Spring Training Notes: Week 1
Written by Josh Smith
It was nearly 60 degrees. Winds were variable. The sun was out. Wiffleball season is upon us! Around 15 to 20 players came out to participate in the first of two weeks of spring training before the season kicks off April 1st. The players present split up into two teams and scrimmaged 8 innings for about an hour and a half. No video camera caught the entire scrimmage but the commissioner did film three clips with his phone and posted them online.
Pitching was front and center throughout the evening. Zach Blatt captained one of the scrimmage teams while Patrick Rayl captained the other. Each team rotated pitchers every inning. Blatt pitched remarkably well and has apparently practiced considerably since fall ball. His pitches have both gained velocity and accuracy. His brother, Ryan, pitched an inning or two as well. He demonstrated some great speed but floored many with his riser pitch. Other notable pitchers on the evening were Josh Berletich, Mike Saxton, Josh Smith, and Steven Adkins.
Berletich was on top of his pitching game as usual with change-ups, fast balls, and an ocassional curveball. Mike Saxton, who has practiced a lot in the off-season, gave up two home runs on the night but showed an impressive curveball and promising sinker. Josh Smith displayed his slider and struck out 3 of the handful of batters he faced. He pitched faster than usual, which could be a promising sign if he continues to gain accuracy. Steven Adkins was late to the game but pitched an unforgettable evening while striking out two consecutive batters. It seems as though Adkins' trash talk has paid off.
Hitting wise, a lot of the players got on base plenty of times. Josh Berletich hit a home run in the first inning and Paul Hesson hit a 3-run blast late in the game. Those would be the only two home runs of the evening. Equipment set up was problematic for the commissioners as they struggled to set up the new fence for the first time. This is something they hope to streamline in weeks to come. Next week they hope to have at least two fields set up. Weather is supposed to be nasty though, so the second week of spring training is pending.
