September 2016 – A Baseball Blog

O-H-I-O

What’s round on the outside and high in the middle?

Ohio!

My latest adventure in baseball takes me to the town of Chillicothe, OH. As I mentioned before, I have my glove and I will travel. I drove down the day before and decided to mix it up and stay local rather than a chain hotel.

From what I’ve experienced in the past the way these usually go is I show up at 9 am. Then wait until the afternoon to throw a bullpen. Actually I’ve never been to a bigger workout as a pitcher besides the one in Rensselear, IN. The waiting is nothing new. Usually arriving at the field before batting practice and playing catch, then waiting until 9:00 that night to get into the game.
The organizer of this workout is Tim Martin. I met Tim during my trip to Huntington, WV when I threw a bullpen for a few teams. He liked me then and hopefully will like what he saw today enough to consider me for spring training. That was a small impromptu workout just for me and the teams who decided to show up. Tebow style. I texted time askin what time to show, and he said hopefully I would be on the mound by 11. In baseball terms that means on the mound sometime that afternoon. A common thread with the baseball workouts is they never seem to start on time or run without some delay. This particular workout is the Tim Martin showcase where he invites high school kids out to showcase for various colleges and pros who want to show up. There are about 5-6 teams worth of players here, arohnd 170 people if my count of jerseys were correct.

Anyway, that means there will be a lot of action not involving me before I hop onto the mound. In these moments of waiting I bring a book or visualize to pass the time. I’ve been in the shoes of the tryout kid many times, trying to prove your worth to strangers. The strangers who help shape your baseball future for better or worse.

My action took place after defense was complete. I have a tendency to get what some would call the yips during catch. You’d think at this point I could control everything during catch but this season has been weird and I’ve never had anything like this happen. There I was at 90 feet not knowing where the ball was going and decided to reset bring it back to 60 feet. At that distant it is easier for me I have body control to make the speed of my body and the speed of my arm. I had thrown about 6-7 on a flat ground, no curves yet, and luckily I was throwing it hard because when I was about to head to the mound they called me over.

The next phase I blacked out. Not really, but it was me warming up on the game mound with the scouts watching behind home plate. No nets, no screens, just their guns and eyes. I hadn’t thrown a pitch off the mound yet and they were already lurking behind but I said well might as well throw some hard, if one gets away it gets away. Maybe this is an irrational fear of having people stand right behind the catcher, but I haven’t done enough research into other pitchers to gauge their emotional responses to the same situation. It was nice to have about 300 people watching my bullpen, it adds excitement which makes my blood flow.

From what I was told I did well, but I also thought I did well in my Indiana workout, this went better than that. Easier delivery and more pitches in the zone. It wasn’t a normal bullpen, but under the circumstances I was throwing hard. The guys I talked to afterward had no problems with my age, or being inexperienced. They like was they saw, and when asked about what I’ve been up to or why I was let go from Colorado, I tell the truth. I wasn’t pitching well with Colorado – I’ve been figuring things out to make me an better pitcher, and I feel like I’m in a better place because of what I’ve experienced. One thing I’m worried about is when they look me up and see my struggles they will write me off. The team that looks past these previous numbers will be the team for me. I told them to think of it as I just completed my sophomore year of school and going into my junior year. I played with a lot of guys last year with worse numbers than me, had a chance to develop another year in the system, and have progressed to low ERAs in A+ as well as AA this year. That is going to be me. Pitch ability and projections all that go into those decisions, and I know physically everything is there just need to keep working on the minor adjustments.

The next step is the waiting game. My speciality. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go down and showcase one last time before the season is up. If nothing comes from it, well can’t say I didn’t try. This could also lead to a workout before spring training where they get another look to decide. Ideally I get a spring invite – have something to work for. If not – independent ball tryouts are in the spring also.

2016 has been an interesting year for me baseball wise. Starting in December 2015 and going until September 2016. Health wise I feel good and my arm feels strong. The month off in June might be a factor but I still played catch and pitched regularly with the PSML.

I feel strong with the changes and mental cues I have been using seem to payoff in the three or so bullpens I’ve thrown. It has reinvigorated me in my quest for success. Confidence is when you’re feeling good about a situation. It builds when you put yourself into a spot, have success, then the next time you are in the same situation, based on previous success you feel better about your chances.

Have glove, will travel.

Final Chapter – 2016

The Hoppers faded into the sunset on Saturday night.

The final out of the USPBL season has been recorded. The pesky Utica Unicorns took the inaugural title with a victory over the Beavers. My prediction was correct. I saw how the Corns were bottom feeding all year long but once you get into the post season you can throw the records out the window. The home team was destined to win the first year, after all you have to give the fans what they want. After we were unable to clinch in three consecutive chances, we opened the door for the Beavers to have the off day going into the championship.

This meant that we were going to play the Unicorns Saturday, then the winner would take on the Beavers in a winner takes all format. We certainly had our chance at the title game, and even had a Thursday game between the Beavers and Corns that could have sealed it for us. The Beavers took advantage and won 18-1.

The All-Star game festivities took place Friday, resulting in a 5 inning 0-0 tie. The strangest thing about that to me is that they took all the All-Star hitters, and had them face the pitchers that each coach said, “yea you can throw because we won’t need you Saturday”, and the pitchers shut them down. That is another great part of baseball that no matter who is up against a pitcher or hitter, there is always a chance for either guy.

Our game versus the Corns was Saturday, and it was rainy and overcast most of the day. The field was a “slow track” that day, as the entire field was mushy and each step you took was like walking on padding. Where your foot sinks in a bit each time. Even under the threat of rain, the turnout for the game was high. I read the other day the USPBL averages a few thousand every night. For a first year league, or any league, that features three teams that is awesome for everyone who had the dream of making a new professional league. The atmosphere has been great every night I am at the ballpark, the crowds have been engaged throughout the games, and it looks like families have been enjoying themselves while watching baseball. It is always refreshing to answer basic questions about baseball, questions I thought everyone knew, but then again not everyone has devoted the first quarter of their life strictly to baseball.

The game Saturday ended our season in a 4-3 loss. We certainly had chances on the offensive side, and our pitching staff did well. Perhaps the starter was left in a little too long, when you have like eight other guys that can pitch, in a win or go home situation. Jeff has thrown the ball well all year and we thought in the bullpen that maybe he needed some relief earlier than normal. We trailed into the late innings, putting up a rally with the winning run on second base in the 9th with two outs. That is the situation you dream about as a hitter, and our team was put into it. I didn’t think there was any chance I would throw, as I have mentioned earlier I am no longer one of the favored sons. I’ve heard a few guys are staying around to have a workout for an affiliated team or two, but I wasn’t told about that.

After the game the locker room mood was obviously down from where it was pre game. Everyone takes a loss differently. For some, this was their first taste of pro ball. I know for some this will not be their last. When I finished up in Rome last year we didn’t have a long locker session. We had the bus ride from Hickory to look forward to. After we got back most guys hopped in their cars and drove back that night. Here, we lingered around longer and chatted, signed some baseballs rand even had cake. I am glad that there is another professional league that is starting. There needs to be more chances for guys to play after college besides affiliated where those who were overlooked with something to prove can showcase their ability. The USPBL for me was a chance to refine my mechanics while competing in games. There is nothing better than the competition between the hitter and pitcher when it comes to sport.

The next step for me is finding a job. The league here will be fine without me, and I don’t think that I am eligible to continue to play in it. I’ll find a new team, new league. That has been my story thus far, always finding a new team to play for and making an impression on a new set of eyes, set of coaches, and best of all, meeting new players who share the same goals as myself. I’ve already met a few guys up here that I would consider a good friend, that I could count on for advice, and would be fun to play cards with on a weeknight.

I have some ideas for work this off season with substitute teacher staying near the top of the list. I want to work some odd jobs if I can, do more lessons if I can, and generally be more active than I was last year. That will help me focus my mind elsewhere than worrying about if a team will bring me in. It took until February last year, and it could take until February again, but I will end up pitching for someone next year. Pitching for myself too.
The worst part about the season being over and not pitching the last week or so is that I feel like my mechanics have improved. I was looking forward to testing them out in game to see the results. It reminded me of my hitting where I finally got to a point with my mechanics and swing that I could hit off anyone. Then as I was denied the chance to be a hitter the swing I had worked on tirelessly was no longer needed. The good news is my pitching mechanics will be needed in the future, and now I have a whole off season to refine my delivery going into next year.

Thank you to everyone who was reading this year, 2016 has been a wild ride in all facets not just baseball. I’m looking forward to updating in the offseason when, fingers crossed, I get another opportunity.

As always, have glove, will travel.

USPBL Finale

Playoff Hunt

The playoff hunt is in full swing at JJ Field. The end of the regular season is upon the Hoppers, and our playoff destiny is in the hands of the Unicorns. On Thursday we will all be Unicorn fans hoping they can beat the Beavers and propel us into first place. We finished the regular season 25-23, being one of the most consistent teams in the league throughout the season.

Unicorns Game

Wednesday was a good game for the Hoppers. We won 9-7, but the game was 9-2 in the 9th. All of the sudden the Unicorns went 3 run HR and a solo shot back to back to cut the lead to 9-7. A walk followed up with a base hit to put the winning run at the plate. Through a panic of running out about four pitchers in the 9th we were able to get the job done and seal the win 9-7. I did not pitch in the game, although I usually throw the first game of the week. Perhaps the coaching staff have seen the Unicorns have had moderate success against me if you want to call it that. I give them the opportunity, and maybe have had one or two hard hit balls off their bats after I’ve walked guys.

Beavers Game

My bread and butter this season has been the Beavers. I have always thrown well against them since I have joined the league. I threw a lot of pitches against them this week, but besides one hitter it was all very competitive. I started off the inning with a four pitch walk, followed by a three pitch strikeout. That sums up how I’ve felt all summer. Either completely locked in or completely lost on the mound. I was able to compete and work my self out of the jam by getting a few pop ups to follow a base hit or two. At the down I was down on my performance because I let them have a chance to get back in the game, but the next day I talked with the DVS guys and they said that my mechanics were actually improving. My timing and leg work that we have been doing in the early work has been paying off on a few pitches each outing and they can see the adjustment that I am trying to make. We have until potentially Friday before my next appearance, and practicing in the morning is what will help me going into the playoffs / off season.

Unicorns Round 2

Friday was the first day that we were able to secure the playoff spot for the team. In what was a very well pitched game we ended up losing 1-0 on a solo home run in the 3rd inning. At the time you do not think too much of one run that early but we were not able to push across a run the rest of the game. We had chances but their pitchers were able to wiggle out, including a bases loaded two out jam in the ninth that would have won us the game. No worries though because we would still have Sunday and Monday to clinch the division.

Sunday

Unicorns round three for the week. The Hoppers were scheduled for five games in six days this week. For the league that is an unheard of amount of games in a week. There is a short version of this game, and there is a long version of this game. The short version is that we lost 4-3 in 11 innings and have only one more chance to clinch the division. The long version is better though so lets start with that.

First and foremost disclaimer, we want to win games, and whoever and whatever it takes to win the game is going to happen. With that being said, I was not considered an option in our extra inning game at any point. That is how it looked to me. When I first came into the league I had the goal of improving my mechanics to throw more strikes. Throughout the month I have been here I have walked more people that I have before in my career. I truly believe this is for the best, because when the ideas behind the mechanics click I will have greater success than I have before. Due to my recent outings of what I would consider “laboring” through an inning, even though zeroes have been thrown, I consider myself a good option on the mound. I am a professional, and can handle myself like a professional, even if it is not pitching for an entire weekend and then being thrust into a pressure situation in the playoffs. Whatever helps the team win.

The second part of the game was the home plate umpire. I was not paying attention to the game very much early on, but from what I have heard the umpire was being inconsistent throughout the game. Throughout the game he had very choice words for our catcher if he happened to let a ball get past, or what I call a normal part of the game, and basically tell him that he was failing as a catcher because of it. Then, near the end of the game we were fired up trying to win. There were a few pitches that were in what looked to be the same spot, and the umpire let them all go for balls. This walked batter would eventually be the winning run, and I don’t blame our pitcher too much having to pitch it down the middle. When asked where the pitch was at, the response we got was:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The shrugging of his shoulders on back to back pitches when asked about it was all we needed to see to get even more agitated at the end of the game, it doesn’t help that we lost.

Then after the game it got weird. I was not near the umpires after the game but apparently there were choice words said between the umpire and a few of our players. What follows next is something that I have never experienced before as a player. When we went into the locker room we were told not to leave. Our attitude toward the umpire was declared unacceptable, and there would be ramifications for the players who were allegedly involved. From what my throwing partner and our newest pitcher John Kovalik told me, is that the umpire told our director of baseball that John said he shouted after the game that he would kill him. John denies that these words came out of his mouth, and that he only told the umpire that the game was on him, for making our pitcher pitch down the middle.

Our emotional leader and bullpen catcher Jamie also had a run in with the umpire after the game from what I have been told. I know that Jamie went through a roller coaster of emotion on Sunday. He has not been playing first base, and had been demoted to the role of bullpen catcher. All of the pitchers enjoy having him warm us up, and appreciate what he has been doing for the team. He got the start at first base, and the first pitch he saw was a single to left, giving the crowd 20% merchandise for the game. He also put down a critical sac bunt later in the game. After his bunt, Jamie was taken out for regular first baseman, like I said earlier, whoever gives us the best chance to win is going to play. I know Jamie was upset after that and then turned his attention towards the umpire. I am not sure what was said during the game or after the game between them but it ended up costing Jamie his spot on the team. Same with John.

On Sunday we lost the game 4-3 in extras, and then we went on to lose two guys on the team right after. I’ve never heard of anything like this before, and the guys are still trying to understand it. At this point we all have an idea and version of what happened. The version I have is different than someone elses, but at this point it doesn’t matter what I think. We had a bad week with umpires. Friday we had our manager get ejected for arguing, bumping, and getting in the face of the ump. He had to sit out a game for a suspension, and I guess Jamie and John also have to sit out in a way. I hope both guys continue their baseball careers because I know they are good players who deserve another chance.

Final Regular Season Game

The final regular season game was upon the Hoppers today. We had one of our most consistent pitchers on the mound who has had recent success against the Beavers. As you can see with the standings we were a victory ahead of the Beavers, and today would seal first with a win. Perhaps the third time was the charm? The third time was not the charm and after our 5-2 defeat we will be rooting for the Unicorns to win it on Thursday giving us the extra day off going into the playoffs. Once again I had nothing to do with the win or loss in this case, but I am always encouraging my team to do their best. Any way I can help is what I am going to do in our last 1-2 games.

All Stars

The All Star game is scheduled for Friday. The All Star game is going to be a five inning affair between I’m not sure how the teams are going to be divided up yet, but this is the way they decided to do it after they realized the game was directly before the playoffs. Beavers/Hoppers on one side and Unicorns on the other with some players swapped in to the Unicorn side. It seems that is how it is in the league, we get a long great with the Beavers, and we both decided to ignore the Unicorns. None of the managers want to throw their top arms in the game right before a playoff affair, and the two All Star pitchers we have will 100% not throw. Due to this, we were told that we might have other pitchers to pitch just to “get their work in”. By this all of the pitchers assumed that was code for not pitching in the playoffs, even with a day off Saturday I would want to be as fresh as possible going into the Sunday game. If we end up playing Saturday then we could potentially have players go three days in a row if they were called upon. If I am told that I will be pitching in the game, without being an actual All Star, I don’t know if I would do it or not. I’d probably go out and pitch everything as hard as I can and not worry about the result because what else do I have to do, or lose. It is only a five inning affair so I don’t know how many pitchers they would need.

Final Week

The plan for the final week is early work tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday. Friday is the All Star game and we will know if the play Saturday or Sunday. My plan is bullpen tomorrow into a net or something, just to get my arm going as close to full speed as I can. It will also be a good opportunity for me to possibly get film of myself throwing to see where I am at mechanically. Air it out one or two more times while I am here. Then after the season is over depending on how it goes, how I am doing, and what transpires I should have a better idea of offseason 2016.

Here is to hoping the Corns take care of business and the Hoppers are in the Sunday championship game!