off first base when the bases are loaded with a 3-0 count on the hitter! For one thing, there's a runner already positioned on the next base which eliminates the steal. Also, pitchers in that situation usually act like caged animals desperately looking for a way out. The Warriors don't want to help an opponent get out of these situations that easily.
Overall, the team is doing a great job picking up baseball concepts. However, this is an area that we must improve upon. We will discuss this, as well as some pick off plays, at Friday's practice. We expect to see good progress during the Hickory Hills game on Sunday.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Warriors Sweep Doubleheader!
The Warriors defeated the Oak Lawn Chargers in the second game of the doubleheader. Once again, the Warriors applied its winning recipe of: 1) being selective at the plate (i.e., Ted Williams); 2) throwing strikes (i.e., Ferguson Jenkins); and 3) playing solid defense. Our baserunning (i.e., Jackie Robinson) still needs more work!
Warriors: 16 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 5 left on base
Oak Lawn: 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors, 7 left on base
In sharp contrast to the 2008 Warriors (which was built on power pitching and strike outs), the pitchers struck out just 10 hitters the entire day (in 14 innings over 2 games). But, the pitchers consistently threw strikes and the defense committed just one error the entire afternoon.
At times, the defense was spectacular. Tim Carroll got the team off to a good start in the Oak Lawn game by making a Major League play from deep in the hole from shortstop. Dennis Bresingham contributed with some nice catches, including a great catch to close out the third inning.
With the team down two runs in the fourth inning, Ryan Novak entered the game in relief. In a legendary performance, Ryan Novak pitched three strong innings on a sore leg (after taking a line drive off his shin in the morning game). He allowed just one earned run in that span. Ryan's knuckle ball was at its best--even surprising the plate umpire with its movement. When I asked the umpire where one of the pitches was, he replied that it started off the inside corner and then ended up off the outside corner of the plate! Just as when he threw a complete game victory in the Lockport tournament last season, he had command over the knuckle ball--and it was virtually unhittable this afternoon!
The Warriors hit with power in the Oak Lawn game. Ryan Knightly crushed a double to deep rightfield to clear the bases (scoring 3 runs in the big 9 run fourth inning). It should have been a triple, but Ryan missed first base and had to return to touch the bag. C.J. Brucki hammered a triple to deep rightfield in the second inning. Sam Marc doubled to rightfield to drive two runs home in the seventh inning. And, Jack Lebert led all hitters with five RBI for the day!
Overall, it was a good start for the Warriors. We look forward to returning to Hickory Hills--the site of our first tournament championship (June, 2008)--next weekend.
CLICK HERE for the team and player statistics through Game #2.
Warriors: 16 runs, 7 hits, 1 error, 5 left on base
Oak Lawn: 6 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors, 7 left on base
In sharp contrast to the 2008 Warriors (which was built on power pitching and strike outs), the pitchers struck out just 10 hitters the entire day (in 14 innings over 2 games). But, the pitchers consistently threw strikes and the defense committed just one error the entire afternoon.
At times, the defense was spectacular. Tim Carroll got the team off to a good start in the Oak Lawn game by making a Major League play from deep in the hole from shortstop. Dennis Bresingham contributed with some nice catches, including a great catch to close out the third inning.
With the team down two runs in the fourth inning, Ryan Novak entered the game in relief. In a legendary performance, Ryan Novak pitched three strong innings on a sore leg (after taking a line drive off his shin in the morning game). He allowed just one earned run in that span. Ryan's knuckle ball was at its best--even surprising the plate umpire with its movement. When I asked the umpire where one of the pitches was, he replied that it started off the inside corner and then ended up off the outside corner of the plate! Just as when he threw a complete game victory in the Lockport tournament last season, he had command over the knuckle ball--and it was virtually unhittable this afternoon!
The Warriors hit with power in the Oak Lawn game. Ryan Knightly crushed a double to deep rightfield to clear the bases (scoring 3 runs in the big 9 run fourth inning). It should have been a triple, but Ryan missed first base and had to return to touch the bag. C.J. Brucki hammered a triple to deep rightfield in the second inning. Sam Marc doubled to rightfield to drive two runs home in the seventh inning. And, Jack Lebert led all hitters with five RBI for the day!
Overall, it was a good start for the Warriors. We look forward to returning to Hickory Hills--the site of our first tournament championship (June, 2008)--next weekend.
CLICK HERE for the team and player statistics through Game #2.
Warriors Win 1st Game of Doubleheader!
The Warriors defeated Evergreen Park by a score of 14-4 in its opening game fo the 2009 Chicagoland Metro League season.
Anthony Lauciello led the offense--reaching base and scoring on all four plate appearances. He had a single and two doubles in the game. Tim Prendergast also had three hits. Tim drove in three runs and also had a double. Jack Lebert drove in three runs on two solid hits.
Jason Waner was the Warriors' starting pitcher. He threw three scoreless innings--striking out five hitters. Ryan Tannebaum gave the Warriors two solid innings. Ryan Novak retired two hitters before taking a line smash off the shin bone. Ryan had to be removed from the game--and is expected to miss the second game of the doubleheader due to his injury.
CLICK HERE for the team and player stats through Game 1
Warriors: 14 runs, 10 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
Evergreen Park: 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 error, 10 left on base
Time of game: 2 hours, 24 minutes
The Warriors were pleased to see former Warrior Dan Victoria and his father, Craig Victoria at this morning's game. Dan is now playing for the 6th grade Orland Park Magic baseball team.
Anthony Lauciello led the offense--reaching base and scoring on all four plate appearances. He had a single and two doubles in the game. Tim Prendergast also had three hits. Tim drove in three runs and also had a double. Jack Lebert drove in three runs on two solid hits.
Jason Waner was the Warriors' starting pitcher. He threw three scoreless innings--striking out five hitters. Ryan Tannebaum gave the Warriors two solid innings. Ryan Novak retired two hitters before taking a line smash off the shin bone. Ryan had to be removed from the game--and is expected to miss the second game of the doubleheader due to his injury.
CLICK HERE for the team and player stats through Game 1
Warriors: 14 runs, 10 hits, 1 error, 8 left on base
Evergreen Park: 4 runs, 8 hits, 1 error, 10 left on base
Time of game: 2 hours, 24 minutes
The Warriors were pleased to see former Warrior Dan Victoria and his father, Craig Victoria at this morning's game. Dan is now playing for the 6th grade Orland Park Magic baseball team.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Team Goals
As we enter into the Chicagoland Metro League season, it is important to review the goals we have set out for the team.
Note that winning is not specifically listed as one of the goals. The reason for this is that we have no idea what level of competition the team will be facing. For example, the team could play a perfect game and would still lose if it played the New York Yankees!
However, one of the three goals is to develop a positive attitude. This is accomplished through giving our best effort on the field and by respecting the game. Although winning isn't one of the goals, striving to win is. I think the following quotes (from a diverse group of people) do a good job of summarizing the philosophy:
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan
"My greatest concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure." - Abraham Lincoln
"If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George S. Patton
"Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better." - Pat Riley
Note that winning is not specifically listed as one of the goals. The reason for this is that we have no idea what level of competition the team will be facing. For example, the team could play a perfect game and would still lose if it played the New York Yankees!
However, one of the three goals is to develop a positive attitude. This is accomplished through giving our best effort on the field and by respecting the game. Although winning isn't one of the goals, striving to win is. I think the following quotes (from a diverse group of people) do a good job of summarizing the philosophy:
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." - Michael Jordan
"My greatest concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure." - Abraham Lincoln
"If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George S. Patton
"Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better." - Pat Riley
Warriors to Play Two on Sunday
The Warriors will play two Metro League games on Sunday, May 3rd. The Warriors will wear RED for both games. The first game is scheduled for 9:45 am at Humphrey #2 against Evergreen Park. Players should arrive at the field by 9:00 am.
The team will then play its first road game of the season later that Sunday. The Warriors will play the Oak Lawn Chargers at 3:00 pm at Worthbrook Park. The Oak Lawn coach said that the field is located at 89th Street & Melvina (and that Melvina is 2 blocks east of Ridgeland Avenue). Players should be at the park by 2:15 pm for this game.
Sam Marc and Ryan Knightly are deactivated for the Evergreen Park game. Tim Prendergast and Robbie Maxfield are deactivated for the Oak Lawn game.
The team will then play its first road game of the season later that Sunday. The Warriors will play the Oak Lawn Chargers at 3:00 pm at Worthbrook Park. The Oak Lawn coach said that the field is located at 89th Street & Melvina (and that Melvina is 2 blocks east of Ridgeland Avenue). Players should be at the park by 2:15 pm for this game.
Sam Marc and Ryan Knightly are deactivated for the Evergreen Park game. Tim Prendergast and Robbie Maxfield are deactivated for the Oak Lawn game.
Pitching Clinic
The Warriors participated in a pitching clinic conducted by Coach Al Hasan at Junior Diggins on Saturday night. The clinic included stretching exercises, a demonstration of proper grips and a general discussion of pitching mechanics. However, the majority of the time was devoted to observing the throwing mechanics of each of our pitchers.
At the end of the session, I walked away with two or three bullet points for each player to improve his pitching (speed and/or control). The good news is that most of our pitchers required limited adjustments--and many of those adjustments are things that they are currently working on. The other good news is that players were easily able to absorb and execute any new feedback that was provided during the session. The ability of our players to listen to feedback and quickly implement changes impressed Coach Hasan as much as it has impressed me so far this season. It is really remarkable!
Of course, practice is required for a player to make long-term improvements. That practice might involve being aware of the proper mechanics while playing catch--or working through throwing mechanics for a few minutes each night in front of a mirror.
As the season progresses, I'll be talking with and working with our pitchers on these main opportunity areas. One of the goals of the Warriors is for players to gain a better understanding of the game--so that all of us can develop our skills as the season proceeds.
I would also like to thank Anne Lebert for coordinating the food and beverages for the evening. It is very much appreciated.
At the end of the session, I walked away with two or three bullet points for each player to improve his pitching (speed and/or control). The good news is that most of our pitchers required limited adjustments--and many of those adjustments are things that they are currently working on. The other good news is that players were easily able to absorb and execute any new feedback that was provided during the session. The ability of our players to listen to feedback and quickly implement changes impressed Coach Hasan as much as it has impressed me so far this season. It is really remarkable!
Of course, practice is required for a player to make long-term improvements. That practice might involve being aware of the proper mechanics while playing catch--or working through throwing mechanics for a few minutes each night in front of a mirror.
As the season progresses, I'll be talking with and working with our pitchers on these main opportunity areas. One of the goals of the Warriors is for players to gain a better understanding of the game--so that all of us can develop our skills as the season proceeds.
I would also like to thank Anne Lebert for coordinating the food and beverages for the evening. It is very much appreciated.
Hustling
One of the most important things we ask of our players is that they give it their very best effort when playing the game. We expect all of our players to hustle when they are out on the field. Examples of hustling include the following:
- Running on and off the field
- Always running hard on batted balls (or dropped third strikes)
- Backing up plays defensively
- Being in an athletic position
Not every player is blessed with the talent to be the top hitter or pitcher in the league. But, every player on the Warriors can give his best effort.
Pete Rose ("Charlie Hustle")
Friday, May 1, 2009
You Make the Call (Part 4)
Q #4: With a count of 1 ball and 1 strike, the righthanded batter decides to hit from the left side. As the umpire, would you allow the batter to switch boxes with that count? Would you allow the batter to switch boxes if the count goes to 1 ball and 2 strikes?
A #4: The batter can switch boxes at any time, provided he does not do it after the pitcher is ready to pitch.
Rule: 6.06(b)
A #4: The batter can switch boxes at any time, provided he does not do it after the pitcher is ready to pitch.
Rule: 6.06(b)
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