FALL BASEBALL PREVIEW


Reed Shrader catches a grounder and throws a line drive to first base.

 

Tuesday August 28th AKA The Day Before School Starts

Hey everyone Today i'm going to give you a little FALL BASEBALL preview. First things first. The Monessen Fall Basball team needs two more players. So if you are in the 9-10 year age group... not much of a group there.... but if you are 9 or 10 years old.... well if you are 9... 9 and a half 10 or 10 and a half years old ( that's more of a group) and you want to play some Fall Ball, Sign up RIGHT NOW. Actually the next practice is Thursday at the Columbus Field at 6:00pm.

Now on to the commentary... er.. writing.. ehhh.. Now on to the comments. From what I saw last night these boys are ready to win some games! The coaches had them running drill after drill and were paying special attention to each player. They would give helpful suggestions and even demonstrate the right and wrong way to perform a certain technique. The best part was watching as they would repeat repeat repeat until each player understood what was going on. I wasn't there for the entire practice but was able to witness some catching and throwing drills along with some base running and swinging practice.

The only complaint I heard wasn't from the players.. I guess they do all their complaining when they get home. But the only complaint well I guess I should say concern was from a few parents. "They play these boys till they are about to drop" said one parent, legal guardian, or very interested stranger. "These practices seem to go on forever"

Well, I guess I can agree and disagree at the same time...the negitive..because school starts Wednesday for Monessen today for everyone else...and the kids will have piles of homework...(another touchy subject).... and...the positive? because they need the practice, exercise and time away from those video games. No offense to any hard core video gamers out there... YES I KNOW Multiplayer gaming is now considered a sport!.. let's not tell that to too many kids... and some adults. Although I would like to attend one of those events.. I bet it reeks of Cheetos, Mountain Dew, Dorito's brand tortilla chips, and a hint of that infamous "fat person" smell. mmmm sounds great! Again.. uh.. no offense to any Large professional video gamers out there... perhaps you should play some fall baseball.

Speaking of games.. one of the many practice techniques I saw employed by the coaches were games where they would all get a turn to catch a ball then throw it to first base... if they missed.. which eventually everyone did... they had to sit out and wait till next round. It kept the kids interested by competing against each other all while picking up some techniques on catching and throwing some fast ones.

Todays message was brought to you by the number 10 and the letter M


Marc Gibson sits out while waiting for the next round.

View Yesterday's page here.

View All photos from today here.

View all photos here.



Justice waits to practice his swing


Look out first base here comes a fast one.

PIC OF THE DAY!

Did I mention the players get special police protection?
Police Chief Gibson watching the practice. and NO he isn't really wearing a shirt and badge like that.

View all photos here.

NEWS

Tuesday August 28th, 2007
Caught a glimpse of the New Fall Baseball team yesterday. They look like winners! The team still needs two more players. If you are 9 or 10 years old be at the Columbus field on Thursday at 6pm. Registration form coming on the sports section of the site soon. The cost is $30.00

Monday August 27th, 2007
Monessen comes out ahead! or at least a foot or a hand... Tiny Mites Win 12 to 38, Termites with an upset loss of 14 to 8 South Allegheny. Mighty Mites Win 20 to 6 and due to the extreme hot weather... I had to make an emergency stop at the nearest pool and didn't catch the Midget's Score.

Saturday August 25th, 2007
It was just as hot today as it was yesterday... but that didn't stop Monessen from dominating the scoreboard against Waynesburg. Tomorrow the Midget league play their first games against South Allegheny. The first game starts at 9:30.

Wednesday August 22nd, 2007
Today is picture day. Pictures will be taken at the Elementary Stadium for football starting at 5:00 and for the Cheerleaders ... City Park shortly after. Pic of the day today is of Nick Baker and Trevor Dunn after a fun flag Football practice. Ignore the baseball jersey worn by the munchkin on the left... I assure you.. it WAS football practice.. I think his parents were just confused.