The Braves rapped out 12 hits, including a pair of triples, in a solid team victory Sunday afternoon against a young but scrappy and well-coached Yankees team.
Matt got the scoring started in the top of the 2nd inning, driving in Anthony and Alec with a hard single to center field.
In the words of Coach Dave, Tyler took one for the team that same inning, getting plunked on the leg. In the top of the 4th inning, Tyler delivered a piece of sweet-swinging payback, ripping a single to right field. Mr. T stole second and eventually came around to score on a grounder by Jason.
On the mound, Chris opened up the game by tossing 5Ks in 2-plus innings. Matt battled through a strange rule-book drama (more on that later). Alec continued his recent mastery with two scoreless innings to close out the game. All three pitchers benefited from strong defense. Jack picked a hard hit ball at third and threw a runner out. Chris caught a big fly to center field. And a tip of the catcher's mask to Anthony, who threw out a runner trying to steal second, with Jason applying the tag.
Rule book believe it or not: Bottom of the third, the Yankees batting, bases loaded, one out. Matt pitching. The Yankees batter hit a short fly just past Matt's grasp. Ryan picked up the ball and fired to catcher Nick standing on the plate. So that's easy to figure -- two outs, and the bases are still loaded, right?
Umm, not in this case. When the short pop-up was in the air, one of the umpires invoked the infield fly rule, a rule of sportsmanship designed to avoid situations where the team on defense could let a short fly ball drop to the ground and get a quick double play. Because the umpire had invoked that rule and the ball dropped to the ground, the batter was automatically out, and the other runners could advance at their own risk. Because the runner racing from third was then not forced to run home, he had to be tagged out. So he was called safe.
Yes, this is esoteric and confusing, and I doubt any of our boys had that in mind, nor could we expect them to at this age.
More highlights and note:
Batting: Chris reached safely each time, with a walk, a single and a triple. Connor slammed a triple to left center: the force of hit had me wondering if that would be our first homer of the season. Scott hit two singles and scored twice.
Give the other guys credit: Jason hit a rocket liner down the third base line, which was speared by the Yankees' third baseman.
Next game: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday June 9, vs. the White Sox. Look for a future email from the coaches on particulars.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Brrrrr [Dress Warm for Today's Game]
The game-time forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a temp of 54 degrees with icy northeast winds under a lead-gray sky.
Players may wish to wear long-sleeved T-shirts or sweatshirts under their jerseys. Fans may wish to stay home and watch the game on TV.
Historical note: Last time the Braves played the Yankees in Wisconsin, it was the 1958 World Series. Let's have a different outcome today.
Players report at 12:15 p.m.!
Dave
Players may wish to wear long-sleeved T-shirts or sweatshirts under their jerseys. Fans may wish to stay home and watch the game on TV.
Historical note: Last time the Braves played the Yankees in Wisconsin, it was the 1958 World Series. Let's have a different outcome today.
Players report at 12:15 p.m.!
Dave
Friday, June 5, 2009
Game Night: Braves 5, Brewers 4
Coach Dave is fond of calling this level of baseball developmental, meaning that helping youth become better ballplayers is the priority.
Then he must have truly enjoyed Friday's 5-4 Braves victory over the Brewers in a battle of Milwaukee team namesakes at lovely Water Tower Park.
Several Braves players displayed improvement at the plate, on the mound and in the field during this game. Even more impressive, these lads stepped up in a close game in which every single break and close call went against the Braves, and in which the experienced Brewers made several fine catches to rob Braves batters of hits.
Alec took the mound in the top of the 4th inning, with our Braves down 4-3, and promptly turned in a 7-pitch inning that managers dream of. He induced a comebacker from the first batter, which he fielded confidently and whipped to first for an out. The next batter hit a liner up the middle, which Alec coolly grabbed for the second out. Then Tyler snagged a liner near first base to finish off the inning.
Tyler has been working on this hitting; it showed in his at-bats tonight. He put the ball in play in his first AB and nearly beat it out. In his second trip to the plate, he ripped several hard fouls and stayed alive until the Brewers finally retired him.
Evan and Liam also showed a fine blend of plate discipline and sweet swinging in their at-bats. Evan drew a walk and pounded a Texas League single to right field. Liam ripped a double to the outfield.
Scott was a bit gimpy from a recent soccer injury, but there was nothing wrong with his stroke in this game. He drove in three runs, including the game-winner. In the bottom of the second, his hard single plated both Jason and Jack. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, he drove in Jason for the game's deciding run.
More highlights and notes from Friday's game:
Hitting: Nick hammered a double to left-center field in the first inning, and was later robbed of a single by a leaping grab by the Brewers' second baseman. Speedy tablesetter Jason reached safely twice, stole multiple bases and scored twice.
Pitching: Connor struck out 4 while battling calmly through some adversity. Evan struck out a batter to strand a runner on 2nd. Chris struck out 4 in the final two innings, stranding baserunners, and induced ground balls that his crisp fielders Hoovered up.
Fielding: Shortstop Jason smoothly grabbed a hard grounder and tossed to Scott to get the important first out in the final inning. Second baseman Ryan closed out the game with a surehanded pick and throw.
Next game: 1 p.m. Sunday June 7 at Water Tower, vs. the Yankees. Coaches request that players be at Water Tower by 12:15 p.m.
Then he must have truly enjoyed Friday's 5-4 Braves victory over the Brewers in a battle of Milwaukee team namesakes at lovely Water Tower Park.
Several Braves players displayed improvement at the plate, on the mound and in the field during this game. Even more impressive, these lads stepped up in a close game in which every single break and close call went against the Braves, and in which the experienced Brewers made several fine catches to rob Braves batters of hits.
Alec took the mound in the top of the 4th inning, with our Braves down 4-3, and promptly turned in a 7-pitch inning that managers dream of. He induced a comebacker from the first batter, which he fielded confidently and whipped to first for an out. The next batter hit a liner up the middle, which Alec coolly grabbed for the second out. Then Tyler snagged a liner near first base to finish off the inning.
Tyler has been working on this hitting; it showed in his at-bats tonight. He put the ball in play in his first AB and nearly beat it out. In his second trip to the plate, he ripped several hard fouls and stayed alive until the Brewers finally retired him.
Evan and Liam also showed a fine blend of plate discipline and sweet swinging in their at-bats. Evan drew a walk and pounded a Texas League single to right field. Liam ripped a double to the outfield.
Scott was a bit gimpy from a recent soccer injury, but there was nothing wrong with his stroke in this game. He drove in three runs, including the game-winner. In the bottom of the second, his hard single plated both Jason and Jack. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, he drove in Jason for the game's deciding run.
More highlights and notes from Friday's game:
Hitting: Nick hammered a double to left-center field in the first inning, and was later robbed of a single by a leaping grab by the Brewers' second baseman. Speedy tablesetter Jason reached safely twice, stole multiple bases and scored twice.
Pitching: Connor struck out 4 while battling calmly through some adversity. Evan struck out a batter to strand a runner on 2nd. Chris struck out 4 in the final two innings, stranding baserunners, and induced ground balls that his crisp fielders Hoovered up.
Fielding: Shortstop Jason smoothly grabbed a hard grounder and tossed to Scott to get the important first out in the final inning. Second baseman Ryan closed out the game with a surehanded pick and throw.
Next game: 1 p.m. Sunday June 7 at Water Tower, vs. the Yankees. Coaches request that players be at Water Tower by 12:15 p.m.
Updates: Tonight's game, Sunday's game
I finally received confirmation that our Sunday game will begin at 1 p.m. Players should be at Water Tower at 12:15 p.m.
Today [Friday June 5] I would like to have the players at Water Tower by 5:10 p.m. to ensure that everyone gets pregame hitting and fielding work. In addition, please make sure that your Brave brings some fluids. The guys get thirsty on these sunny days!
Thanks,
Dave
Today [Friday June 5] I would like to have the players at Water Tower by 5:10 p.m. to ensure that everyone gets pregame hitting and fielding work. In addition, please make sure that your Brave brings some fluids. The guys get thirsty on these sunny days!
Thanks,
Dave
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Practice report: Baseball, Sportsmanship
Great practice today, Braves -- and perfect weather!
Our end-of-practice scrimmage today was a classic, with a team captained by Jason edging a team captained by Chris, 3-2.
Scott (for Chris' team) and Jason slammed home runs. Jason and Chris, each playing shortstop, made superb catches of tough pop flies.
With two outs in the bottom of the last inning, Chris' team had the tying run at first base and the winning run at the plate. The batter hit a hard grounder to third, where Liam calmly gloved the ball and flipped it to Ryan at second for the game-ending force out.
We did have one "issue" to deal with today. A player in our scrimmage flipped his bat in frustration after striking out. I stopped the scrimmage to tell the guys that I had received complaints after our last game about players throwing their bats and helmets after they had made an out.
I told the players that anyone who does that in a game from this point forward will be removed from the lineup immediately. It violates league rules, and it's just plain immature. Our guys need to be good sports, to respect their opponents, and to act with class and dignity.
I know that players are disappointed when they don't perform as well as they'd like to, but all of them are old enough to have the self-discipline to avoid displays of disgust or anger.
Rick, Ross and I absolutely love this group of guys, and I'm not saying that we have a huge problem. But we have enough of a problem that people complained.
Thanks for your help in reinforcing the coaching staff's messages about good sportsmanship!
Dave
Our end-of-practice scrimmage today was a classic, with a team captained by Jason edging a team captained by Chris, 3-2.
Scott (for Chris' team) and Jason slammed home runs. Jason and Chris, each playing shortstop, made superb catches of tough pop flies.
With two outs in the bottom of the last inning, Chris' team had the tying run at first base and the winning run at the plate. The batter hit a hard grounder to third, where Liam calmly gloved the ball and flipped it to Ryan at second for the game-ending force out.
We did have one "issue" to deal with today. A player in our scrimmage flipped his bat in frustration after striking out. I stopped the scrimmage to tell the guys that I had received complaints after our last game about players throwing their bats and helmets after they had made an out.
I told the players that anyone who does that in a game from this point forward will be removed from the lineup immediately. It violates league rules, and it's just plain immature. Our guys need to be good sports, to respect their opponents, and to act with class and dignity.
I know that players are disappointed when they don't perform as well as they'd like to, but all of them are old enough to have the self-discipline to avoid displays of disgust or anger.
Rick, Ross and I absolutely love this group of guys, and I'm not saying that we have a huge problem. But we have enough of a problem that people complained.
Thanks for your help in reinforcing the coaching staff's messages about good sportsmanship!
Dave
Updates: Practice notes and the ever-fluctuating Yankees game time
Updates from Coach Dave, summarized from the 95 emails he sent earlier today:
PLAYERS, WEAR YOUR GEAR: Please have your Brave wear his cup, sliding shorts and baseball pants to practice today. We will be working on base running and sliding (among other things).
TODAY'S (Thu June 4) PRACTICE: Today's practice will begin at 4 p.m. at the high-school softball field ... unless another team gets there first. The two higher-level teams that often practice there will be elsewhere this afternoon, so I'm hopeful we'll have the field.
Chris and I will be at the field by 3:40 p.m. If we can't get the field, our backup location will be Atwater School in Shorewood. I will call people right away if the practice has to be moved to Shorewood.
Looks like a gorgeous day for baseball!
EVER-FLUCTUATING TIME FOR SUNDAY'S (June 7) GAME VS. YANKEES: Now it looks as if our game Sunday may be played at the originally scheduled time of 1 p.m. The Yankees -- our worthy opponents -- have told the league that they have a strong preference for the 1 p.m. time. I told the league commissioner that the Braves could play at either 1 or 2 p.m.
Confirmation to come when Coach Dave hears the official word.
Dave
PLAYERS, WEAR YOUR GEAR: Please have your Brave wear his cup, sliding shorts and baseball pants to practice today. We will be working on base running and sliding (among other things).
TODAY'S (Thu June 4) PRACTICE: Today's practice will begin at 4 p.m. at the high-school softball field ... unless another team gets there first. The two higher-level teams that often practice there will be elsewhere this afternoon, so I'm hopeful we'll have the field.
Chris and I will be at the field by 3:40 p.m. If we can't get the field, our backup location will be Atwater School in Shorewood. I will call people right away if the practice has to be moved to Shorewood.
Looks like a gorgeous day for baseball!
EVER-FLUCTUATING TIME FOR SUNDAY'S (June 7) GAME VS. YANKEES: Now it looks as if our game Sunday may be played at the originally scheduled time of 1 p.m. The Yankees -- our worthy opponents -- have told the league that they have a strong preference for the 1 p.m. time. I told the league commissioner that the Braves could play at either 1 or 2 p.m.
Confirmation to come when Coach Dave hears the official word.
Dave
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Sunday June 7 game changed to 2 p.m.
Everyone,
Little League has just changed the time of our game Sunday against the Yankees from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Please adjust schedules accordingly.
Thanks!
Dave
Little League has just changed the time of our game Sunday against the Yankees from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Please adjust schedules accordingly.
Thanks!
Dave
Picture Day: Saturday June 13
Picture Day is Saturday, June 13. The Braves' slot is at 10:10 a.m. Guys should show up at 10 a.m. so that we can get organized.
I believe that everyone got the picture order forms in the envelope with the Brewers night forms. Picture Day can be kind of hectic, so it's easiest to fill out the form and write a check before you get to Water Tower that day.
If you don't want individual pictures, please have your player show up at 10 a.m. for the team picture. We have a game at 11 a.m. that day, so every would be at Water Tower anyway.
The rain date for Picture Day is Saturday, June 20.
Dave
I believe that everyone got the picture order forms in the envelope with the Brewers night forms. Picture Day can be kind of hectic, so it's easiest to fill out the form and write a check before you get to Water Tower that day.
If you don't want individual pictures, please have your player show up at 10 a.m. for the team picture. We have a game at 11 a.m. that day, so every would be at Water Tower anyway.
The rain date for Picture Day is Saturday, June 20.
Dave
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Practice update, other updates
Hi everyone,
We will practice Thursday (June 4) at 4 p.m. at the WFB high-school softball field (first choice) or at Atwater School in Shorewood (if the high-school field is taken). I'll let you know the location as soon as I can.
The team is entering the intense part of its season, with nine games in 18 days beginning Friday (June 5).
Please let me know as soon as possible if your son will be missing a game. I sketch out the lineups a couple of days before a game, and it really helps if I know who's going to be there!
A final note: Please remind your Brave that every player on the team will bat last in the order at least once. If a player would like to bat last against a specific opponent, I will try to accommodate his request. Just let me know. For example, Chris has asked to bat last against the Yankees.
Thanks for all your support so far this season!
Dave
We will practice Thursday (June 4) at 4 p.m. at the WFB high-school softball field (first choice) or at Atwater School in Shorewood (if the high-school field is taken). I'll let you know the location as soon as I can.
The team is entering the intense part of its season, with nine games in 18 days beginning Friday (June 5).
Please let me know as soon as possible if your son will be missing a game. I sketch out the lineups a couple of days before a game, and it really helps if I know who's going to be there!
A final note: Please remind your Brave that every player on the team will bat last in the order at least once. If a player would like to bat last against a specific opponent, I will try to accommodate his request. Just let me know. For example, Chris has asked to bat last against the Yankees.
Thanks for all your support so far this season!
Dave
Monday, June 1, 2009
Game Story: Braves 4, Rays 3
In baseball, just like in life, there is a time to run, and a time to stay put. The Braves made the correct hardball decisions at the right time Sunday evening in winning a taut, exciting game against the Rays, 4-3.
This game had plenty of friendly subplots: Several boys on the Braves were coached by Rays coaches on different teams last year in the Minors.
In addition to good basepath decisions, simply getting bats on the ball helped the Braves to victory. Our boys beat out several infield hits when the opponents couldn't field the ball cleanly.
A tone was set in the bottom of the 2nd with the Braves down 1-0. Nick singled through the right side of the infield on an 0-2 count, and moved to second on a passed ball. Then Connor slapped a ball to the third baseman. Nick stayed put at second, and the third baseman had no play. Our boys moved up a base a piece on a passed ball, and Jack drove in Nick with a productive groundout to the right side. (Note the theme: putting the ball in play can be good even when you make an out.)
In the 4th, the Braves were down 3-1, but kept battling a good Rays team. Anthony beat out a single and Chris singled up the middle. Both runners moved up on a passed ball. Jason walked to load the bases. A hard grounder by Connor drove in Anthony. (Note theme: putting the ball in play can be good, even when you make an out.)
Alec may not be the Brave who first makes you think of Maury Wills or Rickey Henderson, but he put on a clinic on how to manufacture a run in the bottom of the 5th. With 1 out, Alec beat out an infield hit (this is why you always run hard to 1st base). He stole second base on a passed ball. Then he stole third, and scored on the overthrow on that play. The game was now tied 3-3, setting the stage for the final inning.
Pitcher Chris shut down the Rays on two Ks and a groundout (Matt to Tyler). The Braves came up to bat against Rays pitcher Chris Siebert, a very talented and experienced player.
Anthony led off with a booming double to right center, and alertly took third base on a passed ball. Chris put the ball in play, but Anthony held third to avoid being an easy out at home. (I'm assuming that Coach Ross was giving helpful advice at third on that play.) Chris took second on fielder's indifference.
Nick came to the plate. Ross and Dave have worked with Nick a bit recently to help him tap his latent power at the plate, and I had high hopes. But I also knew that Chris Siebert was a quality pitcher.
Nick worked the count to 1-2, including a hard foul liner to the right that would have ended the game were it fair. Then he smoked a hard single down the right field line, driving in Anthony and starting the celebration.
Later that night when we were home Nick, who can be a bit reserved in public, told me he remembered the faces of every teammate running toward him after the hit. It was like they were in slow motion, he said, and described what each one did.
More notes and highlights:
Pitching: More mastery by Connor: 5 Ks in his two innings. Stellar relief by Chris over the final two innings: 4Ks and two groundouts.
Fielding: Jason helped himself on the mound by spearing a hard liner for an out (while runners were on 2nd and 3rd). Ryan fielded a hard grounder and fired to the sure-handed Evan for an out.
Injury report: In case you did not hear the explanation, Scott started the game but was unable to continue on an injured ankle. I am not a doctor, but my hunch is he will be OK for our next game, Friday against the Brewers.
This Day in WFBLL Braves History: First walk-off victory
This game had plenty of friendly subplots: Several boys on the Braves were coached by Rays coaches on different teams last year in the Minors.
In addition to good basepath decisions, simply getting bats on the ball helped the Braves to victory. Our boys beat out several infield hits when the opponents couldn't field the ball cleanly.
A tone was set in the bottom of the 2nd with the Braves down 1-0. Nick singled through the right side of the infield on an 0-2 count, and moved to second on a passed ball. Then Connor slapped a ball to the third baseman. Nick stayed put at second, and the third baseman had no play. Our boys moved up a base a piece on a passed ball, and Jack drove in Nick with a productive groundout to the right side. (Note the theme: putting the ball in play can be good even when you make an out.)
In the 4th, the Braves were down 3-1, but kept battling a good Rays team. Anthony beat out a single and Chris singled up the middle. Both runners moved up on a passed ball. Jason walked to load the bases. A hard grounder by Connor drove in Anthony. (Note theme: putting the ball in play can be good, even when you make an out.)
Alec may not be the Brave who first makes you think of Maury Wills or Rickey Henderson, but he put on a clinic on how to manufacture a run in the bottom of the 5th. With 1 out, Alec beat out an infield hit (this is why you always run hard to 1st base). He stole second base on a passed ball. Then he stole third, and scored on the overthrow on that play. The game was now tied 3-3, setting the stage for the final inning.
Pitcher Chris shut down the Rays on two Ks and a groundout (Matt to Tyler). The Braves came up to bat against Rays pitcher Chris Siebert, a very talented and experienced player.
Anthony led off with a booming double to right center, and alertly took third base on a passed ball. Chris put the ball in play, but Anthony held third to avoid being an easy out at home. (I'm assuming that Coach Ross was giving helpful advice at third on that play.) Chris took second on fielder's indifference.
Nick came to the plate. Ross and Dave have worked with Nick a bit recently to help him tap his latent power at the plate, and I had high hopes. But I also knew that Chris Siebert was a quality pitcher.
Nick worked the count to 1-2, including a hard foul liner to the right that would have ended the game were it fair. Then he smoked a hard single down the right field line, driving in Anthony and starting the celebration.
Later that night when we were home Nick, who can be a bit reserved in public, told me he remembered the faces of every teammate running toward him after the hit. It was like they were in slow motion, he said, and described what each one did.
More notes and highlights:
Pitching: More mastery by Connor: 5 Ks in his two innings. Stellar relief by Chris over the final two innings: 4Ks and two groundouts.
Fielding: Jason helped himself on the mound by spearing a hard liner for an out (while runners were on 2nd and 3rd). Ryan fielded a hard grounder and fired to the sure-handed Evan for an out.
Injury report: In case you did not hear the explanation, Scott started the game but was unable to continue on an injured ankle. I am not a doctor, but my hunch is he will be OK for our next game, Friday against the Brewers.
This Day in WFBLL Braves History: First walk-off victory
Pitching practice Monday
Braves parents and players,
In an effort to strengthen our pitching corps, I’ll be holding a pitching practice 6pm Monday, June 1st at Water Tower for any Brave that can make it. I realize this is short notice and there may be other obligations but if you can make it that would be great. Simply respond to this email with a “Yes” or “No” to let me know if your Brave can make it. This practice will finish by 7:00pm.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ross
A come-from-behind victory
A dramatic victory for your Braves Sunday evening! Clawing their way back from a 3-1 deficit against the Rays, the Braves went into the bottom of the sixth tied, 3-3.
The Rays have their best pitcher on the mound. But AP pokes a double to right-center and moves to third on a passed ball. Chris gets on via an infield single, AP holding at third. Chris steals second, which puts two guys in scoring position, no outs, and cleanup hitter Nick Higgins at the plate.
Nick laces a sharp single to right field. AP scores on the walk-off hit, and the guys on the team go wild!
A very enjoyable game against a good team. Jim Higgins promises a more detailed report on the team blog later Monday.
Dave
The Rays have their best pitcher on the mound. But AP pokes a double to right-center and moves to third on a passed ball. Chris gets on via an infield single, AP holding at third. Chris steals second, which puts two guys in scoring position, no outs, and cleanup hitter Nick Higgins at the plate.
Nick laces a sharp single to right field. AP scores on the walk-off hit, and the guys on the team go wild!
A very enjoyable game against a good team. Jim Higgins promises a more detailed report on the team blog later Monday.
Dave
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