The White Sox players have selected Jeffrey and Tom to represent them in the 2012 AAA All-Star Game this Tuesday, June 19 6:00 at Cusick.
Congratulations to Jeffrey and Tom!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Game vs Mets Is On!
We will play this game at 4:00 at Broadmeadow (upper field). 3:30 warm-up.
See you there!
See you there!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Possible Schedule Change
Our final round robin game--the showdown with the mighty Mets at Broadmeadow--might be moved up to a 4:00 first pitch (rather than 6:00). We would warm up at 3:30.
This is not definite. There is still a good chance we will play as originally scheduled (6:00).
This is not definite. There is still a good chance we will play as originally scheduled (6:00).
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sox Set Sights on Mets
With three round robin games being played in such quick succession, it is difficult to produce a detailed play-by-play for each game. Instead, I will roll through highlights of the first two round robin games.
The Sox drew a very tough pool for the round robin--the Phillies, who finished the regular season in first place, the Astros, who defeated the Sox in a nail biter a few weeks back, and the Mets, who handed the Sox their third loss of the season last Tuesday. From this pool two teams will advance to the semifinal round.
The Sox took on the Phillies first on Saturday at Cusick under beautiful baseball skies. It's about time! Eric started for the Sox and had a searing fastball working for him. He fanned four and gave up only one hit in three innings of 1-run ball. He had excellent support defensively. Tim covered some real estate in the first inning to haul in a long fly ball to center field--where triples go to die. Drew at the hot corner yanked a screaming line drive out of thin air to save extra bases in the second. In the third inning, Will at right field gunned a runner down at second for an emphatic outfield assist. The Sox were flashing the leather all day long. Tom took the hill in the fourth inning and put up another couple of zeros for the Sox. Commanding a blazing fast ball, he struck out 5 in two and two-thirds inning of work. He also benefited from a top-notch defensive effort. In the fifth, Dan at second elevated and put leather on a smoking line drive towards right field. Tom helped his own cause when he laid out for a dying infield pop up--a spectacular diving catch to end the fifth. Jared came in to close out the game with two away in the bottom of the sixth, bases loaded, and the winning run at the plate. Cool, composed, and all-business, he only needed for pitches to deliver the K and the White Sox first playoff win of the season.
On the offensive side, the Sox held a very tenuous 1-run lead through five innings, until Eric provided some insurance with a clutch RBI triple in the top of the sixth--an absolute bomb nearly back to the fence in center field--that gave the Sox a little breathing room. Tim drove in another with his third of three singles in the game to make it 4-1, Sox, and that would be the final.
Drew earned the game ball for his outstanding defensive play at third base, including that bullet he gloved in the second. Joshua also deserves mention, having caught all six innings, receiving the ball with great consistency, providing a steady target, blocking pitches, keeping everything in front of him, and making good throws down to second. Hardest working guy on the diamond.
The next morning, the White Sox took Cusick field with one playoff victory securely in hand. It was a good thing, too, because the Astros brought their bats, and their dominating lineup showed no mercy. They put up 12 runs in the contest, and the White Sox could not keep pace, falling in the end 12-2.
But this game did feature some bright spots for the White Sox. Tim put on a clinic in center field, hauling in two long fly balls that would have easily gone for extra bases. He delivered at the plate, too, driving in both White Sox runs--one on a single in the first and another on a sacrifice fly in the third. Micah, who is emerging as a highly effective pitcher for the White Sox, recorded two more scoreless innings and four Ks. His fastball has caught some serious zip of late, and he's commanding it well. Another player coming into his own down the stretch is Zach. He was 2-for-2 this morning at the plate, belting two hard singles. Dan and Tom also made some good noise with the bat. Dan went 3-for-3 and Tom cranked a double deep to left in the third.
The game ball was awarded to Tim for his excellent play in center field and for his effort at the plate bringing in all of the White Sox runs this morning.
The loss to the Astros did not seem to faze the White Sox in the least. They are all business when things go their way, and they are all business when they don't. They understood that they did not need to win today in order to advance to the semifinal round. Two wins, in all likelihood, will be enough to kick the White Sox into the semifinals. The White Sox have a good chance for that second win this Tuesday when we take on the Mets at Broadmeadow in our third and final round-robin game.
See you there!
The Sox drew a very tough pool for the round robin--the Phillies, who finished the regular season in first place, the Astros, who defeated the Sox in a nail biter a few weeks back, and the Mets, who handed the Sox their third loss of the season last Tuesday. From this pool two teams will advance to the semifinal round.
The Sox took on the Phillies first on Saturday at Cusick under beautiful baseball skies. It's about time! Eric started for the Sox and had a searing fastball working for him. He fanned four and gave up only one hit in three innings of 1-run ball. He had excellent support defensively. Tim covered some real estate in the first inning to haul in a long fly ball to center field--where triples go to die. Drew at the hot corner yanked a screaming line drive out of thin air to save extra bases in the second. In the third inning, Will at right field gunned a runner down at second for an emphatic outfield assist. The Sox were flashing the leather all day long. Tom took the hill in the fourth inning and put up another couple of zeros for the Sox. Commanding a blazing fast ball, he struck out 5 in two and two-thirds inning of work. He also benefited from a top-notch defensive effort. In the fifth, Dan at second elevated and put leather on a smoking line drive towards right field. Tom helped his own cause when he laid out for a dying infield pop up--a spectacular diving catch to end the fifth. Jared came in to close out the game with two away in the bottom of the sixth, bases loaded, and the winning run at the plate. Cool, composed, and all-business, he only needed for pitches to deliver the K and the White Sox first playoff win of the season.
On the offensive side, the Sox held a very tenuous 1-run lead through five innings, until Eric provided some insurance with a clutch RBI triple in the top of the sixth--an absolute bomb nearly back to the fence in center field--that gave the Sox a little breathing room. Tim drove in another with his third of three singles in the game to make it 4-1, Sox, and that would be the final.
Drew earned the game ball for his outstanding defensive play at third base, including that bullet he gloved in the second. Joshua also deserves mention, having caught all six innings, receiving the ball with great consistency, providing a steady target, blocking pitches, keeping everything in front of him, and making good throws down to second. Hardest working guy on the diamond.
The next morning, the White Sox took Cusick field with one playoff victory securely in hand. It was a good thing, too, because the Astros brought their bats, and their dominating lineup showed no mercy. They put up 12 runs in the contest, and the White Sox could not keep pace, falling in the end 12-2.
But this game did feature some bright spots for the White Sox. Tim put on a clinic in center field, hauling in two long fly balls that would have easily gone for extra bases. He delivered at the plate, too, driving in both White Sox runs--one on a single in the first and another on a sacrifice fly in the third. Micah, who is emerging as a highly effective pitcher for the White Sox, recorded two more scoreless innings and four Ks. His fastball has caught some serious zip of late, and he's commanding it well. Another player coming into his own down the stretch is Zach. He was 2-for-2 this morning at the plate, belting two hard singles. Dan and Tom also made some good noise with the bat. Dan went 3-for-3 and Tom cranked a double deep to left in the third.
The game ball was awarded to Tim for his excellent play in center field and for his effort at the plate bringing in all of the White Sox runs this morning.
The loss to the Astros did not seem to faze the White Sox in the least. They are all business when things go their way, and they are all business when they don't. They understood that they did not need to win today in order to advance to the semifinal round. Two wins, in all likelihood, will be enough to kick the White Sox into the semifinals. The White Sox have a good chance for that second win this Tuesday when we take on the Mets at Broadmeadow in our third and final round-robin game.
See you there!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Tonight's Practice/Scrimmage Is Off
Of course now the sun is shining and the rain has stopped. But High Rock is unplayable, and the Mets manager has called his team off.
Tonight's Practice/Scrimmage Moved to High Rock
Majors needs Upper Broadmeadow for a playoff game, so we have been bumped.
We will practice and then scrimmage with the Mets tonight at High Rock (NOT Upper Broadmeadow).
We'll start at 5:30.
Again, I apologize for all the schedule shifting!
We will practice and then scrimmage with the Mets tonight at High Rock (NOT Upper Broadmeadow).
We'll start at 5:30.
Again, I apologize for all the schedule shifting!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
First Round Playoff Schedule
We are grouped with the Astros, Phillies, and Mets for the first round of the playoffs. In this round, each team will play each other team once (round robin). The two teams with the best records will advance to the semi-final round (final four).
Here is our schedule:
Saturday, June 9: White Sox vs. Phillies at Cusick. 10:30 warm-up, 11:00 first pitch.
Sunday, June 10: White Sox vs. Astros at Cusick. 8:30 warm-up, 9:00 first pitch.
Sometime next week (TBA): White Sox vs. Mets at Newman. 5:00 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch.
This will be a difficult round for the White Sox. We're very excited about the challenge!
Here is our schedule:
Saturday, June 9: White Sox vs. Phillies at Cusick. 10:30 warm-up, 11:00 first pitch.
Sunday, June 10: White Sox vs. Astros at Cusick. 8:30 warm-up, 9:00 first pitch.
Sometime next week (TBA): White Sox vs. Mets at Newman. 5:00 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch.
This will be a difficult round for the White Sox. We're very excited about the challenge!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tonight's Game Is On!
Cusick is open. White Sox and Mets are on!
This game will actually be a scrimmage as the regular season is officially over. Playoffs will begin Saturday with our first round robin game. As I mentioned in the email last night, we are grouped with the Mets, Astros, and Phillies for the first round (tough group!). We will all play each other over the weekend and early next week. The teams with the two best records from this group will advance to a final four round.
This first round will be a great challenge for the White Sox. It'll be a lot of fun!
This game will actually be a scrimmage as the regular season is officially over. Playoffs will begin Saturday with our first round robin game. As I mentioned in the email last night, we are grouped with the Mets, Astros, and Phillies for the first round (tough group!). We will all play each other over the weekend and early next week. The teams with the two best records from this group will advance to a final four round.
This first round will be a great challenge for the White Sox. It'll be a lot of fun!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Today's Game Cancelled
Our game vs. the Mariners this afternoon is off. Cusick Field has not recovered from yesterday's rain and probably will not by 3:00.
With only a week left in the regular season, and every team and field booked, it looks unlikely that we will be able to make this one up.
With only a week left in the regular season, and every team and field booked, it looks unlikely that we will be able to make this one up.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Power on Mound, at Plate Lifts Sox Past Nationals
In an attempt to dodge the rain on Saturday, this game was rescheduled for Friday, which featured a much more favorable forecast. A few clouds rolling in Friday evening, but high 60s and dry. Looked like the White Sox and Nationals might actually beat the weather this time. The bigger question, though, was whether the White Sox would be able to handle the Nationals' hard-throwing stable of pitchers who have so far silenced some of the league's noisiest bats.
The visiting White Sox would have to face the Nationals' top arms tonight, beginning with a flame-throwing righty in the first. Eric stepped in to lead things off and battled back from 0-2 to work a walk. Tom singled to put two on with nobody out. Both Eric and Tom advanced in such a manner that can only be revealed publicly after the conclusion of the season--suffice it to say that it worked this time. Two in scoring position, then, with nobody gone in the first. Jared singled in Eric with a hard shot up the middle, and the Sox were on the board early. Tom would cross the plate on a single of the bat of Jeffrey, and the Sox were up 2-0 right out of the gates. Terrence put himself on with a single as well, but the Nationals' pitcher would zip it up after that.
Micah got the ball for the White Sox to start, and he delivered a beauty in the bottom of the first. He retired the leadoff batter with one pitch that induced a chopper to second, perfectly played by Eric and the throw on to Jeffrey at first for the out. Micah then logged two Ks to put a shut-out first in the books for the Sox. 2-0, Sox, after one.
Micah contributed on the offensive side as well with a single to get things going in the second. Drew worked a walk, but the Nationals' starter was sharp and escaped the inning unscathed.
Micah returned for the bottom of the second. The Nationals put two on, but Micah was not at all rattled. He went about business as usual. He had a great fastball working for him and he was hitting his spots. He struck out one, got another to pop up to second where Jared made a nice grab ranging in. He got the third to ground to short. Tim scooped and fired to Eric at first to put an end to the second. The Nationals were able to put two on the board and the game was all knotted up at 2 apiece after two complete.
Micah put together a solid outing for his White Sox: 3 Ks while giving up only 1 hit over two innings pitched. Most importantly, he kept his team in the game with the Nationals' ace on the mound through the first two innings. An excellent effort from the young righty!
Tom stepped in to light a spark for the Sox in the top of the third. First pitch swinging, he shot a rocket into left field for a leadoff double. He would score on a burner up the middle by Tim, the RBI machine who continues to amaze with his clutch hitting, and the Sox would regain the lead 3-2.
Tom would take the hill for the Sox in the bottom of the third and pick up right where Micah left off. He got one to ground to second where Jared gloved it and fired to Eric at first. He struck out the next and got the third to pop up to Tim at short who lined it up and hauled it in to end the inning. Still 3-2, Sox.
Will worked a walk to put himself on with nobody out in the fourth. On the first pitch to Micah, Will jumped off and waited. As soon as the catcher threw back to the mound, he took off for second. Safe! A flawlessly executed delayed steal, and the Sox had a runner in scoring position. Micah took the free pass to put two on, and then Drew worked the count full, took ball four, and loaded the bases for Eric. Eric and Tom both walked, and the Sox were up by 3.
Tom returned for the bottom of the fourth and proceeded to strike out the side. He had great stuff tonight, striking out four over the course of two shut-out innings.
The Sox would put up some insurance in the fifth. With Tim at third and one out, Micah singled for the second time tonight bringing in Tim and and putting the Sox squarely in command, 6-2.
The Sox sent Jeffrey out to close and attempt to seal up the two-inning save. Jeffrey has not seen a lot of action for the White Sox yet, but he's been pitching quite a bit this spring for his AAU team, so at this point he has easily reached mid-season form. He made a quick adjustment to the Little League pitching distance of 46' (as opposed to 50' in AAU), and made short work of the fifth inning by striking out the side with an overpowering fastball that he had in good command tonight.
Tom doubled again in the sixth, this time on a line drive to deep left, and then scored on a double to left center off the bat of Jeffrey, who scored on a single by--guess who--Tim, reliable as ever with runners in scoring position.
With the score now 8-2, Sox, Jeffrey returned to lock it up in the bottom of the sixth. He did so with three straight Ks, all looking (and wondering what hit 'em). Very efficient work by the big lefty, and an outstanding effort all around for the White Sox.
With this win, the Sox improve to 6-2 on the season and gain a share of second place, one game behind the Phillies and tied with the Astros and Mets--a tight race coming into the final week of the regular season.
Tonight's game ball was awarded to Micah, who set the tone with two brilliant innings on the mound to start and a 2-for-2 effort at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Just doing his job, he'll tell you, but it was a particularly impressive job tonight. Congratulations, Micah!
Next, the White Sox take on the surging Mariners Sunday at Cusick. See you there!
The visiting White Sox would have to face the Nationals' top arms tonight, beginning with a flame-throwing righty in the first. Eric stepped in to lead things off and battled back from 0-2 to work a walk. Tom singled to put two on with nobody out. Both Eric and Tom advanced in such a manner that can only be revealed publicly after the conclusion of the season--suffice it to say that it worked this time. Two in scoring position, then, with nobody gone in the first. Jared singled in Eric with a hard shot up the middle, and the Sox were on the board early. Tom would cross the plate on a single of the bat of Jeffrey, and the Sox were up 2-0 right out of the gates. Terrence put himself on with a single as well, but the Nationals' pitcher would zip it up after that.
Micah got the ball for the White Sox to start, and he delivered a beauty in the bottom of the first. He retired the leadoff batter with one pitch that induced a chopper to second, perfectly played by Eric and the throw on to Jeffrey at first for the out. Micah then logged two Ks to put a shut-out first in the books for the Sox. 2-0, Sox, after one.
Micah contributed on the offensive side as well with a single to get things going in the second. Drew worked a walk, but the Nationals' starter was sharp and escaped the inning unscathed.
Micah returned for the bottom of the second. The Nationals put two on, but Micah was not at all rattled. He went about business as usual. He had a great fastball working for him and he was hitting his spots. He struck out one, got another to pop up to second where Jared made a nice grab ranging in. He got the third to ground to short. Tim scooped and fired to Eric at first to put an end to the second. The Nationals were able to put two on the board and the game was all knotted up at 2 apiece after two complete.
Micah put together a solid outing for his White Sox: 3 Ks while giving up only 1 hit over two innings pitched. Most importantly, he kept his team in the game with the Nationals' ace on the mound through the first two innings. An excellent effort from the young righty!
Tom stepped in to light a spark for the Sox in the top of the third. First pitch swinging, he shot a rocket into left field for a leadoff double. He would score on a burner up the middle by Tim, the RBI machine who continues to amaze with his clutch hitting, and the Sox would regain the lead 3-2.
Tom would take the hill for the Sox in the bottom of the third and pick up right where Micah left off. He got one to ground to second where Jared gloved it and fired to Eric at first. He struck out the next and got the third to pop up to Tim at short who lined it up and hauled it in to end the inning. Still 3-2, Sox.
Will worked a walk to put himself on with nobody out in the fourth. On the first pitch to Micah, Will jumped off and waited. As soon as the catcher threw back to the mound, he took off for second. Safe! A flawlessly executed delayed steal, and the Sox had a runner in scoring position. Micah took the free pass to put two on, and then Drew worked the count full, took ball four, and loaded the bases for Eric. Eric and Tom both walked, and the Sox were up by 3.
Tom returned for the bottom of the fourth and proceeded to strike out the side. He had great stuff tonight, striking out four over the course of two shut-out innings.
The Sox would put up some insurance in the fifth. With Tim at third and one out, Micah singled for the second time tonight bringing in Tim and and putting the Sox squarely in command, 6-2.
The Sox sent Jeffrey out to close and attempt to seal up the two-inning save. Jeffrey has not seen a lot of action for the White Sox yet, but he's been pitching quite a bit this spring for his AAU team, so at this point he has easily reached mid-season form. He made a quick adjustment to the Little League pitching distance of 46' (as opposed to 50' in AAU), and made short work of the fifth inning by striking out the side with an overpowering fastball that he had in good command tonight.
Tom doubled again in the sixth, this time on a line drive to deep left, and then scored on a double to left center off the bat of Jeffrey, who scored on a single by--guess who--Tim, reliable as ever with runners in scoring position.
With the score now 8-2, Sox, Jeffrey returned to lock it up in the bottom of the sixth. He did so with three straight Ks, all looking (and wondering what hit 'em). Very efficient work by the big lefty, and an outstanding effort all around for the White Sox.
With this win, the Sox improve to 6-2 on the season and gain a share of second place, one game behind the Phillies and tied with the Astros and Mets--a tight race coming into the final week of the regular season.
Tonight's game ball was awarded to Micah, who set the tone with two brilliant innings on the mound to start and a 2-for-2 effort at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Just doing his job, he'll tell you, but it was a particularly impressive job tonight. Congratulations, Micah!
Next, the White Sox take on the surging Mariners Sunday at Cusick. See you there!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Game On!
The White Sox will take on the Nationals this Friday at Newman. If your son can make it a little early, we are going to sneak in a short practice starting at 5:00. First pitch will be at 6:00.
Something Scheduled for Friday
If both teams have enough players, we will play White Sox vs. Nationals the Friday at Newman. Warm-up at 5:30, first pitch at 6:00.
If either team is short players, the White Sox will practice on Friday at Newman. 5:30 pitchers and catchers. 6:00-7:30 full team.
I apologize for all of the schedule changes and scrambling to get games in this spring. It's definitely not ideal. It's been a particularly wet spring, the White Sox have had particularly bad luck as far as rain hitting when games have been scheduled, and AAA has only one reliably playable field (Cusick) when it's at all wet.
I really appreciate the patience and flexibility of the White Sox fans, the best fans in the world!
If either team is short players, the White Sox will practice on Friday at Newman. 5:30 pitchers and catchers. 6:00-7:30 full team.
I apologize for all of the schedule changes and scrambling to get games in this spring. It's definitely not ideal. It's been a particularly wet spring, the White Sox have had particularly bad luck as far as rain hitting when games have been scheduled, and AAA has only one reliably playable field (Cusick) when it's at all wet.
I really appreciate the patience and flexibility of the White Sox fans, the best fans in the world!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Practice Friday, No Game
Our game vs. the Blue Jays has been postponed at the request of the Blue Jays' manager who would prefer not to play four games back-to-back. Who could blame him? I will let you know when we have something firm set up with the Blue Jays.
In the meantime, we still have Newman on Friday, so we will hold a much needed practice! With only two fields and so many rainouts to make up, the fact that we actually have a field for a practice is a minor miracle.
Pitchers and catchers will go from 5:30 to 6:00. The whole team will go from 6:00-7:30. See you there!
In the meantime, we still have Newman on Friday, so we will hold a much needed practice! With only two fields and so many rainouts to make up, the fact that we actually have a field for a practice is a minor miracle.
Pitchers and catchers will go from 5:30 to 6:00. The whole team will go from 6:00-7:30. See you there!
Monday, May 28, 2012
White Sox vs. Blue Jays Moved to Friday at Newman
Our make-up game vs. the Blue Jays, originally scheduled for Thursday at Broadmeadow, has been move to Friday at Newman. 5:30 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch. All of the games scheduled at Broadmeadow have been moved this week to make room for Majors playoffs.
Again, I apologize for all of these schedule changes! It has been a difficult spring for AAA baseball with only two fields at our disposal and a lot of rain. It has created some significant scheduling challenges for our commissioner.
Again, I apologize for all of these schedule changes! It has been a difficult spring for AAA baseball with only two fields at our disposal and a lot of rain. It has created some significant scheduling challenges for our commissioner.
Astros Top Sox in Hard-Fought Battle at Cusick
The Astros had been riding a bruising lineup and an elite stable of pitchers to the top of the AAA standings. The White Sox had won five in a row after falling to the Royals in their season opener. This marquee match-up promised to be a real barn-burner and perhaps even give us a glimpse of what's to come in the playoffs.
In some ways, too, this was to be a rubber match, a test of endurance at the tail end of a long Memorial Weekend chock full of soccer tournaments, trips to the beach, and neighborhood cookouts.
The Astros had their ace on the mound to start. Tom was able to sneak a hot ground ball into left field for a single, though, and give the Sox a man on with one out in the top of the first. Tim worked a walk, and suddenly the White Sox were threatening with two on and one away. But with some flashy leather behind him, the Astros starter was able to escape by way of an impressive 3-6-3 double play to end the Sox half of the first.
Dan took the hill for the Sox. The work horse has logged more than his share of innings for the White Sox this season, and as always he was ready to answer the call today. He got one to pop up to Terrence at third who lined it up and made a textbook catch ranging in for the first out. But the Astros can hit, and their punishing lineup was able to put three on the board before the White Sox could close the door. 3-0, Astros, after one.
Top two... Dan erased any memory of the first with an absolute rocket deep into center field for a long double. It had triple distance, but the Astros outfield did well to get it in quickly and hold Dan up at second. Joshua would move Dan over with a ground ball up the middle that the pitcher managed to stab. He was out at first, but moving Dan to third would prove to be the key to the White Sox first run. Connor stepped in next. He put good metal on a fastball middle in and sent one into left field for a single. Dan scored from third and the Sox were on the board, 3-1.
Eric came in to pitch the bottom of the second and he was sharp, striking out the side and giving his Sox a much needed zero on the board.
Will led off the top of the third with a hard liner into right center for a single. Drew worked the count full but ultimately fell victim to a borderline pitch called strike three. A tough pitch but another great battle for Drew at the plate. Tom worked worked the count and then took ball four which got by the catcher. He jogged towards first, took a look back at the catcher, saw no urgency, and then took off rounding first and sprinting into second. No throw, and a two-bag walk for Tom. Very crafty baserunning! Runners on second and third with two gone for Tim, who hit a long fly ball to left field but the Astros left fielder had room and had it lined up to end the inning. Still 3-1, Astros.
The Astros put up three in their half of the third to extend their lead to five runs.
Jeffrey wasn't going out like that, though. Leading off the fourth, he took a big swing at a good fastball and got all of it. Going, going... Nearly gone! Off the wall in left center field for a triple. With one swing of the bat, Jeffrey brought hope back to the White Sox dugout. The score didn't change, and the Astros pitcher retired the next three to get out of the inning, but what did change was that the White Sox now knew they had a good shot at climbing back into this game.
First, though, the Sox had to put the Astros away in the bottom of the fourth. Eric was nearing his pitch count and the top of a formidable Astros order was on the horizon. Fortunately, Eric had enough gas in the tank for two Ks and Jeffrey was able to come in and make it three. 6-1, Astros, but a newly inspired White Sox dugout was gearing up for a big fifth.
Connor was ready to make it happen with a leadoff single that brought Micah to the plate. Micah knew that his team needed runs, and he knew that when you need runs, you need baserunners. Just get on base. He was patient, worked the count, took ball four, moved Connor into scoring position, and kept the line moving. Two on, nobody out. Will took the same approach and loaded the bases with a free pass of his own. Drew continued the trend, showing patience and making the Astros pitcher work. He fell to a tough called third strike after filling up the count, but it was a costly battle for the pitcher. Great at-bats for the Sox!
Bases loaded with one out for Eric, who took the first pitch right in the knee and literally took one for the team. An ice pack later, he was shaking off a pinch runner. He wanted this. A run would score on the hit batsman to make it 6-2, Astros. That was only the beginning. Tom would bring Micah home on a rip towards second base. The Astros second baseman made a great play to glove it, and Tom was out at first--productively, though. 6-3, Astros.
Tim kept the rally alive with a long single into center field that scored Will, and the lead was cut to two runs. Jeffrey beat out an infield single with a great hustle up the line to make it a one-run game. Suddenly, this game was there for the taking. 6-5, Astros going into the bottom of the fifth.
Tom came out to pitch the fifth and keep the game within reach for his White Sox. He had great stuff tonight, the ball seemed to fly out of his hand. He got the first batter to chop to Dan at shortstop, fire on to Eric at first for out number one. But the next two batters would do some damage, and before Tom could close the door on this one, the Astros had put up two more. 8-5, after five.
last chance for the White Sox... Terrence, disciplined as always, worked a leadoff walk. He would score on a double off the bat of Connor--his third hit of the night--to make it 8-6, Astros. Connor's shot was deep enough for a double, a real beauty, but not quite deep enough for a triple. Connor tried to stretch it but was gunned down by a great throw into third.
The mighty Astros would come out ahead in this contest 8-6. It was excellent baseball with both teams putting a big time hurt on the ball at the plate despite some of the best pitching we've seen to date. The White Sox fought hard, believed in themselves, and nearly completed a spectacular late-innings comeback. I have a feeling these two teams will meet again in the playoffs--and if that happens it will be a heck of a ballgame.
The game ball went to Connor tonight, whose 3-for-3 performance at the plate was responsible for three White Sox runs--runs that kept this game winnable through the last pitch. Congratulations, Connor!
The White Sox are off until this Friday, when we will either take on the Blue Jays or hold a practice depending on how the schedule shakes out. Details on the way!
In some ways, too, this was to be a rubber match, a test of endurance at the tail end of a long Memorial Weekend chock full of soccer tournaments, trips to the beach, and neighborhood cookouts.
The Astros had their ace on the mound to start. Tom was able to sneak a hot ground ball into left field for a single, though, and give the Sox a man on with one out in the top of the first. Tim worked a walk, and suddenly the White Sox were threatening with two on and one away. But with some flashy leather behind him, the Astros starter was able to escape by way of an impressive 3-6-3 double play to end the Sox half of the first.
Dan took the hill for the Sox. The work horse has logged more than his share of innings for the White Sox this season, and as always he was ready to answer the call today. He got one to pop up to Terrence at third who lined it up and made a textbook catch ranging in for the first out. But the Astros can hit, and their punishing lineup was able to put three on the board before the White Sox could close the door. 3-0, Astros, after one.
Top two... Dan erased any memory of the first with an absolute rocket deep into center field for a long double. It had triple distance, but the Astros outfield did well to get it in quickly and hold Dan up at second. Joshua would move Dan over with a ground ball up the middle that the pitcher managed to stab. He was out at first, but moving Dan to third would prove to be the key to the White Sox first run. Connor stepped in next. He put good metal on a fastball middle in and sent one into left field for a single. Dan scored from third and the Sox were on the board, 3-1.
Eric came in to pitch the bottom of the second and he was sharp, striking out the side and giving his Sox a much needed zero on the board.
Will led off the top of the third with a hard liner into right center for a single. Drew worked the count full but ultimately fell victim to a borderline pitch called strike three. A tough pitch but another great battle for Drew at the plate. Tom worked worked the count and then took ball four which got by the catcher. He jogged towards first, took a look back at the catcher, saw no urgency, and then took off rounding first and sprinting into second. No throw, and a two-bag walk for Tom. Very crafty baserunning! Runners on second and third with two gone for Tim, who hit a long fly ball to left field but the Astros left fielder had room and had it lined up to end the inning. Still 3-1, Astros.
The Astros put up three in their half of the third to extend their lead to five runs.
Jeffrey wasn't going out like that, though. Leading off the fourth, he took a big swing at a good fastball and got all of it. Going, going... Nearly gone! Off the wall in left center field for a triple. With one swing of the bat, Jeffrey brought hope back to the White Sox dugout. The score didn't change, and the Astros pitcher retired the next three to get out of the inning, but what did change was that the White Sox now knew they had a good shot at climbing back into this game.
First, though, the Sox had to put the Astros away in the bottom of the fourth. Eric was nearing his pitch count and the top of a formidable Astros order was on the horizon. Fortunately, Eric had enough gas in the tank for two Ks and Jeffrey was able to come in and make it three. 6-1, Astros, but a newly inspired White Sox dugout was gearing up for a big fifth.
Connor was ready to make it happen with a leadoff single that brought Micah to the plate. Micah knew that his team needed runs, and he knew that when you need runs, you need baserunners. Just get on base. He was patient, worked the count, took ball four, moved Connor into scoring position, and kept the line moving. Two on, nobody out. Will took the same approach and loaded the bases with a free pass of his own. Drew continued the trend, showing patience and making the Astros pitcher work. He fell to a tough called third strike after filling up the count, but it was a costly battle for the pitcher. Great at-bats for the Sox!
Bases loaded with one out for Eric, who took the first pitch right in the knee and literally took one for the team. An ice pack later, he was shaking off a pinch runner. He wanted this. A run would score on the hit batsman to make it 6-2, Astros. That was only the beginning. Tom would bring Micah home on a rip towards second base. The Astros second baseman made a great play to glove it, and Tom was out at first--productively, though. 6-3, Astros.
Tim kept the rally alive with a long single into center field that scored Will, and the lead was cut to two runs. Jeffrey beat out an infield single with a great hustle up the line to make it a one-run game. Suddenly, this game was there for the taking. 6-5, Astros going into the bottom of the fifth.
Tom came out to pitch the fifth and keep the game within reach for his White Sox. He had great stuff tonight, the ball seemed to fly out of his hand. He got the first batter to chop to Dan at shortstop, fire on to Eric at first for out number one. But the next two batters would do some damage, and before Tom could close the door on this one, the Astros had put up two more. 8-5, after five.
last chance for the White Sox... Terrence, disciplined as always, worked a leadoff walk. He would score on a double off the bat of Connor--his third hit of the night--to make it 8-6, Astros. Connor's shot was deep enough for a double, a real beauty, but not quite deep enough for a triple. Connor tried to stretch it but was gunned down by a great throw into third.
The mighty Astros would come out ahead in this contest 8-6. It was excellent baseball with both teams putting a big time hurt on the ball at the plate despite some of the best pitching we've seen to date. The White Sox fought hard, believed in themselves, and nearly completed a spectacular late-innings comeback. I have a feeling these two teams will meet again in the playoffs--and if that happens it will be a heck of a ballgame.
The game ball went to Connor tonight, whose 3-for-3 performance at the plate was responsible for three White Sox runs--runs that kept this game winnable through the last pitch. Congratulations, Connor!
The White Sox are off until this Friday, when we will either take on the Blue Jays or hold a practice depending on how the schedule shakes out. Details on the way!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Clutch Hitting Wins Thriller for Sox
Newman's number 2 diamond had been closed since Tuesday with standing water over most of the infield. After two days of sun, she had just about dried up. But scattered showers in the forecast for today put a big question mark over the White Sox vs Orioles showdown this evening. Fortunately--and uncharacteristically--the showers seemed to scatter elsewhere, and with Park and Rec's stamp of approval the game would be on.
For this hastily-scheduled make-up of Wednesday's rainout, the White Sox would be out six key players to the soccer tournament, holiday weekend travel, and a variety of other commitments. Somehow, they would have to make it work without Jared, Zach, Mike, Tim, Will, and Micah. That's like trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when you've just run out of peanut butter.
But the White Sox have shown that they are scrappy, resourceful, and they never give up no matter what the situation is. When you're out of peanut butter, you can always grind up a jar of peanuts you find in the back of the cupboard. The White Sox called up Terrence again (who will soon be looking for a contract), along with Angelo and Lucas, and they would be able to field a squad of nine.
Would that be enough to withstand the hard-throwing, heavy-hitting Orioles?
Top of the first, and the visiting White Sox would send Eric to the plate to lead it off. Eric belted a line drive into right center that looked deep enough for two--which is exactly what Eric was thinking right out of the box. Unfortunately, the Orioles' center fielder had other ideas, chased it down and gunned it into second a few steps ahead of Eric. Credit the Orioles with an impressive outfield assist.
One out for Tom, who ripped one up the third base line and beat out an infield single. He advanced to second on a single off the bat of Jeffrey to give Dan two on, still with one out. Dan hit a long fly ball to center field, but that pesky Orioles' center fielder--the same one who three batters earlier gunned Eric down at second--lined it up and Dan was out despite hitting the ball hard. Tom tagged at second, but a good quick throw to third beat him there. Tom put on the brakes and was caught in a run-down. He managed to escape only when the ball got by the third baseman. Lucky. Two outs, runners on the corners for Terrence, a very reliable contact hitter. With two away, though, he would need to do more to score Tom than put the ball in play. The White Sox needed a base hit, and that is exactly what Terrence delivered in the clutch. He launched one past the shortstop into left field for an RBI single, giving the Sox an early 1-0 lead. It was clear that the runs were not going to come easily tonight, and the Sox were glad to piece one together in the first.
The White Sox sent Dan to the mound to start. He was sharp, pounding the zone with good fire, but the Orioles can hit and managed two runs in the bottom of the first. Dan struck out two and got one to ground to first, where Jeffrey took care of business unassisted. 2-1, Orioles.
Joshua led off the second and singled on a hard liner to right, the first of three singles for him on the night. But that would be all the Sox could muster in the second as they were facing a tough Orioles righty who was hitting his spots.
Dan returned for the second, and got his outs the same was as he did in the first. Two by way of the K and a grounder to Jeffrey at first unassisted. It was a battle all the way for Dan, but this kid is tough. He does not get flustered out there. He just makes his pitches. All business. The Orioles put up two more in the inning, but Dan did well to limit the damage there and keep his team in the game.
4-1, Orioles, going into the third. Tom would lead off with a long single, a shot into left center. But that would be the only noise in the inning for the Sox.
Eric took the ball for the third. The hard-throwing lefty mowed down two and got one to pop up to short where Dan made a nice grab to haul it in. A zero on the board, and the game still within reach for the Sox. 4-1.
Drew stepped in to get things going for the Sox in the fourth, and worked a full-count walk in a brilliant at-bat. He swung at the pitches he needed to, took those he should have. He was on base for the first of three times tonight, and Joshua had something to work with. Joshua put fat metal on a fastball over the outside part of the plate and sent it past the second baseman for his second hit of the night, and the White Sox had a rally going. But the unflappable Orioles pitcher would find a way to retire the next three. Still 4-1, Orioles.
Eric was nearing his pitch count (the Sox wanted him available for Monday's game vs. the first-place Astros), but he had a few batters left in him. He struck out the first two he faced and then handed the ball to Jeffrey, who in an outing that would last only four pitches, fanned a third to give the Sox a quick zero for the bottom of the fourth.
Down by three runs with their chances dwindling, the White Sox knew they had to get something going in the fifth. But, smart and patient, they also knew that getting something going does not mean swinging for the fences. They understood that when you need runs, you need baserunners. Make good choices at the plate, take a walk if that's what's given to you, swing at strikes.
Tom led off with a single, his third in three at-bats. Jeffrey singled and moved Tom over, and once again the White Sox had a rally going, only this time they were able to cash in. Dan singled in Tom and Jeffrey (at the end of a rundown and a close call at the plate) to cut the Orioles' lead to one. Terrence followed the pattern with a fourth consecutive base hit, a single that brought in Dan to tie the game. The White Sox dugout erupted in cheers, but they were not satisfied just to tie it up.
Drew kept the line moving, working another free pass, to bring up Angelo, representing the AA Corpus Chirsti Hooks and playing in only his second AAA game. Two pitches in, he faced an 0-2 count with one out and runners on the corners. Any ground ball could bring in the go-ahead run. But Angelo would do better than that. He knocked a screamer past the second baseman for a single and the RBI that would put the White Sox on top for the first time since the top of the first, 5-4.
With a slim, hard-earned one-run lead, the Sox would put the ball in the capable hands of their closer, Tom, who would try for the two-inning save. The tough Orioles' lineup was not ready to lie down, and they put two on with nobody out. Then a single tied the game, still with nobody out. Tom was not rattled, though. He stayed calm and confident, and just went about the business of making his pitches. He got the next batter to chop one back to the mound. Tom gloved it and fired to Eric at first for one, Eric pivoted and gunned it home where Jeffrey applied the tag for the double play. Great baseball! With two away now, suddenly, Tom's job seemed a whole lot easier, and he struck out the next batter with three pitches.
Tie ball game going into the last. A flame thrower on the mound for the Orioles fanned the first two, and the White Sox were down to their last chance to win the game. Terrence took a walk. Once again showing great patience, Drew worked the count full and then walked to bring Joshua to the plate. Both Drew and Terrence would advance on a passed ball to put two in scoring position and the go-ahead run 60 feet away at third. With two strikes, Joshua found himself in quite a situation: final inning of a tie game, two on, two out, two strikes. It doesn't get more clutch than that. The White Sox had the right guy at the plate, though. With two hits already tonight, he had a hot bat going for him. Joshua saw the 0-2 fastball well and got all of it, launching it past the second baseman into right field to bring Terrence across and put the White Sox back on top, 6-5.
The crowd on the hill at Newman cheered the run, but then a tense silence fell upon the White Sox dugout and fans alike. They had seen how dangerous the Orioles lineup could be, and a one-run lead gave nobody any peace of mind. Except maybe Tom, who took the mound fully aware of the pressure but completely unfazed by it. After walking the leadoff batter, he bore down and struck out the side for the save and the White Sox fifth win in a row.
A great performance for the White Sox, and a thrilling come-from-behind victory. This win was possible because every player stayed patient at the plate, worked to get on base, and make the most of the opportunities they were given. We also benefited from excellent pitching that kept us in the game for six innings and put us in good position to win it. No matter what happened tonight, the White Sox stayed confident, believed in themselves, and supported each other. This is what good teams do.
A special thank you to Lucas, Angelo, and Terrence for their many contributions to our success tonight.
The game ball was awarded to Joshua, who was 3-for-4 at the plate and knocked in the game-winning RBI with a single in the sixth. Congratulations, Joshua!
On Monday at Cusick, the White Sox take on the Astos, currently tied with the Sox for second place. This game promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the league's powerhouses. See you there!
For this hastily-scheduled make-up of Wednesday's rainout, the White Sox would be out six key players to the soccer tournament, holiday weekend travel, and a variety of other commitments. Somehow, they would have to make it work without Jared, Zach, Mike, Tim, Will, and Micah. That's like trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when you've just run out of peanut butter.
But the White Sox have shown that they are scrappy, resourceful, and they never give up no matter what the situation is. When you're out of peanut butter, you can always grind up a jar of peanuts you find in the back of the cupboard. The White Sox called up Terrence again (who will soon be looking for a contract), along with Angelo and Lucas, and they would be able to field a squad of nine.
Would that be enough to withstand the hard-throwing, heavy-hitting Orioles?
Top of the first, and the visiting White Sox would send Eric to the plate to lead it off. Eric belted a line drive into right center that looked deep enough for two--which is exactly what Eric was thinking right out of the box. Unfortunately, the Orioles' center fielder had other ideas, chased it down and gunned it into second a few steps ahead of Eric. Credit the Orioles with an impressive outfield assist.
One out for Tom, who ripped one up the third base line and beat out an infield single. He advanced to second on a single off the bat of Jeffrey to give Dan two on, still with one out. Dan hit a long fly ball to center field, but that pesky Orioles' center fielder--the same one who three batters earlier gunned Eric down at second--lined it up and Dan was out despite hitting the ball hard. Tom tagged at second, but a good quick throw to third beat him there. Tom put on the brakes and was caught in a run-down. He managed to escape only when the ball got by the third baseman. Lucky. Two outs, runners on the corners for Terrence, a very reliable contact hitter. With two away, though, he would need to do more to score Tom than put the ball in play. The White Sox needed a base hit, and that is exactly what Terrence delivered in the clutch. He launched one past the shortstop into left field for an RBI single, giving the Sox an early 1-0 lead. It was clear that the runs were not going to come easily tonight, and the Sox were glad to piece one together in the first.
The White Sox sent Dan to the mound to start. He was sharp, pounding the zone with good fire, but the Orioles can hit and managed two runs in the bottom of the first. Dan struck out two and got one to ground to first, where Jeffrey took care of business unassisted. 2-1, Orioles.
Joshua led off the second and singled on a hard liner to right, the first of three singles for him on the night. But that would be all the Sox could muster in the second as they were facing a tough Orioles righty who was hitting his spots.
Dan returned for the second, and got his outs the same was as he did in the first. Two by way of the K and a grounder to Jeffrey at first unassisted. It was a battle all the way for Dan, but this kid is tough. He does not get flustered out there. He just makes his pitches. All business. The Orioles put up two more in the inning, but Dan did well to limit the damage there and keep his team in the game.
4-1, Orioles, going into the third. Tom would lead off with a long single, a shot into left center. But that would be the only noise in the inning for the Sox.
Eric took the ball for the third. The hard-throwing lefty mowed down two and got one to pop up to short where Dan made a nice grab to haul it in. A zero on the board, and the game still within reach for the Sox. 4-1.
Drew stepped in to get things going for the Sox in the fourth, and worked a full-count walk in a brilliant at-bat. He swung at the pitches he needed to, took those he should have. He was on base for the first of three times tonight, and Joshua had something to work with. Joshua put fat metal on a fastball over the outside part of the plate and sent it past the second baseman for his second hit of the night, and the White Sox had a rally going. But the unflappable Orioles pitcher would find a way to retire the next three. Still 4-1, Orioles.
Eric was nearing his pitch count (the Sox wanted him available for Monday's game vs. the first-place Astros), but he had a few batters left in him. He struck out the first two he faced and then handed the ball to Jeffrey, who in an outing that would last only four pitches, fanned a third to give the Sox a quick zero for the bottom of the fourth.
Down by three runs with their chances dwindling, the White Sox knew they had to get something going in the fifth. But, smart and patient, they also knew that getting something going does not mean swinging for the fences. They understood that when you need runs, you need baserunners. Make good choices at the plate, take a walk if that's what's given to you, swing at strikes.
Tom led off with a single, his third in three at-bats. Jeffrey singled and moved Tom over, and once again the White Sox had a rally going, only this time they were able to cash in. Dan singled in Tom and Jeffrey (at the end of a rundown and a close call at the plate) to cut the Orioles' lead to one. Terrence followed the pattern with a fourth consecutive base hit, a single that brought in Dan to tie the game. The White Sox dugout erupted in cheers, but they were not satisfied just to tie it up.
Drew kept the line moving, working another free pass, to bring up Angelo, representing the AA Corpus Chirsti Hooks and playing in only his second AAA game. Two pitches in, he faced an 0-2 count with one out and runners on the corners. Any ground ball could bring in the go-ahead run. But Angelo would do better than that. He knocked a screamer past the second baseman for a single and the RBI that would put the White Sox on top for the first time since the top of the first, 5-4.
With a slim, hard-earned one-run lead, the Sox would put the ball in the capable hands of their closer, Tom, who would try for the two-inning save. The tough Orioles' lineup was not ready to lie down, and they put two on with nobody out. Then a single tied the game, still with nobody out. Tom was not rattled, though. He stayed calm and confident, and just went about the business of making his pitches. He got the next batter to chop one back to the mound. Tom gloved it and fired to Eric at first for one, Eric pivoted and gunned it home where Jeffrey applied the tag for the double play. Great baseball! With two away now, suddenly, Tom's job seemed a whole lot easier, and he struck out the next batter with three pitches.
Tie ball game going into the last. A flame thrower on the mound for the Orioles fanned the first two, and the White Sox were down to their last chance to win the game. Terrence took a walk. Once again showing great patience, Drew worked the count full and then walked to bring Joshua to the plate. Both Drew and Terrence would advance on a passed ball to put two in scoring position and the go-ahead run 60 feet away at third. With two strikes, Joshua found himself in quite a situation: final inning of a tie game, two on, two out, two strikes. It doesn't get more clutch than that. The White Sox had the right guy at the plate, though. With two hits already tonight, he had a hot bat going for him. Joshua saw the 0-2 fastball well and got all of it, launching it past the second baseman into right field to bring Terrence across and put the White Sox back on top, 6-5.
The crowd on the hill at Newman cheered the run, but then a tense silence fell upon the White Sox dugout and fans alike. They had seen how dangerous the Orioles lineup could be, and a one-run lead gave nobody any peace of mind. Except maybe Tom, who took the mound fully aware of the pressure but completely unfazed by it. After walking the leadoff batter, he bore down and struck out the side for the save and the White Sox fifth win in a row.
A great performance for the White Sox, and a thrilling come-from-behind victory. This win was possible because every player stayed patient at the plate, worked to get on base, and make the most of the opportunities they were given. We also benefited from excellent pitching that kept us in the game for six innings and put us in good position to win it. No matter what happened tonight, the White Sox stayed confident, believed in themselves, and supported each other. This is what good teams do.
A special thank you to Lucas, Angelo, and Terrence for their many contributions to our success tonight.
The game ball was awarded to Joshua, who was 3-for-4 at the plate and knocked in the game-winning RBI with a single in the sixth. Congratulations, Joshua!
On Monday at Cusick, the White Sox take on the Astos, currently tied with the Sox for second place. This game promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the league's powerhouses. See you there!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Confirmed: White Sox vs Orioles Tomorrow at Newman
We're on for tomorrow--a scrappy squad of 6 White Sox and a few AA call-ups will take on the mighty Orioles at Newman.
I'll be there around 5:00 in case anybody wants to get some extra swings in. Otherwise, we'll warm up at 5:30, 6:00 first pitch.
See you there!
I'll be there around 5:00 in case anybody wants to get some extra swings in. Otherwise, we'll warm up at 5:30, 6:00 first pitch.
See you there!
Friday's Practice Likely Bumped in Favor of Make-up Game vs Orioles
In all likelihood, we will make up Wednesday's rainout vs the Orioles at Newman tomorrow. 5:30 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch. We will have enough players to field a team with some help from a few AA call-ups.
I will confirm the game as soon as I hear from the Orioles manager.
I will confirm the game as soon as I hear from the Orioles manager.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday Practice Added
Because of the wet spring we've had and the already limited field time available to AAA, games and make-up games have kept Cusick and Newman completely booked, and as a result we have not been able to schedule any practices during the regular season. No team has.
But, that's about to change--at least as far as the White Sox are concerned. Field time is still tight as ever, but the White Sox have teamed up with the Phillies to lobby for some shared practice time this Friday at Newman. Our idea is to maximize field time by running a joint Phillies-White Sox practices. This couldn't have worked out better for the White Sox since this will allow us to benefit from some of the best coaching in the league at the helm of the Phillies. We will run through stations together and then work in a short scrimmage at the end.
The practice is scheduled for:
Friday, May 25 5:30-6:00 pitchers/catchers, 6:00-7:30 full team, at Newman
We will try to coordinate with other teams to book a few more joint practices during June if we can.
But, that's about to change--at least as far as the White Sox are concerned. Field time is still tight as ever, but the White Sox have teamed up with the Phillies to lobby for some shared practice time this Friday at Newman. Our idea is to maximize field time by running a joint Phillies-White Sox practices. This couldn't have worked out better for the White Sox since this will allow us to benefit from some of the best coaching in the league at the helm of the Phillies. We will run through stations together and then work in a short scrimmage at the end.
The practice is scheduled for:
Friday, May 25 5:30-6:00 pitchers/catchers, 6:00-7:30 full team, at Newman
We will try to coordinate with other teams to book a few more joint practices during June if we can.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sox Make It Four in a Row, Grab a Share of First Place
Neither Heaven nor Iowa (baseball movie reference--which one?), but Cusick Field made an idyllic backdrop nonetheless under beautiful baseball skies for today's match-up between the White Sox and the Angels.
Both teams were short-handed for this one. The Angels called up three AA players to fill holes in their lineup. The White Sox had Terrence for one more game and also called up Connor from the White Sox AA affiliate Durham Bulls. The Sox were looking to strengthen an already potent lineup with the addition of these two sluggers. The scrappy Angels were in the hunt for their first win after being on the short end of three tight games in a row. This game had the makings of a real dog fight.
Dan would start for the Sox. The hard-throwing righty was eager for some work after throwing only 16 pitches in the Sox victory over the Giants the night before. He had a good fastball going for him this afternoon, and he had a loose and relaxed confidence about him as he threw his warm-up pitches.
The Angels' leadoff hitter stepped in and ripped one to Tim at shortstop who fired across the diamond to Jared at first for out number one. Dan struck out the next batter and got the third to fly out to Connor at left field to complete a 1-2-3 first for the Sox. It was a nice grab by Connor who had to run hard back on it.
Tim led off for the Sox in their half of the first and worked a walk. He stole second and advanced to third on a productive ground ball off the bat of Tom, who nearly hustled out an infield hit. He was out by half a step. One out for Jared and Tim at third. Jared looked at strike one, fouled off strike two, and got all of a fastball over the heart of the plate sending it into right center field for a single that scored Tim, and the Sox would get on the board first. 1-0 after one.
Top two, and Dan was in a groove. He struck out the side to preserve the Sox slim lead.
Will led off the Sox second with a walk and promptly stole second. Turns out he has some serious wheels. Micah stepped in next and ripped a single to left with a quick compact swing. This kid is starting to hit, and he will be doing big damage for the Sox down the stretch. Drew would battle back from 0-2, work the count full, and then take the free pass to load the bases for Connor. Connor put a tight power swing on a good fastball and launched it into deep left field for a bases clearing double. For the second night in a row the Sox would benefit from some clutch hitting by a new addition to the team. Last night it was Terrence. Tonight it was Connor, who would put the Sox up by four with one swing of the bat.
The show would go on in the bottom of the second. After Connor, Tim would single in a run to make it 5-0, and Tom would hit an absolute bomb to left center that would roll all the way to the fence. Tim would score and Tom would be standing up at third base with a triple. 6-0, Sox. Tom would score on a double off the bat of Dan who has been knocking the cover off the ball during the last three games. The Sox would put up six runs in a big second and take command 7-0 after two complete.
Dan would put up a third scoreless inning, striking out the first two he faced and then getting a third to ground to Jared at second who flipped to first to end the inning and a fine start for Dan. He struck out 6, gave up 0 earned runs, and scattered 2 hits over three innings of work.
Micah would work a walk and Terrence would extend his hitting streak in the bottom of the third with a hard single up the middle, but the Angels' pitcher would work out of the jam and keep the Sox from adding to their lead.
The Sox sent Tom to the hill in the fourth. The flamethrower would mow down the Angels clean-up hitter with three pitches, induce the next batter to pop up to first base where Tim would haul in out number two. Tom got the third looking to put up another 0 for the Sox. Sox catcher Mike notched another solid stint behind the plate, making several key stops that kept runners from advancing.
Tom would continue to make some noise at the plate in the Sox half of the fourth with a double to deep center. He would score on a single off the bat of Dan and the Sox extended their lead to 8.
But the Angels would piece together a nice rally in their half to cut the lead to 6. 8-2, Sox going into the bottom of the fifth.
Micah worked another walk, and Terrence hit a shot into center field to put two on with one out. The Angels' pitcher would bear down, though, and strike out two to shut the door on the fifth.
Last chance for the Angels. With rally caps on, they were revved up in the dugout and ready to make the most of it. A 6-run cushion is not a comfortable one with the top of a dangerous Angels order coming to the plate. Tom was not phased, though. He just stuck to his routine, made his pitches, and closed it out with a ground ball to Jared at second and two Ks.
This game required contributions from every player. We needed to make plays in the field, make our pitches, and produce at the plate to overcome a resurgent Angels squad that is much better than their record indicates. A huge thank you goes to Terrence and Connor for their part in this win. Both were clutch at the plate and played solid defense in the field.
The game ball was awarded to Dan who was very effective in three shut-out innings on the mound and very productive at the plate with two hits, including a long double, and two RBI. Congratulations, Dan!
After two games in two days, the Sox now get a short break to rest up for their showdown with the Orioles on Wednesday at Newman. See you there!
Both teams were short-handed for this one. The Angels called up three AA players to fill holes in their lineup. The White Sox had Terrence for one more game and also called up Connor from the White Sox AA affiliate Durham Bulls. The Sox were looking to strengthen an already potent lineup with the addition of these two sluggers. The scrappy Angels were in the hunt for their first win after being on the short end of three tight games in a row. This game had the makings of a real dog fight.
Dan would start for the Sox. The hard-throwing righty was eager for some work after throwing only 16 pitches in the Sox victory over the Giants the night before. He had a good fastball going for him this afternoon, and he had a loose and relaxed confidence about him as he threw his warm-up pitches.
The Angels' leadoff hitter stepped in and ripped one to Tim at shortstop who fired across the diamond to Jared at first for out number one. Dan struck out the next batter and got the third to fly out to Connor at left field to complete a 1-2-3 first for the Sox. It was a nice grab by Connor who had to run hard back on it.
Tim led off for the Sox in their half of the first and worked a walk. He stole second and advanced to third on a productive ground ball off the bat of Tom, who nearly hustled out an infield hit. He was out by half a step. One out for Jared and Tim at third. Jared looked at strike one, fouled off strike two, and got all of a fastball over the heart of the plate sending it into right center field for a single that scored Tim, and the Sox would get on the board first. 1-0 after one.
Top two, and Dan was in a groove. He struck out the side to preserve the Sox slim lead.
Will led off the Sox second with a walk and promptly stole second. Turns out he has some serious wheels. Micah stepped in next and ripped a single to left with a quick compact swing. This kid is starting to hit, and he will be doing big damage for the Sox down the stretch. Drew would battle back from 0-2, work the count full, and then take the free pass to load the bases for Connor. Connor put a tight power swing on a good fastball and launched it into deep left field for a bases clearing double. For the second night in a row the Sox would benefit from some clutch hitting by a new addition to the team. Last night it was Terrence. Tonight it was Connor, who would put the Sox up by four with one swing of the bat.
The show would go on in the bottom of the second. After Connor, Tim would single in a run to make it 5-0, and Tom would hit an absolute bomb to left center that would roll all the way to the fence. Tim would score and Tom would be standing up at third base with a triple. 6-0, Sox. Tom would score on a double off the bat of Dan who has been knocking the cover off the ball during the last three games. The Sox would put up six runs in a big second and take command 7-0 after two complete.
Dan would put up a third scoreless inning, striking out the first two he faced and then getting a third to ground to Jared at second who flipped to first to end the inning and a fine start for Dan. He struck out 6, gave up 0 earned runs, and scattered 2 hits over three innings of work.
Micah would work a walk and Terrence would extend his hitting streak in the bottom of the third with a hard single up the middle, but the Angels' pitcher would work out of the jam and keep the Sox from adding to their lead.
The Sox sent Tom to the hill in the fourth. The flamethrower would mow down the Angels clean-up hitter with three pitches, induce the next batter to pop up to first base where Tim would haul in out number two. Tom got the third looking to put up another 0 for the Sox. Sox catcher Mike notched another solid stint behind the plate, making several key stops that kept runners from advancing.
Tom would continue to make some noise at the plate in the Sox half of the fourth with a double to deep center. He would score on a single off the bat of Dan and the Sox extended their lead to 8.
But the Angels would piece together a nice rally in their half to cut the lead to 6. 8-2, Sox going into the bottom of the fifth.
Micah worked another walk, and Terrence hit a shot into center field to put two on with one out. The Angels' pitcher would bear down, though, and strike out two to shut the door on the fifth.
Last chance for the Angels. With rally caps on, they were revved up in the dugout and ready to make the most of it. A 6-run cushion is not a comfortable one with the top of a dangerous Angels order coming to the plate. Tom was not phased, though. He just stuck to his routine, made his pitches, and closed it out with a ground ball to Jared at second and two Ks.
This game required contributions from every player. We needed to make plays in the field, make our pitches, and produce at the plate to overcome a resurgent Angels squad that is much better than their record indicates. A huge thank you goes to Terrence and Connor for their part in this win. Both were clutch at the plate and played solid defense in the field.
The game ball was awarded to Dan who was very effective in three shut-out innings on the mound and very productive at the plate with two hits, including a long double, and two RBI. Congratulations, Dan!
After two games in two days, the Sox now get a short break to rest up for their showdown with the Orioles on Wednesday at Newman. See you there!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Sox Piece Together Another Win
With back-to-back games tonight and tomorrow and a depleted roster, the White Sox were going to have to dig deep to get past the Giants, who have been putting up impressive numbers offensively all spring. They were also going to have to call a player up from the Sacramento Rivercats, their AA affiliate out in California, in order to field a full squad. They called on Terrence, a veteran of summer and fall ball with a reliable glove and big bruising bat. Would he provide the pop the White Sox needed to equal the punishing lineup of the Giants? Would the White Sox have enough pitching to survive two games in two days against two hard-hitting teams?
Will took the mound for the Sox in the top of the first. He came out firing heat, but the Giants' lineup came as advertised and put up three runs to take an early lead right out of the gates.
Sox leadoff man Eric wasted no time making up ground. He connected on a 1-2 fastball and clocked one all the way to the warning track in right field for a triple. Tim brought him in with a single into right field and just like that the Sox cut the Giants' lead to two. Mike ripped one hot up the first base line, but the Angels' first baseman was quick with the glove and to the bag to end the inning.
Eric came out to pitch the second after zipping up the first with two straight Ks. The lefty throws gas and he's just been brilliant his last couple of outings. The Sox would need more of the same today in order to save pitchers for tomorrow. Eric delivered, striking out the side in the second, putting up a zero, and keeping the game within reach for his White Sox. Behind the plate, Mike battled a stiff league-issued catcher's mitt but was able to make some key stops to keep runners at bay.
Bottom two, Terrence would make some noise with a hard single into center field. But, the Sox would strand him at first as the Giants had a top-tier pitcher of their own throwing cheese. 3-1, Giants, after two complete.
Looking for some insurance, the Giants loaded the bases with one out in the top of the third. Eric didn't flinch. Calm, cool, composed, he went about his routine and struck out two in a row to get out of the jam. No damage done.
Tom was looking to rally his Sox in the bottom of the third. He hustled out an infield single and promptly stole second to put himself in scoring position with one out for Jared. Jared exercised great plate discipline to earn a free pass and the Sox had two on. Jeffrey ripped one into right field to score Tom, but a great throw from the right fielder had Jeffrey out at second. It was now a 1-run ball game, though, with the tying run at third and two out. Tim, known for his uncanny ability to convert baserunners into RBIs, tied the game with one dramatic swing of the bat. First pitch swinging, he lined one into center field for a single and suddenly we were all knotted up at 3.
Eric would keep it that way in the Giants' half of the fourth, retiring the side in order on three Ks and hanging up a third straight zero. 3-3, after three and a half.
The bottom of the fourth brought Will to the plate for the Sox. This kid has one of the most technically beautiful swings you'll see, but it's not just pretty to look at. It's both beauty and brawn, because when he gets a hold of one, it goes a long, long way. In a hole 0-2, he was swinging to protect but was able to put fat metal on a heater up and in and drove it into deep right field for a long single. With the go-ahead run at first and nobody out, Drew stepped in. He had worked a walk back in the second and was quite choosy this time up as well. He did not get his pitch, so he wisely took four balls, put himself on at first, and kept the line moving for Terrence. Still nobody out in the bottom of the fourth with the score tied at 3. The Sox were threatening, and Terrence was set to blow this game wide open. He got all of a fast ball up and drove it to center field for the go-ahead RBI. 4-3, now, and the Sox would never look back.
Dan singled in a run to make it 5-3, followed by Eric who would drive in another with a shot into center field. Tom walked to load the bases for Jeffrey, who hammered one all the way to the wall in straight away center for a bases-clearing triple. Tim, clutch with runners in scoring position, singled in Jeffrey to make it 10-3 Sox.
Eric, nearing his pitch count, faced one batter in the top of the fifth before handing the ball over to Dan. It was another dazzling performance for the young lefty: 10 Ks and 0 ER over 3.2 innings of work. Lights out. With this effort, the Sox were able to save enough pitchers for tomorrow's match-up against the Angels.
Dan went right to work retiring the next three batters in a row, one on a K, the next on a pop up to Terrence at left field who made a nice grab drifting in and left, and the third on a pop-up he handled himself.
Dan singled in the bottom of the fifth, but a new Angels pitcher was able to close the door after that, and the Sox would enter the top of the last with a 7-run lead.
Dan took the mound on a short pitch count in order to keep himself available for tomorrow's game. He took care of two batters with ten pitches and then handed the ball over to Jared who closed out the game efficiently with two pitches, the second of which induced a soft grounder to second where Eric scooped and flipped to Jeffrey at first to end the game.
In a tough spot in the schedule and missing three key players, the Sox had to be running on all cylinders to pull this one out. Strong pitching and clutch hitting made the difference tonight.
Speaking of clutch hitting, the game ball went to Terrence, whose RBI single in the fourth put the Sox ahead for the first time in the game and sparked a rally that gave the Sox the crooked number we needed to win the game.
Tomorrow, we will be looking for more of the same against a tough Angels lineup. We'll be back at Cusick Field. See you there!
Will took the mound for the Sox in the top of the first. He came out firing heat, but the Giants' lineup came as advertised and put up three runs to take an early lead right out of the gates.
Sox leadoff man Eric wasted no time making up ground. He connected on a 1-2 fastball and clocked one all the way to the warning track in right field for a triple. Tim brought him in with a single into right field and just like that the Sox cut the Giants' lead to two. Mike ripped one hot up the first base line, but the Angels' first baseman was quick with the glove and to the bag to end the inning.
Eric came out to pitch the second after zipping up the first with two straight Ks. The lefty throws gas and he's just been brilliant his last couple of outings. The Sox would need more of the same today in order to save pitchers for tomorrow. Eric delivered, striking out the side in the second, putting up a zero, and keeping the game within reach for his White Sox. Behind the plate, Mike battled a stiff league-issued catcher's mitt but was able to make some key stops to keep runners at bay.
Bottom two, Terrence would make some noise with a hard single into center field. But, the Sox would strand him at first as the Giants had a top-tier pitcher of their own throwing cheese. 3-1, Giants, after two complete.
Looking for some insurance, the Giants loaded the bases with one out in the top of the third. Eric didn't flinch. Calm, cool, composed, he went about his routine and struck out two in a row to get out of the jam. No damage done.
Tom was looking to rally his Sox in the bottom of the third. He hustled out an infield single and promptly stole second to put himself in scoring position with one out for Jared. Jared exercised great plate discipline to earn a free pass and the Sox had two on. Jeffrey ripped one into right field to score Tom, but a great throw from the right fielder had Jeffrey out at second. It was now a 1-run ball game, though, with the tying run at third and two out. Tim, known for his uncanny ability to convert baserunners into RBIs, tied the game with one dramatic swing of the bat. First pitch swinging, he lined one into center field for a single and suddenly we were all knotted up at 3.
Eric would keep it that way in the Giants' half of the fourth, retiring the side in order on three Ks and hanging up a third straight zero. 3-3, after three and a half.
The bottom of the fourth brought Will to the plate for the Sox. This kid has one of the most technically beautiful swings you'll see, but it's not just pretty to look at. It's both beauty and brawn, because when he gets a hold of one, it goes a long, long way. In a hole 0-2, he was swinging to protect but was able to put fat metal on a heater up and in and drove it into deep right field for a long single. With the go-ahead run at first and nobody out, Drew stepped in. He had worked a walk back in the second and was quite choosy this time up as well. He did not get his pitch, so he wisely took four balls, put himself on at first, and kept the line moving for Terrence. Still nobody out in the bottom of the fourth with the score tied at 3. The Sox were threatening, and Terrence was set to blow this game wide open. He got all of a fast ball up and drove it to center field for the go-ahead RBI. 4-3, now, and the Sox would never look back.
Dan singled in a run to make it 5-3, followed by Eric who would drive in another with a shot into center field. Tom walked to load the bases for Jeffrey, who hammered one all the way to the wall in straight away center for a bases-clearing triple. Tim, clutch with runners in scoring position, singled in Jeffrey to make it 10-3 Sox.
Eric, nearing his pitch count, faced one batter in the top of the fifth before handing the ball over to Dan. It was another dazzling performance for the young lefty: 10 Ks and 0 ER over 3.2 innings of work. Lights out. With this effort, the Sox were able to save enough pitchers for tomorrow's match-up against the Angels.
Dan went right to work retiring the next three batters in a row, one on a K, the next on a pop up to Terrence at left field who made a nice grab drifting in and left, and the third on a pop-up he handled himself.
Dan singled in the bottom of the fifth, but a new Angels pitcher was able to close the door after that, and the Sox would enter the top of the last with a 7-run lead.
Dan took the mound on a short pitch count in order to keep himself available for tomorrow's game. He took care of two batters with ten pitches and then handed the ball over to Jared who closed out the game efficiently with two pitches, the second of which induced a soft grounder to second where Eric scooped and flipped to Jeffrey at first to end the game.
In a tough spot in the schedule and missing three key players, the Sox had to be running on all cylinders to pull this one out. Strong pitching and clutch hitting made the difference tonight.
Speaking of clutch hitting, the game ball went to Terrence, whose RBI single in the fourth put the Sox ahead for the first time in the game and sparked a rally that gave the Sox the crooked number we needed to win the game.
Tomorrow, we will be looking for more of the same against a tough Angels lineup. We'll be back at Cusick Field. See you there!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Rainout vs. Blue Jays Rescheduled for May 31
The White Sox and Blue Jays will make up this week's rainout on Thursday, May 31 at Upper Broadmeadow. 5:30 warm-up, first pitch at 6:00.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Today's Game vs. Blue Jays Rained Out
Park and Rec has closed all fields this afternoon. Our game is off.
I will let you know as soon as it's been rescheduled.
I will let you know as soon as it's been rescheduled.
Monday, May 14, 2012
May 10 Rainout vs. Giants Rescheduled for this Friday May 18
We will play last Thursday's rainout this coming Friday at Cusick. 5:30 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Sox Spin Gem, Topple Mighty Phills
The Phillies had more than earned the swagger they displayed as they strolled onto the diamond to conduct their warm-up. They had breezed through their first three games putting up frightening numbers offensively while giving up next to nothing.
If anything was going to cool off the red-hot Phillies, it was not going to be weather offered up this fine May afternoon. The sun was beating down on Cusick Field like nothing we had seen yet this spring. Baseball weather. Finally.
Eric stepped in to lead it off for the White Sox. He slapped one hard up the middle, but the Phillies' pitcher was able to glove it and fire to first. Eric nearly beat it out. Great hustle comes as no surprise from Eric, who knows no other way to play the game. Tom stepped in next and lined one into left field for a single. Tom stole second on the next pitch and reached third when Jared singled to right field, the first of three hits on the afternoon for him. Jeffrey walked to load the bases with one out for Tim, who sent a hot ground ball towards second base. The Phillies' second baseman made a spectacular stop and threw to first a step ahead of Tim. But the RBI machine had done his job as Tom crossed the plate to put the White Sox on the board first.
Two in scoring position with two away for Dan. His swing is all power and he approaches each at-bat with such fierce intensity that the boys in the dugout and the fans in the lawn furniture on the hill behind it all ceased their chatting and held their breath as he stepped in. The pitch... Swing... Strike one. The murmur of the crowd came to a hush again as the pitcher went into his delivery... Pitch... Swing... Strike two. A monstrous swing from the righty this time but just missing. There was something in the way that Dan dug his foot in to set up for the 0-2 pitch--a certain confidence as he pulled the bat back and eyed the pitcher. He knew he was going to crush it, and somehow we all did, too. The poor, unsuspecting pitcher did not. He delivered a fastball right in Dan's wheelhouse, and the thundering clank of the bat echoed throughout Cusick Field. This ball was indeed crushed--all the way back to the warning track in front of the left field fence. The Phillies outfield did well to get the ball back in in a hurry, but not before Dan was standing up at second base and two more runs had scored. 3-0, White Sox at the end of their half of the first.
The White Sox sent Tom to the hill, a hard-throwing righty who has been downright nasty so far this season. He struck out the Phillies' leadoff man but drew hard contact from the next batter, who sent one soaring deep into center field. Tim drifted back, lined it up, and hauled it in for out number two. He makes it look easy, but it's not easy--you have to put in the reps, and Tim certainly has done that. Tom struck out one more to put the first inning in the books. Still 3-0, Sox.
The Phillies starter found his groove in the second and sat the White Sox down in order--but not easily. Joshua hit a hard line drive that looked poised to do some damage, but he was robbed by the second baseman's highlight reel grab.
Tom made quick work of the second inning, fielding a come-backer, getting another to pop up to the mound, striking out the third, and retiring the Phills in order.
Top of the order for the Sox in the third. Eric singled on a hard line drive into right field. Tom then doubled on a good hard shot over the head of the center fielder. Eric scored. Tom stole third and Jared drove him in with a line drive up the middle for a single. One on with nobody out for Jeffrey. Now, we know this kid can hit, but what we witnessed next was a full-on hitting clinic. The Phillies pitcher delivered a very tough fastball low and on the outside paint. Jeffrey waited on it and drove it the other way--way the other way! This ball made it all the way to the fence in right field, and Jeffrey was one cautious third base coach away from his first dinger of the season. Jared scored, making it 6-0, Sox. Jeffrey would score on productive contact by Tim, who continues to collect RBIs like there's no tomorrow. Dan would be issued a walk next--maybe not intentionally but perhaps wisely. Micah worked the count full and then took the free pass to keep the line moving and put two on with two out. Excellent plate discipline. But the Phillies pitcher bore down and shut the door before any further damage could be done. 7-0, Sox after two and a half.
Tom recorded another 1-2-3 inning for the Sox in the bottom half of the third to cap a very solid outing. In three shutout innings, he struck out 5, walked no one, and allowed just one baserunner on a single back in the third. He owes a great deal to his catcher, Joshua, who was reliable as always, kept pitches in front of him, and got a couple of calls with some artful framing.
Tom kept the fireworks going in the fourth with his second double of the afternoon, this one lined just fair to left field. He would score on a single off the bat of Jared to extend the Sox lead to eight runs. The show wasn't over. Jeffrey stepped in and drove one to deep center field for a double and his second extra-base hit of the afternoon. Jared would be waved around third, but the Phillies have a cannon in the outfield and they had him beat by a step. The catcher did well to hold onto the ball and get the tag down.
Tom was relieved by Jeffrey in the bottom of the fourth, but the Phillies would get no relief as Jeffrey came out with his usual gas. The flame-throwing lefty struck out the side and preserved the White Sox lead heading into the fifth.
Tim led off with a single and scored on Dan's second double of the afternoon. This one Dan launched past the left fielder into deep left-center--another beauty. Will connected with an 0-2 fastball and sent a rocket into right field for a single that moved Dan to third. Two on with one out for Drew, who fouled off two tough fastballs--he was right on them. The Phillies pitcher would put a nasty fastball on the outside corner for a called strike three, but this was a heroic at-bat for Drew, who is going to be notching more than his fair share of hits this spring. His bat speed has improved astronomically. He just needs to see enough pitchers and he'll be raking.
The Phillies pitcher was able to shut the door on the Sox half of the fifth, and Jeffrey was ready to do the same with a fastball that can only be described as overpowering. He wasn't born throwing cheese, but over the past few years, he has put in the hours upon hours and reps upon reps that make a kid into a real pitcher. Jeffrey settled in, pounded the zone, and shut the lights out on the fifth.
The Phillies answered with some top-notch pitching of their own and the Sox went down in order in the top of the sixth.
Last chance for the Phillies and they made the most of it, rallying to put four runs up before Sox closer Eric came in to nail this one shut with a blazing fastball, a K, and the save. Final score: White Sox 9, Phillies 4.
Certainly a win for the Sox to be proud of against the class of the league. Tonight's game ball was awarded to Tom, who got the Sox rolling with three shut-out innings of 1-hit ball and a 3-for-4 performance at the plate with 2 doubles, an RBI, stolen base, and 3 runs scored. All in a day's work.
The White Sox take on the Blue Jays next on Tuesday at Cusick. See you there!
If anything was going to cool off the red-hot Phillies, it was not going to be weather offered up this fine May afternoon. The sun was beating down on Cusick Field like nothing we had seen yet this spring. Baseball weather. Finally.
Eric stepped in to lead it off for the White Sox. He slapped one hard up the middle, but the Phillies' pitcher was able to glove it and fire to first. Eric nearly beat it out. Great hustle comes as no surprise from Eric, who knows no other way to play the game. Tom stepped in next and lined one into left field for a single. Tom stole second on the next pitch and reached third when Jared singled to right field, the first of three hits on the afternoon for him. Jeffrey walked to load the bases with one out for Tim, who sent a hot ground ball towards second base. The Phillies' second baseman made a spectacular stop and threw to first a step ahead of Tim. But the RBI machine had done his job as Tom crossed the plate to put the White Sox on the board first.
Two in scoring position with two away for Dan. His swing is all power and he approaches each at-bat with such fierce intensity that the boys in the dugout and the fans in the lawn furniture on the hill behind it all ceased their chatting and held their breath as he stepped in. The pitch... Swing... Strike one. The murmur of the crowd came to a hush again as the pitcher went into his delivery... Pitch... Swing... Strike two. A monstrous swing from the righty this time but just missing. There was something in the way that Dan dug his foot in to set up for the 0-2 pitch--a certain confidence as he pulled the bat back and eyed the pitcher. He knew he was going to crush it, and somehow we all did, too. The poor, unsuspecting pitcher did not. He delivered a fastball right in Dan's wheelhouse, and the thundering clank of the bat echoed throughout Cusick Field. This ball was indeed crushed--all the way back to the warning track in front of the left field fence. The Phillies outfield did well to get the ball back in in a hurry, but not before Dan was standing up at second base and two more runs had scored. 3-0, White Sox at the end of their half of the first.
The White Sox sent Tom to the hill, a hard-throwing righty who has been downright nasty so far this season. He struck out the Phillies' leadoff man but drew hard contact from the next batter, who sent one soaring deep into center field. Tim drifted back, lined it up, and hauled it in for out number two. He makes it look easy, but it's not easy--you have to put in the reps, and Tim certainly has done that. Tom struck out one more to put the first inning in the books. Still 3-0, Sox.
The Phillies starter found his groove in the second and sat the White Sox down in order--but not easily. Joshua hit a hard line drive that looked poised to do some damage, but he was robbed by the second baseman's highlight reel grab.
Tom made quick work of the second inning, fielding a come-backer, getting another to pop up to the mound, striking out the third, and retiring the Phills in order.
Top of the order for the Sox in the third. Eric singled on a hard line drive into right field. Tom then doubled on a good hard shot over the head of the center fielder. Eric scored. Tom stole third and Jared drove him in with a line drive up the middle for a single. One on with nobody out for Jeffrey. Now, we know this kid can hit, but what we witnessed next was a full-on hitting clinic. The Phillies pitcher delivered a very tough fastball low and on the outside paint. Jeffrey waited on it and drove it the other way--way the other way! This ball made it all the way to the fence in right field, and Jeffrey was one cautious third base coach away from his first dinger of the season. Jared scored, making it 6-0, Sox. Jeffrey would score on productive contact by Tim, who continues to collect RBIs like there's no tomorrow. Dan would be issued a walk next--maybe not intentionally but perhaps wisely. Micah worked the count full and then took the free pass to keep the line moving and put two on with two out. Excellent plate discipline. But the Phillies pitcher bore down and shut the door before any further damage could be done. 7-0, Sox after two and a half.
Tom recorded another 1-2-3 inning for the Sox in the bottom half of the third to cap a very solid outing. In three shutout innings, he struck out 5, walked no one, and allowed just one baserunner on a single back in the third. He owes a great deal to his catcher, Joshua, who was reliable as always, kept pitches in front of him, and got a couple of calls with some artful framing.
Tom kept the fireworks going in the fourth with his second double of the afternoon, this one lined just fair to left field. He would score on a single off the bat of Jared to extend the Sox lead to eight runs. The show wasn't over. Jeffrey stepped in and drove one to deep center field for a double and his second extra-base hit of the afternoon. Jared would be waved around third, but the Phillies have a cannon in the outfield and they had him beat by a step. The catcher did well to hold onto the ball and get the tag down.
Tom was relieved by Jeffrey in the bottom of the fourth, but the Phillies would get no relief as Jeffrey came out with his usual gas. The flame-throwing lefty struck out the side and preserved the White Sox lead heading into the fifth.
Tim led off with a single and scored on Dan's second double of the afternoon. This one Dan launched past the left fielder into deep left-center--another beauty. Will connected with an 0-2 fastball and sent a rocket into right field for a single that moved Dan to third. Two on with one out for Drew, who fouled off two tough fastballs--he was right on them. The Phillies pitcher would put a nasty fastball on the outside corner for a called strike three, but this was a heroic at-bat for Drew, who is going to be notching more than his fair share of hits this spring. His bat speed has improved astronomically. He just needs to see enough pitchers and he'll be raking.
The Phillies pitcher was able to shut the door on the Sox half of the fifth, and Jeffrey was ready to do the same with a fastball that can only be described as overpowering. He wasn't born throwing cheese, but over the past few years, he has put in the hours upon hours and reps upon reps that make a kid into a real pitcher. Jeffrey settled in, pounded the zone, and shut the lights out on the fifth.
The Phillies answered with some top-notch pitching of their own and the Sox went down in order in the top of the sixth.
Last chance for the Phillies and they made the most of it, rallying to put four runs up before Sox closer Eric came in to nail this one shut with a blazing fastball, a K, and the save. Final score: White Sox 9, Phillies 4.
Certainly a win for the Sox to be proud of against the class of the league. Tonight's game ball was awarded to Tom, who got the Sox rolling with three shut-out innings of 1-hit ball and a 3-for-4 performance at the plate with 2 doubles, an RBI, stolen base, and 3 runs scored. All in a day's work.
The White Sox take on the Blue Jays next on Tuesday at Cusick. See you there!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Newman Closed, Tonight's Game Cancelled
No surprise. Newman is a swamp. Tonight's game vs. the Giants is cancelled. I'll let you know when we reschedule.
Saturday, we take on the undefeated Phillies at Cusick. 2:30 warm-up, 3:00 first pitch.
See you there!
Saturday, we take on the undefeated Phillies at Cusick. 2:30 warm-up, 3:00 first pitch.
See you there!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sox Bats Come Alive in First Win
For the second game in a row, the White Sox would face off against a familiar opponent, the Diamondbacks this time, who were on the other side of a friendly scrimmage back on April 27. The D'backs took that one in a 9-8 slugfest, so tonight the Sox knew exactly what they were in for: the D'backs can do some serious damage with their bats. In addition to facing this punishing lineup, the White Sox would also have to contend with a very difficult pitching match-up, as the D'backs would be sending to the hill tonight some of the finest arms in the league. Can the Sox rise to this challenge?
Micah was ready to do just that as he took the mound in the top of the first. After giving up a full-count walk on a very close pitch, he struck out the next batter, a tough lefty who has been hitting with good pop so far this season. Eric came in to finish the job and struck out two of three batters faced with a blazing fastball. But the Diamondbacks' imposing lineup lived up to its billing in the first and got two across.
The D'backs sent a hard-throwing righty to the hill who quickly sat the Sox down in order, and the Sox found themselves in a 2-0 hole early.
There was no sign of panic in the Sox dugout, though. It's a six-inning game (actually it would turn out to be five tonight), with plenty of baseball left to be played, and the Sox had a lefty on the mound who was in a zone. Firing heat and hitting his spots, Eric notched a three-pitch K after walking the leadoff batter with a nasty sinking fastball just outside the paint. The second out came on the basepaths. The runner on second attempted a steal of third, but Joshua at catcher was so quick to his feet behind the plate that he was able to fire a perfect strike to Zach at third well ahead of the runner, who stopped in his tracks and turned back towards second. Tom was there covering the bag, and Zach threw to Tom. What proceeded next was almost textbook rundown. Tom took two steps toward the runner, who made a move back to third, and then threw to Zach, who chased the runner back towards second. Zach threw to Tom but was then out of position to cover third. That 's usually not a problem--Zach did his job right--but here's where the rundown broke down: after Zach, nobody moved over to cover third, the baserunner had a clear path, and Tom had nobody to throw to. So, Tom did the only thing he could do. He made a full-stretch dive for the runner, and... He got him! The first runner caught stealing for the Sox this season, and a big smile on Tom's face.
After all the excitement, Eric got the next batter to ground to short where Tom scooped and fired across the diamond just in time. Still 2-0, D'backs.
Jeffrey led off the bottom of the second with a hard line drive into center field for a single. Tim followed with a single to put two on with nobody out. Micah, showing great discipline at the plate, worked a walk to load the bases for Joshua, who walked on a full-count to record his first RBI of the season and put his team on the board. The show wasn't over yet, though. "Iron" Mike stepped in next. He waited for a pitch he could drive, and drive it he did, a bomb over the head of the center fielder for a double. This was the hardest hit ball the White Sox had seen so far this season. Absolutely crushed! Two runs scored, and the White Sox took the lead 3-2.
Mike's fireworks brought Will to the plate. Will battled into a deep count but ultimately fell victim to a nasty fastball on the outside corner for strike three. His quick, smooth stroke is beautiful to watch but quite dangerous, too, once he starts connecting.
Eric returned to the mound for the top of the third, and the Diamondbacks were hungry for revenge. Their number three hitter led off the inning with a hard single. He attempted to steal second on the next pitch, but Joshua at catcher received cleanly, was quick to his feet, and made a perfect throw down. Tom was there at the bag to glove it and lay the tag. Out! Flawless execution. The second runner caught stealing in the game, and the White Sox were looking to be very tough to run on.
Eric, efficient and methodical, struck out two more, the last one looking, to escape the inning with the one-run lead intact.
Top of the order due up in the third... The Sox had battled back from an early deficit, but the slim one-run lead was by no means comfortable, especially against this menacing D'backs' lineup. And the D'backs pitcher now warming up was throwing serious heat.
But that did not seem to bother Eric, who after attempting to get a bunt down, was swinging away with two strikes. He put fat metal on the 0-2 fastball and sent it into right field for a single. With Eric on at first and nobody out, Tom connected and sent a worm-burner into left field for a single, and the White Sox were threatening again with nobody out. Jared was hit by a pitch (fortunately not in his newly reconstructed mouth) and the bases were loaded for Jeffrey, who launched a rocket into deep right field for a bases-clearing double. 6-2, Sox. Jeffrey would score on a single off the bat of Tim, his second of three hits on the night, and the Sox would have a five-run lead. Zach was hit by a pitch and Micah put himself on base for the second time tonight with a walk. But the crafty Diamondback's pitcher worked his way out of the bases-loaded jam to end the inning. 7-2, Sox after three complete.
Eric struck out two in the top of the fourth before reaching his pitch count and yielding the ball to Dan who would slam the door shut with a dramatic backwards K. Eric was simply brilliant tonight, tossing 3.1 innings of shut-out, 3-hit ball, striking out 7 along the way. He was just as sharp--maybe even sharper--65 pitches into his outing than he was in the first inning.
The White Sox would add to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Mike singled to get things started. He would be 2-for-2 on the night with 3 RBI--not a bad day at the office for the young slugger. He would come around to score when Drew knocked a shot up the middle. The pitcher somehow got a glove on it and Drew would be out at first, but not before he notched his first RBI of the season.
Eric walked at the top of the order to keep the line moving with two outs. Tom singled, and Jared worked a walk to load the bases for Jeffrey. First-pitch swinging, Jeffrey sent one screaming past the second baseman into right field and collected his fifth and sixth RBI of the night. Tim drove in two more with a single to left field to make it 12-2, Sox after four.
With the overcast skies darkening, the fifth would be the last inning tonight. The Sox sent Dan to close the deal. A true old-school workhorse, Dan will start, come out of the bullpen, close--whatever the team needs. Tonight, his scorching fastball was enough to strike out three, and put this one in the books for his White Sox.
We were firing on all cylinders tonight. Highly effective pitching, excellent at-bats from top to bottom of the order, and good heads-up play in the field all contributed to a dramatic first victory for our boys over a very good Diamondbacks team.
Any number of White Sox could have earned the game ball tonight. Certainly "Iron" Mike's emphatic go-ahead two-run double made him worthy of consideration. Joshua's solid effort behind the plate gunning down two on the basepaths put him in the running. Jeffrey's and Tim's 3-for-3 performances at the plate could have earned it for either one.
However, tonight's game ball went Eric who kept us in the game and then preserved our lead with some outstanding work on the mound against a very tough Diamondbacks lineup. Congratulations, Eric!
The White Sox take on the hard-hitting Giants on Thursday at Newman. 5:30 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch. See you there!
Micah was ready to do just that as he took the mound in the top of the first. After giving up a full-count walk on a very close pitch, he struck out the next batter, a tough lefty who has been hitting with good pop so far this season. Eric came in to finish the job and struck out two of three batters faced with a blazing fastball. But the Diamondbacks' imposing lineup lived up to its billing in the first and got two across.
The D'backs sent a hard-throwing righty to the hill who quickly sat the Sox down in order, and the Sox found themselves in a 2-0 hole early.
There was no sign of panic in the Sox dugout, though. It's a six-inning game (actually it would turn out to be five tonight), with plenty of baseball left to be played, and the Sox had a lefty on the mound who was in a zone. Firing heat and hitting his spots, Eric notched a three-pitch K after walking the leadoff batter with a nasty sinking fastball just outside the paint. The second out came on the basepaths. The runner on second attempted a steal of third, but Joshua at catcher was so quick to his feet behind the plate that he was able to fire a perfect strike to Zach at third well ahead of the runner, who stopped in his tracks and turned back towards second. Tom was there covering the bag, and Zach threw to Tom. What proceeded next was almost textbook rundown. Tom took two steps toward the runner, who made a move back to third, and then threw to Zach, who chased the runner back towards second. Zach threw to Tom but was then out of position to cover third. That 's usually not a problem--Zach did his job right--but here's where the rundown broke down: after Zach, nobody moved over to cover third, the baserunner had a clear path, and Tom had nobody to throw to. So, Tom did the only thing he could do. He made a full-stretch dive for the runner, and... He got him! The first runner caught stealing for the Sox this season, and a big smile on Tom's face.
After all the excitement, Eric got the next batter to ground to short where Tom scooped and fired across the diamond just in time. Still 2-0, D'backs.
Jeffrey led off the bottom of the second with a hard line drive into center field for a single. Tim followed with a single to put two on with nobody out. Micah, showing great discipline at the plate, worked a walk to load the bases for Joshua, who walked on a full-count to record his first RBI of the season and put his team on the board. The show wasn't over yet, though. "Iron" Mike stepped in next. He waited for a pitch he could drive, and drive it he did, a bomb over the head of the center fielder for a double. This was the hardest hit ball the White Sox had seen so far this season. Absolutely crushed! Two runs scored, and the White Sox took the lead 3-2.
Mike's fireworks brought Will to the plate. Will battled into a deep count but ultimately fell victim to a nasty fastball on the outside corner for strike three. His quick, smooth stroke is beautiful to watch but quite dangerous, too, once he starts connecting.
Eric returned to the mound for the top of the third, and the Diamondbacks were hungry for revenge. Their number three hitter led off the inning with a hard single. He attempted to steal second on the next pitch, but Joshua at catcher received cleanly, was quick to his feet, and made a perfect throw down. Tom was there at the bag to glove it and lay the tag. Out! Flawless execution. The second runner caught stealing in the game, and the White Sox were looking to be very tough to run on.
Eric, efficient and methodical, struck out two more, the last one looking, to escape the inning with the one-run lead intact.
Top of the order due up in the third... The Sox had battled back from an early deficit, but the slim one-run lead was by no means comfortable, especially against this menacing D'backs' lineup. And the D'backs pitcher now warming up was throwing serious heat.
But that did not seem to bother Eric, who after attempting to get a bunt down, was swinging away with two strikes. He put fat metal on the 0-2 fastball and sent it into right field for a single. With Eric on at first and nobody out, Tom connected and sent a worm-burner into left field for a single, and the White Sox were threatening again with nobody out. Jared was hit by a pitch (fortunately not in his newly reconstructed mouth) and the bases were loaded for Jeffrey, who launched a rocket into deep right field for a bases-clearing double. 6-2, Sox. Jeffrey would score on a single off the bat of Tim, his second of three hits on the night, and the Sox would have a five-run lead. Zach was hit by a pitch and Micah put himself on base for the second time tonight with a walk. But the crafty Diamondback's pitcher worked his way out of the bases-loaded jam to end the inning. 7-2, Sox after three complete.
Eric struck out two in the top of the fourth before reaching his pitch count and yielding the ball to Dan who would slam the door shut with a dramatic backwards K. Eric was simply brilliant tonight, tossing 3.1 innings of shut-out, 3-hit ball, striking out 7 along the way. He was just as sharp--maybe even sharper--65 pitches into his outing than he was in the first inning.
The White Sox would add to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Mike singled to get things started. He would be 2-for-2 on the night with 3 RBI--not a bad day at the office for the young slugger. He would come around to score when Drew knocked a shot up the middle. The pitcher somehow got a glove on it and Drew would be out at first, but not before he notched his first RBI of the season.
Eric walked at the top of the order to keep the line moving with two outs. Tom singled, and Jared worked a walk to load the bases for Jeffrey. First-pitch swinging, Jeffrey sent one screaming past the second baseman into right field and collected his fifth and sixth RBI of the night. Tim drove in two more with a single to left field to make it 12-2, Sox after four.
With the overcast skies darkening, the fifth would be the last inning tonight. The Sox sent Dan to close the deal. A true old-school workhorse, Dan will start, come out of the bullpen, close--whatever the team needs. Tonight, his scorching fastball was enough to strike out three, and put this one in the books for his White Sox.
We were firing on all cylinders tonight. Highly effective pitching, excellent at-bats from top to bottom of the order, and good heads-up play in the field all contributed to a dramatic first victory for our boys over a very good Diamondbacks team.
Any number of White Sox could have earned the game ball tonight. Certainly "Iron" Mike's emphatic go-ahead two-run double made him worthy of consideration. Joshua's solid effort behind the plate gunning down two on the basepaths put him in the running. Jeffrey's and Tim's 3-for-3 performances at the plate could have earned it for either one.
However, tonight's game ball went Eric who kept us in the game and then preserved our lead with some outstanding work on the mound against a very tough Diamondbacks lineup. Congratulations, Eric!
The White Sox take on the hard-hitting Giants on Thursday at Newman. 5:30 warm-up, 6:00 first pitch. See you there!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Strong Effort for Sox in Opener
The early morning fog was just beginning to clear over Cusick Field as the first few Sox and Royals players trotted down the hill for this sunrise special. Not that anyone could have seen the sun rise this morning with the thick cloud cover, but the good news was that it was dry--or at least dry enough for baseball. The rain the night before had posed no real threat.
There is always something magical about Opening Day, whether you're in the stands at Fenway Park or in the visitor's dugout at Cusick Field. For the White Sox, today would mark the first time they had all suited up together as a full squad to play in a game that counted. The excitement was palpable. How would the story of the 2012 spring baseball season begin?
Sox leadoff hitter Eric was eager to find out. He took his signs from the third base coach and stepped in. A swing and a shot into right field to put him on with nobody out. The dugout erupted at the first base hit of the season for Sox, but Eric wasn't finished yet. On the first pitch to Tom, Eric jumped off and waited. He watched the catcher, just waiting there about 15 feet towards second base from the bag at first. No look from the catcher, and as soon as Eric saw him step and throw back to the mound, Eric took off. When the dust cleared, he was safe at second--a flawlessly executed delayed steal! Tom dialed it up even further with a single to left field, and the Sox had runners on the corners with nobody out.
Tom then moved to second on a passed ball to give the Sox two in scoring position, still with nobody out. Tim stepped in next, and sent a screamer up the middle that the Royal's pitcher was somehow able to stab. Eric took off from third as soon as the pitcher threw to first. No chance to get the speedster at home, and Eric was in to score the first run of the season. An RBI in a productive at bat for Tim put the Sox on the board first.
Jeffrey hit a hot ground ball to second, but some nifty glove work by the Royals' second baseman had him out at first. Tom would score to make it 2-0, Sox. Jared, who was hit with a ball in the mouth and had chipped a tooth during warm-up, showed no sign of backing down neither in the face of injury nor in the face of a pitcher on the mound throwing serious heat. He took his sign, stepped in, fouled off a couple, and then ripped a shot into right field for a single.
Unfortunately, though, the fireworks would end there, as the Royals' pitcher was able shut the door and limit the damage to two runs.
In the Royals' half of the first, White Sox starting pitcher Dan came out pounding the zone and retired the side in order. He fielded a come-backer and fired to Jeffery at first to get out number one and then proceeded to strike out the next two to make efficient work of the first inning. 2-0, Sox after one.
The Royals' starter found his groove in the second and struck out the side. He had a good fastball and was consistently in command of it.
The Sox sent Dan back out for the second to face the middle of the Royals' order. He struck out their clean-up hitter with four pitches. But the Royals were not going to go down easily and they put two on with one out. The next batter sent a deep fly ball to center field, but Tim, running back, was able to line it up and haul it in for the second out. Both runners tagged up, and were in just ahead of good throw from the cutoff to tie the game a two runs apiece.
With that, Dan had reached his pitch count, and in order to save him for Monday's game, the manager handed the ball to Jared. Dan had great stuff today--good velocity on his fastball and he was hitting his spots. In 1.2 innings of work, he struck out three and gave up only one hit and one walk. A very promising start for the young right-hander.
Jared, still toothless, took the ball and battled to close the door on the second inning with a dramatic full-count K. All knotted up at 2 after 2 complete.
The Royals' starter continued to fire bullets, striking out the side, and sending this tight contest into the bottom of the third.
Jared returned to the hill and got the leadoff hitter to pop it up to Will at third who made a highlight-reel grab ranging back into shallow left field. Will then made the heads-up play of the day when the next batter sent a dribbler up the third base line. The ball was running foul, but the base path is a gutter and there's always a danger that a slow rolling foul ball could bounce off the lip of the grass back onto the fair side before passing the bag. Will understood all of this, and as soon as he saw the ball roll across the line into foul territory, he kicked it, making sure it had no chance to roll back fair. With that move, he turned a probable base hit into strike two. Often, it's the little things that players do that can end up having a huge impact on how the game develops.
Jared would help his own cause with some nice glove work on a hard ground ball up the middle, which he stabbed and fired to Dan at first for the second out. Jared reached his pitch count and was relieved by Tom, who struck out the next batter to end the inning. However, the heart of Royals' bruising lineup was able to get 3 runs across to make it a 5-2 game after three.
The top of the Sox order was stymied by the Royal's starter, who continued to spin a gem through four innings.
Tom returned to the hill, and Joshua, who caught the first three innings, would get a well deserved break as "Iron" Mike would set up behind the plate for the remainder of the game. Joshua got his glove on nearly every pitch, kept the ball in front of him when he didn't, and was quick to his feet to keep base runners at bay all morning. A very solid performance for the young backstop.
Tom continued to locate a good fastball as he polished off the bottom of the fourth with two Ks and a ground out to first, where Jeffrey made a nice play to charge the ball and tag the runner on the way to the bag.
The Royals' starter, still on the mound for the fifth, capped off a brilliant outing by retiring the heart of the Sox order.
Tom came out for the bottom of the fifth. He struck out the leadoff batter, got another to ground softly to the mound, and recorded a K to end it. A solid effort for Tom who struck out five while yielding just one earned run in 2.1 innings. Catcher "Iron" Mike was a reliable target during the final two innings, and he was able to control base runners by being quick to his feet and hustling after the ball. His highlights include a blocked pitch, which he was able to collect and then throw down to third where Drew made a great catch and nearly got the tag down. The runner was safe, but it was a beautifully executed play by the catcher and third baseman.
Top of the sixth and the final chance for the White Sox... With two outs, Zach stepped in. The Sox bats had been rather quiet since the first inning, but Zach shattered the silence with rip into left field for a single. Joshua would be hit by a pitch (it turns out that those helmets work pretty well), and just like that the Sox had two on and Micah's quick bat coming to the plate. Micah battled, fouling off three good pitches, before taking strike three--a nasty fastball on the outside corner. It was a good at-bat, and Micah will have his share of game-changing clutch hits this season (not to mention what he will do for us from the mound).
This time it was not meant to be for the White Sox. We faced one of the top pitchers in the league and came up short on the scoreboard. But from the manager's perspective, there's nothing to complain about. We saw an excellent effort from our pitchers, who threw strikes all morning and walked only four batters during the entire game. Our catchers showed improved stability and consistency receiving the ball. We took a lot of good swings. Best of all, we played good, smart baseball, and our players all made a point of supporting each other.
The game ball was awarded to Will for his effort at third base covering the bag, making a key catch, and handling an indecisive foul ball quite decisively. Congratulations, Will!
The schedule does not let up for our White Sox. Monday's game is against the Diamondbacks who will challenge us with some top-notch pitching of their own. But, as we showed this morning, we do not back down from a challenge. This will be an exciting match-up.
We'll be at Cusick Monday. 5:30 warm-up, first pitch at 6:00. See you there!
There is always something magical about Opening Day, whether you're in the stands at Fenway Park or in the visitor's dugout at Cusick Field. For the White Sox, today would mark the first time they had all suited up together as a full squad to play in a game that counted. The excitement was palpable. How would the story of the 2012 spring baseball season begin?
Sox leadoff hitter Eric was eager to find out. He took his signs from the third base coach and stepped in. A swing and a shot into right field to put him on with nobody out. The dugout erupted at the first base hit of the season for Sox, but Eric wasn't finished yet. On the first pitch to Tom, Eric jumped off and waited. He watched the catcher, just waiting there about 15 feet towards second base from the bag at first. No look from the catcher, and as soon as Eric saw him step and throw back to the mound, Eric took off. When the dust cleared, he was safe at second--a flawlessly executed delayed steal! Tom dialed it up even further with a single to left field, and the Sox had runners on the corners with nobody out.
Tom then moved to second on a passed ball to give the Sox two in scoring position, still with nobody out. Tim stepped in next, and sent a screamer up the middle that the Royal's pitcher was somehow able to stab. Eric took off from third as soon as the pitcher threw to first. No chance to get the speedster at home, and Eric was in to score the first run of the season. An RBI in a productive at bat for Tim put the Sox on the board first.
Jeffrey hit a hot ground ball to second, but some nifty glove work by the Royals' second baseman had him out at first. Tom would score to make it 2-0, Sox. Jared, who was hit with a ball in the mouth and had chipped a tooth during warm-up, showed no sign of backing down neither in the face of injury nor in the face of a pitcher on the mound throwing serious heat. He took his sign, stepped in, fouled off a couple, and then ripped a shot into right field for a single.
Unfortunately, though, the fireworks would end there, as the Royals' pitcher was able shut the door and limit the damage to two runs.
In the Royals' half of the first, White Sox starting pitcher Dan came out pounding the zone and retired the side in order. He fielded a come-backer and fired to Jeffery at first to get out number one and then proceeded to strike out the next two to make efficient work of the first inning. 2-0, Sox after one.
The Royals' starter found his groove in the second and struck out the side. He had a good fastball and was consistently in command of it.
The Sox sent Dan back out for the second to face the middle of the Royals' order. He struck out their clean-up hitter with four pitches. But the Royals were not going to go down easily and they put two on with one out. The next batter sent a deep fly ball to center field, but Tim, running back, was able to line it up and haul it in for the second out. Both runners tagged up, and were in just ahead of good throw from the cutoff to tie the game a two runs apiece.
With that, Dan had reached his pitch count, and in order to save him for Monday's game, the manager handed the ball to Jared. Dan had great stuff today--good velocity on his fastball and he was hitting his spots. In 1.2 innings of work, he struck out three and gave up only one hit and one walk. A very promising start for the young right-hander.
Jared, still toothless, took the ball and battled to close the door on the second inning with a dramatic full-count K. All knotted up at 2 after 2 complete.
The Royals' starter continued to fire bullets, striking out the side, and sending this tight contest into the bottom of the third.
Jared returned to the hill and got the leadoff hitter to pop it up to Will at third who made a highlight-reel grab ranging back into shallow left field. Will then made the heads-up play of the day when the next batter sent a dribbler up the third base line. The ball was running foul, but the base path is a gutter and there's always a danger that a slow rolling foul ball could bounce off the lip of the grass back onto the fair side before passing the bag. Will understood all of this, and as soon as he saw the ball roll across the line into foul territory, he kicked it, making sure it had no chance to roll back fair. With that move, he turned a probable base hit into strike two. Often, it's the little things that players do that can end up having a huge impact on how the game develops.
Jared would help his own cause with some nice glove work on a hard ground ball up the middle, which he stabbed and fired to Dan at first for the second out. Jared reached his pitch count and was relieved by Tom, who struck out the next batter to end the inning. However, the heart of Royals' bruising lineup was able to get 3 runs across to make it a 5-2 game after three.
The top of the Sox order was stymied by the Royal's starter, who continued to spin a gem through four innings.
Tom returned to the hill, and Joshua, who caught the first three innings, would get a well deserved break as "Iron" Mike would set up behind the plate for the remainder of the game. Joshua got his glove on nearly every pitch, kept the ball in front of him when he didn't, and was quick to his feet to keep base runners at bay all morning. A very solid performance for the young backstop.
Tom continued to locate a good fastball as he polished off the bottom of the fourth with two Ks and a ground out to first, where Jeffrey made a nice play to charge the ball and tag the runner on the way to the bag.
The Royals' starter, still on the mound for the fifth, capped off a brilliant outing by retiring the heart of the Sox order.
Tom came out for the bottom of the fifth. He struck out the leadoff batter, got another to ground softly to the mound, and recorded a K to end it. A solid effort for Tom who struck out five while yielding just one earned run in 2.1 innings. Catcher "Iron" Mike was a reliable target during the final two innings, and he was able to control base runners by being quick to his feet and hustling after the ball. His highlights include a blocked pitch, which he was able to collect and then throw down to third where Drew made a great catch and nearly got the tag down. The runner was safe, but it was a beautifully executed play by the catcher and third baseman.
Top of the sixth and the final chance for the White Sox... With two outs, Zach stepped in. The Sox bats had been rather quiet since the first inning, but Zach shattered the silence with rip into left field for a single. Joshua would be hit by a pitch (it turns out that those helmets work pretty well), and just like that the Sox had two on and Micah's quick bat coming to the plate. Micah battled, fouling off three good pitches, before taking strike three--a nasty fastball on the outside corner. It was a good at-bat, and Micah will have his share of game-changing clutch hits this season (not to mention what he will do for us from the mound).
This time it was not meant to be for the White Sox. We faced one of the top pitchers in the league and came up short on the scoreboard. But from the manager's perspective, there's nothing to complain about. We saw an excellent effort from our pitchers, who threw strikes all morning and walked only four batters during the entire game. Our catchers showed improved stability and consistency receiving the ball. We took a lot of good swings. Best of all, we played good, smart baseball, and our players all made a point of supporting each other.
The game ball was awarded to Will for his effort at third base covering the bag, making a key catch, and handling an indecisive foul ball quite decisively. Congratulations, Will!
The schedule does not let up for our White Sox. Monday's game is against the Diamondbacks who will challenge us with some top-notch pitching of their own. But, as we showed this morning, we do not back down from a challenge. This will be an exciting match-up.
We'll be at Cusick Monday. 5:30 warm-up, first pitch at 6:00. See you there!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Season Opener Saturday Morning
We take on the Royals this Saturday morning in our season opener at Cusick. Arrive at 8:30 to warm up. First pitch at 9:00.
We are familiar with the Royals, having faced them last Sunday in a friendly four-inning scrimmage. If you remember, the Royals pulled ahead in the fourth after three innings of fairly even baseball. I predict Saturday's contest will be just as tight. This will be an exciting challenge for the White Sox--a great way to start the regular season!
Please let me know if your son will NOT be available for Saturday's game.
Otherwise, see you at Cusick!
We are familiar with the Royals, having faced them last Sunday in a friendly four-inning scrimmage. If you remember, the Royals pulled ahead in the fourth after three innings of fairly even baseball. I predict Saturday's contest will be just as tight. This will be an exciting challenge for the White Sox--a great way to start the regular season!
Please let me know if your son will NOT be available for Saturday's game.
Otherwise, see you at Cusick!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Fields Are Closed, Practice Is Off
Just as we all suspected. Enjoy the night off!
See you on Saturday morning for our season opener vs. the Royals.
See you on Saturday morning for our season opener vs. the Royals.
Rain Tapering Off, but Tonight's Practice Remains Doubtful
I've got standing water in my back yard, which is usually like the Sahara Desert compared to Newman, where we are scheduled to practice this evening.
I'll post the final word once Park and Rec makes the call, but if you are wondering whether to book early dinner reservations, I'd say go for it.
I'll post the final word once Park and Rec makes the call, but if you are wondering whether to book early dinner reservations, I'd say go for it.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Opening Day Schedule
Needham Little League Opening Day is this Sunday, April 29. This will be a wonderful celebration of Little League Baseball, featuring the Little League Parade, the ceremonial first pitch, free hot dogs, and a variety of other festivities and attractions.
The schedule of events for the White Sox will be...
9:20 Players should arrive in full uniform (except for cleats) at Greene's Field, where we will assemble for a team photo. Players may go home (or somewhere else) after the photo shoot and return to Greene's around 10:40 to line up for the parade.
10:40 Players should line up for the parade, again in full uniform (except for cleats). Parade leaves Greene's Field at 10:50 and heads towards DeFazio. Players will march together with coaches. Parents can meet us at DeFazio.
11:30 Parade arrives at DeFazio. All teams assemble at Small Field for the NHS band and dance team performances, first pitch, speeches, National Anthem, etc.
12:30 Picnic. Free hot dogs!
1:00 Opening Day Game (Majors, not AAA)
3:30 Warm-up for our scrimmage v. Royals at Cusick. First pitch at 4:00.
See you there!
The schedule of events for the White Sox will be...
9:20 Players should arrive in full uniform (except for cleats) at Greene's Field, where we will assemble for a team photo. Players may go home (or somewhere else) after the photo shoot and return to Greene's around 10:40 to line up for the parade.
10:40 Players should line up for the parade, again in full uniform (except for cleats). Parade leaves Greene's Field at 10:50 and heads towards DeFazio. Players will march together with coaches. Parents can meet us at DeFazio.
11:30 Parade arrives at DeFazio. All teams assemble at Small Field for the NHS band and dance team performances, first pitch, speeches, National Anthem, etc.
12:30 Picnic. Free hot dogs!
1:00 Opening Day Game (Majors, not AAA)
3:30 Warm-up for our scrimmage v. Royals at Cusick. First pitch at 4:00.
See you there!
Second Scrimmage Added
In addition to Friday's scrimmage v. the Diamondbacks, we have just scheduled a second scrimmage for Sunday, April 29 after the Opening Day festivities. We will be at Cusick. 3:30 warm-up, 4:00 first pitch. We will take on the Royals for a final tune-up before we face them again in our season opener on Saturday, May 5.
Please have your son arrive in full uniform 30 minutes prior to first pitch for both scrimmages.
Please have your son arrive in full uniform 30 minutes prior to first pitch for both scrimmages.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Rain Threatens, Sunday's Practice Moved Indoors
We're due for some significant rain tonight and into tomorrow, putting tomorrow morning's practice at risk.
In order to remove any doubt, we will move practice indoors: 11:00-12:15 at TJO Sports, 5 Carver Circle, Canton.
Last minute, and optional, so no worries if your son can't make it. If he can, great. Let me know if he needs a ride.
Monday, April 16, 2012
White Sox Off for Well Earned Break
After practicing the last three days in a row (and four times in five days), our boys are really starting to find their groove. The coaches have worked them hard. The boys have hustled and pounded out the reps, and now they will enjoy a relaxing five-day break that our schedule generously offers us. Many players, I'm sure, will throw or take some swings during this time, and that's fine. But after working as hard as they've worked over the last five days, it will be nice to have a short break from it all, too. There will be plenty more baseball this spring.
We will resume practices this coming Sunday, April 22. We'll be at Newman. 8:30 for pitchers, 9:00 for everyone else.
See you there!
We will resume practices this coming Sunday, April 22. We'll be at Newman. 8:30 for pitchers, 9:00 for everyone else.
See you there!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Brave Sox Battle the Elements
At about 5:00 yesterday, Eric, Tom, Micah, and Dan took the diamond for what was supposed to be a pre-practice pitching session. The rain was coming down at a good clip, the wind was fierce, but these four stalwarts of the White Sox rotation were hungry for reps.
In baseball, there is no such thing as "natural ability." Nobody comes by the skills without a great deal of work. What separates great players from everybody else is about 10,000 hours of practice. These four guys understand this concept, and that is why, despite being drenched and chilled to the bone, they trotted to the outfield, actually smiling, and began their throwing routine.
It became clear soon enough, though, that the balls were just too wet and slippery to do any decent pitching. Did they want to pack it in, go home, and warm their icy fingers and toes by the fire?
"Go home? No way!" said Dan. "Can we stay? Please?"
The balls were wet, the players were wet, the coaches were wet, but Cusick Field was relatively dry. The infield was a little muddy and slick, but there were no puddles. The infield and outfield grass was playable.
So we began batting practice. That is when Tim, Mike, and Zack showed up. They trotted down the hill from the street ready start the full team practice. They, too, were smiling and eager to join in the fun. They, too, wanted reps more than warmth or comfort. Why not get in one of those 10,000 hours?
As it turned out, every White Sox player who was available yesterday for practice was at practice--braving what will hopefully be the most miserable weather conditions we will face this season. Hockey tryouts, an AAU baseball practice, a family trip to Israel, and a concert occupied the other players. And rightfully so, as these are all causes worthy of missing one of many baseball practices that we have on the schedule.
As essential as regular practice is to success on the diamond, every practice we hold is ultimately optional. I am not the kind of coach who will give players a hard time for missing practices. Everybody will have to miss a practice from time to time. As much as we all love baseball, there is much more to the life of a fourth or fifth grader than baseball.
I will leave it to the parents and players to find the right balance and make choices that are right for each kid. I feel very comfortable with this arrangement because we have a team full of dedicated and motivated players who understand the importance of practice, and who want their reps like they want their Halloween candy.
A very special thanks to Coaches Gage and McKay who endured the cold and rain along with our players last night, gave excellent instruction, kept the players moving, and kept it all fun.
In baseball, there is no such thing as "natural ability." Nobody comes by the skills without a great deal of work. What separates great players from everybody else is about 10,000 hours of practice. These four guys understand this concept, and that is why, despite being drenched and chilled to the bone, they trotted to the outfield, actually smiling, and began their throwing routine.
It became clear soon enough, though, that the balls were just too wet and slippery to do any decent pitching. Did they want to pack it in, go home, and warm their icy fingers and toes by the fire?
"Go home? No way!" said Dan. "Can we stay? Please?"
The balls were wet, the players were wet, the coaches were wet, but Cusick Field was relatively dry. The infield was a little muddy and slick, but there were no puddles. The infield and outfield grass was playable.
So we began batting practice. That is when Tim, Mike, and Zack showed up. They trotted down the hill from the street ready start the full team practice. They, too, were smiling and eager to join in the fun. They, too, wanted reps more than warmth or comfort. Why not get in one of those 10,000 hours?
As it turned out, every White Sox player who was available yesterday for practice was at practice--braving what will hopefully be the most miserable weather conditions we will face this season. Hockey tryouts, an AAU baseball practice, a family trip to Israel, and a concert occupied the other players. And rightfully so, as these are all causes worthy of missing one of many baseball practices that we have on the schedule.
As essential as regular practice is to success on the diamond, every practice we hold is ultimately optional. I am not the kind of coach who will give players a hard time for missing practices. Everybody will have to miss a practice from time to time. As much as we all love baseball, there is much more to the life of a fourth or fifth grader than baseball.
I will leave it to the parents and players to find the right balance and make choices that are right for each kid. I feel very comfortable with this arrangement because we have a team full of dedicated and motivated players who understand the importance of practice, and who want their reps like they want their Halloween candy.
A very special thanks to Coaches Gage and McKay who endured the cold and rain along with our players last night, gave excellent instruction, kept the players moving, and kept it all fun.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Today's Practice Is On...
...Until further notice. If it starts to pour, we will call it off. But it does look like the sky is clearing a bit, and Cusick is open, so we'll give it a go.
See you there!
See you there!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Schedule Changes and Additions
Just to make planning your busy spring a little more challenging, the baseball schedule will be a bit of a moving target. I apologize for that. The good news is that you can come here to the blog to see the latest schedule changes. The Master Schedule will always be updated in as close to real time as possible.
Here are the latest changes and additions:
Saturday, April 14: Practice 9:00-10:30 at Newman (8:30 for pitchers) - CHANGED Originally, we had a 1:30 practice Saturday.
Monday, April 16: Practice 5:30 at Newman (5:00 for pitchers) - ADDED
We were lucky to get a field for this one. We'll be off for most of the school vacation, so it will be good to get a little work in here if you can. People have plans for vacation, so this may be a small session. It's optional.
Sunday, April 22: Practice 9:00 at Cusick (8:30 for pitchers) - ADDED
Again, an optional session for those who are around at the tail end of school vacation.
Friday, April 27: Scrimmage v. Diamondbacks 5:30 (5:00 warm-up) - ADDED This is the first of probably 2-3 scrimmages we will schedule. The Diamondbacks are one of the top teams in the league and will likely contend for the league title. This will be an excellent test for us as we wrap up our spring training.
We will add at least one more scrimmage. If any of these practices are rained out, we will do our best to schedule another practice, but it may not be possible.
All of these changes are now reflected in the Master Schedule.
Here are the latest changes and additions:
Saturday, April 14: Practice 9:00-10:30 at Newman (8:30 for pitchers) - CHANGED Originally, we had a 1:30 practice Saturday.
Monday, April 16: Practice 5:30 at Newman (5:00 for pitchers) - ADDED
We were lucky to get a field for this one. We'll be off for most of the school vacation, so it will be good to get a little work in here if you can. People have plans for vacation, so this may be a small session. It's optional.
Sunday, April 22: Practice 9:00 at Cusick (8:30 for pitchers) - ADDED
Again, an optional session for those who are around at the tail end of school vacation.
Friday, April 27: Scrimmage v. Diamondbacks 5:30 (5:00 warm-up) - ADDED This is the first of probably 2-3 scrimmages we will schedule. The Diamondbacks are one of the top teams in the league and will likely contend for the league title. This will be an excellent test for us as we wrap up our spring training.
We will add at least one more scrimmage. If any of these practices are rained out, we will do our best to schedule another practice, but it may not be possible.
All of these changes are now reflected in the Master Schedule.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Saturday, April 7 Practice Schedule
I will offer another optional pitcher session prior to tomorrow's (Saturday's) practice. Any pitcher who's interested in participating is welcome. I'm hoping to have anywhere from 2-6 pitchers. Please let me know if your son is interested.
The pitching session will run from 4:30-5:00.
The full-team practice will follow, from 5:00-6:30.
We are at Newman. See you there!
The pitching session will run from 4:30-5:00.
The full-team practice will follow, from 5:00-6:30.
We are at Newman. See you there!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Baseball Pants and Protective Gear for Tonight's Practice
Tonight's practice will be our first of the season outdoors on a real diamond. Please have your son wear baseball pants and a protective cup.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Practice Added This Thursday, April 5
Great session this afternoon! The rain held off until the very end, and our boys were able to pack in a lot of quality reps.
From now on, the Needham fields are open (weather permitting), so we don't need to truck it out to Canton to play in a warehouse or have secret underground practices here in town.
To take advantage of the open fields, we have just scheduled an additional practice this week. For those who can make it, we will practice this Thursday, April 5 from 5:30-7:00 at Newman 2 (the diamond closest to the school building).
From now on, the Needham fields are open (weather permitting), so we don't need to truck it out to Canton to play in a warehouse or have secret underground practices here in town.
To take advantage of the open fields, we have just scheduled an additional practice this week. For those who can make it, we will practice this Thursday, April 5 from 5:30-7:00 at Newman 2 (the diamond closest to the school building).
May-June Regular Season Game Schedule Released
I have circulated via email the regular season schedule of games. Practices will be added but have not yet been scheduled.
There are a couple of corrections:
Our regular-season game schedule is as follows (the Master Schedule has been updated with all of these games as well):
Saturday, May 5: Game v. Royals 9:00 (8:30 warm up) at Cusick
Monday, May 7: Game v. Diamondbacks 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Thursday, May 10: Game v. Giants 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Newman 2
Saturday, May 12: Game v. Phillies 3:00 (2:30 warm up) at Cusick
Tuesday, May 15: Game v. Blue Jays 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Saturday, May 19: Game v. Angels 1:00 (12:30 warm up) at Cusick
Wednesday, May 23: Game v. Orioles 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Newman 2
Tuesday, May 29: Game v. Astros 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Saturday, June 2: Game v. Nationals 5:00 (4:30 warm up) at Cusick
Sunday, June 3: Game v. Mariners 3:00 (2:30 warm up) at Cusick
Tuesday, June 5: Game v. Mets 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Thursday, June 7: Game v. Mets 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Upper Broadmeadow
There are a couple of corrections:
- We will use Newman 2 (not Newman 1). Newman 2 is the diamond closer to the school.
- On Sunday, June 3, the schedule has us playing a double-header. We will not be playing any double-headers. the 9:00 game v. the Mets has been canceled. The 3:00 game v. the Mariners is still on.
Our regular-season game schedule is as follows (the Master Schedule has been updated with all of these games as well):
Saturday, May 5: Game v. Royals 9:00 (8:30 warm up) at Cusick
Monday, May 7: Game v. Diamondbacks 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Thursday, May 10: Game v. Giants 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Newman 2
Saturday, May 12: Game v. Phillies 3:00 (2:30 warm up) at Cusick
Tuesday, May 15: Game v. Blue Jays 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Saturday, May 19: Game v. Angels 1:00 (12:30 warm up) at Cusick
Wednesday, May 23: Game v. Orioles 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Newman 2
Tuesday, May 29: Game v. Astros 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Saturday, June 2: Game v. Nationals 5:00 (4:30 warm up) at Cusick
Sunday, June 3: Game v. Mariners 3:00 (2:30 warm up) at Cusick
Tuesday, June 5: Game v. Mets 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Cusick
Thursday, June 7: Game v. Mets 6:00 (5:30 warm up) at Upper Broadmeadow
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Schedule for Sunday's Optional Practice
If anyone asks, this is not an official team practice, just a few fathers (who happen to be coaches) and a few sons (who happen to play on the same baseball team) out on the turf to throw the ball around.
Here's the schedule...
4:00-4:40 - Eric, Tom, Jeffrey
4:40-5:20 - Micah, Jared, Tim, Dan
5:20-6:00 - Will, Josh, Drew, Zach
If I have missed anybody, please let me know.
Shorts or sweats will be fine for this practice, but once we are on the diamond all players should wear baseball pants.
Here's the schedule...
4:00-4:40 - Eric, Tom, Jeffrey
4:40-5:20 - Micah, Jared, Tim, Dan
5:20-6:00 - Will, Josh, Drew, Zach
If I have missed anybody, please let me know.
Shorts or sweats will be fine for this practice, but once we are on the diamond all players should wear baseball pants.
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Official Spring Training Schedule Has Arrived!
I am pleased to announce that the White Sox Spring Training schedule is in! This schedule will cover practices during April. Regular season games will begin in May.
We will also add several pre-season scrimmages which have not yet been scheduled. I will let you know when these have been firmed up.
All practices will run 90 minutes, except that pitchers and catchers may report 30 minutes early for additional training on an optional basis.
White Sox Spring Training
We will also add several pre-season scrimmages which have not yet been scheduled. I will let you know when these have been firmed up.
All practices will run 90 minutes, except that pitchers and catchers may report 30 minutes early for additional training on an optional basis.
White Sox Spring Training
- Sunday, April 1: OPTIONAL Practice 4:00-6:00 at St. Sebastian's
- Thursday, April 5: Practice 5:30-7:00 Newman 2 (upper field, closer to the school)
- Saturday, April 7: Practice 4:30-6:00 (4:00-6:00 for pitchers and catchers) at Newman 2
- Thursday, April 12: Practice 5:30-7:00 (5:00-7:00 for pitchers and catchers) at Cusick
- Saturday, April 14: Practice 1:30-3:00 (1:00-3:00 for pitchers and catchers) at Newman 2
- Sunday, April 15: Practice 1:30-3:00 (1:00-3:00 for pitchers and catchers) at Cusick
- April 16-20 School Vacation -- we may offer an optional practice early in the week
- Thursday, April 26: Practice 5:30-7:00 (5:00-7:00 for pitchers and catchers) at Cusick
- Friday, April 27: Scrimmage v. Diamondbacks 5:30
- Saturday, April 28: Practice 9:00-10:30 (8:30-10:30 for pitchers and catchers) at Cusick
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sox to Practice in Three Shifts on Sunday
Another productive session this evening! We packed in as many reps pitching, catching, and fielding as an hour would allow and benefited from some excellent instruction from Coach Ryan (TJO coach and former pitcher in the Orioles organization). The news gets even better, though, because we are back in Needham for our next practice, and we will be outdoors!
We will be at the St. Sebastian's soccer turf from 4:00-6:00 for another optional practice. I checked with Needham Baseball's field coordinator about use of St. Sebastian's fields on weekends, and his advice was keep the numbers small but that it should be fine.
So in order to keep the numbers small, we will practice in three 40-minute shifts: 4:00-4:40, 4:40-5:20, 5:20-6:00. Each player will be assigned one of these shifts. We'll have at most 4 players per shift, so numbers will be small. We'll hit, field, and maybe do some pitching in each 40-minute mini practice.
Please let me know (by tomorrow if you can) if your son plans to attend Sunday's practice. If you have a strong preference for one of these time slots in particular, let me know. Once I know who's planning to attend, I will assign players to time slots.
I should be able to let you know by Saturday morning which time slot you have been assigned.
I really appreciate your patience and flexibility with all of these crazy ad-hoc practices. Making good use of every opportunity to practice now and into April will pay big dividends as we prepare for our first games in May. We want to make sure every player is sharp, confident, and ready to roll.
I will publish the schedule of official April practices as soon as I get my hands on it, which I hear will be quite soon.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Optional Practice Added on Sunday, April 1
The coaches have been very pleased with what we have seen so far during Sunday's first team practice and today's pitcher/catcher session. The players are working hard, listening intently to the coaches, and they seem to be having a great time.
We have our next optional pitcher/catcher session this Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 at TJO. We are also going to add an optional team practice this Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 at Saint Sebastian's School. Outside at last! We will stake out some space on the turf soccer field, or if it's too crowded there, we'll move to football field or the grass field behind it. Park and Rec does not own this field, so we won't get in trouble for violating our permit.
We do not yet have a full spring training practice schedule. Coach Hohler is busy pulling that together (long story--the AAA Director stepped down a few weeks ago and Coach Hohler has graciously and valiantly volunteered to take over at the 11th hour). Until we do have the official schedule, I will continue to schedule these rogue practices wherever we can find some space. They will all be optional. Come if you can, don't worry if you can't.
We have our next optional pitcher/catcher session this Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 at TJO. We are also going to add an optional team practice this Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 at Saint Sebastian's School. Outside at last! We will stake out some space on the turf soccer field, or if it's too crowded there, we'll move to football field or the grass field behind it. Park and Rec does not own this field, so we won't get in trouble for violating our permit.
We do not yet have a full spring training practice schedule. Coach Hohler is busy pulling that together (long story--the AAA Director stepped down a few weeks ago and Coach Hohler has graciously and valiantly volunteered to take over at the 11th hour). Until we do have the official schedule, I will continue to schedule these rogue practices wherever we can find some space. They will all be optional. Come if you can, don't worry if you can't.
Friday, March 23, 2012
White Sox to Report This Sunday!
The Needham AAA White Sox will gather for their first spring training practice this Sunday, March 25, from 9:30-11:00 AM at our team training facility, TJO Sports, located at 5 Carver Circle, Canton, MA.
Pitchers and catchers may report, on an optional basis, to two training sessions: one on Monday, March 26 from 3:30-4:30 and another on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30-7:30. If you haven't yet, please let me know if your son is interested.
While we require baseball pants for all outdoor practices, shorts or sweats are acceptable at these indoor sessions. Anyone who is interested in catching at the pitcher/catcher sessions must wear a cup.
The remainder of the spring training (April) practice schedule will be available soon. We will schedule a few scrimmages in April, but regular-season games will not begin until May.
See you on Sunday!
Pitchers and catchers may report, on an optional basis, to two training sessions: one on Monday, March 26 from 3:30-4:30 and another on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30-7:30. If you haven't yet, please let me know if your son is interested.
While we require baseball pants for all outdoor practices, shorts or sweats are acceptable at these indoor sessions. Anyone who is interested in catching at the pitcher/catcher sessions must wear a cup.
The remainder of the spring training (April) practice schedule will be available soon. We will schedule a few scrimmages in April, but regular-season games will not begin until May.
See you on Sunday!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Welcome to the White Sox Blog!
We are just weeks away from the 2012 spring AAA baseball season, and we are very excited to get the team together and start our preseason practices.
In the meantime, check out the White Sox team blog!
In the meantime, check out the White Sox team blog!
This blog will feature the most up-to-date White Sox news, all collected in one place. Check the schedule, read highlights from the last game, see if today's game is rained out, and if it is, when we will make it up. This site should make communication between coaches and parents much easier. But, if you still prefer email, you may also receive a daily update from this blog vial email with all the recent postings. Just go to "follow by email" on the right, enter your email address, and click "submit." You will then receive a daily email with any new postings.
Upcoming games, practices, and team events will be listed on the upper right-hand side of this site under "COMING UP..." A full schedule of games and practices will be available shortly. A link to the master schedule, updated regularly with any changes, can be found on the upper left-hand side of this site. Take a look at some of the other features as well. We will add links and add new posts throughout the season.
Please let us know if you have any questions about White Sox baseball or about this blog.
Dave Berkley (davberkley@gmail.com)
Ed Shapiro (shapiro@parcapital.com)
LJ Gage (lj.gage1@gmail.com)
Charlie Patsios (cmpatsios@verizon.net)
Tom McEvoy (tom.mcevoy@staples.com)
Dan Hohler (dhohler@gmail.com)
Dave Berkley (davberkley@gmail.com)
Ed Shapiro (shapiro@parcapital.com)
LJ Gage (lj.gage1@gmail.com)
Charlie Patsios (cmpatsios@verizon.net)
Tom McEvoy (tom.mcevoy@staples.com)
Dan Hohler (dhohler@gmail.com)
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