Pitchers spotting up

Getting ahead early in the game was key tonight. The weather wasn't great, so the energy might not have been at a great level, but it was the same for the other team. Getting ahead by a couple of runs can suck the energy out of the opposing team, and that is exactly what we did. It also gave our pitching staff a good enough cushion to fall back on, especially when using wooden bats. In any wooden bat league you aren't going to score runs unless you have a lineup that can put the ball in play with some power behind it. Sometimes power isn't even the correct term, just solid contact on the sweet spot of the barrel will do it's justice. Especially when the velocity is in the high 80's and above. Our pitchers tonight didn't even allow much contact tonight, and when they did it was either a pop up or a ground ball. When this is the case it is tough to lose.

Season so far / random thought

When pitchers shut a team down early in a game it gives their position players a lot more confidence going to the plate. This is the main reason our team has been so successful so far. We are scoring enough runs to give our pitchers a fighting chance as well. Our bats are pretty solid throughout the entire lineup, even if half of the lineup is struggling we manage to string a couple hits together. Since this is summer ball we are all very relaxed as well. At this particular level it feels like no one has to prove too much to each other, it is at this point more of a test within. Can I be the player I want to be with enough work? Can I be more consistent? Can I play the game and have fun? Heck yes! Playing for the Navigator's has made me feel like a semi-professional baseball player, therefor making this experience the high point in my baseball career. The American dream for me was to play professional baseball, and I am basically getting the biggest taste I could ask for without actually being there. What more could I ask for?

It is tough to play a game that involves so much failure and luck at the same time. That's why sometimes you just have to tip your cap, smile, and move on. As an infielder, you can't do anything about what the pitcher does, or where the ball is hit. All you can do is play your position to the best of your ability. I have been guilty of getting mad when a pitcher has given up a hit on an 0-2 count or in a big situation, but after I have seen other players react to similar situations I have really straightened my act up. Like many sports, thinking "I hope I don't look like that when I play", or "I would never put up with that if I played with them" can really separate a team. The best advice I could give anyone is to always be positive, this game generates too many emotions why should you try to bring any other kind into play?