The Official Blog of OC Athletics
Monday, September 24, 2007
Hey Baseball Fans,
Friday was a big day for OC; baseball came alive and we performed well in our first scrimmage. It was a marathon; we started at 4:00 pm and played 21 innings straight.
We divided the 21 innings into three seven-inning groups and fared pretty well with such a young group. We lost the first seven 4-2, won the second seven 6-4 and tied the third seven 3-3.
As coaches, we saw a lot that we have to work on, but we were very encouraged by what we observed. Our pitchers all did well overall. We need to eliminate walks and stay ahead in the count. Coach Smith has done a good job with them and was encouraged by the results from his staff.
Offensively, we hit the ball well. We were aggressive at the plate for the most part and hit line drives and sharp ground balls. We hit two long balls on the day; Josh Balch hit a laser for our first tater and Tyler Gipson hit a towering two-run shot in the second seven innings. We missed far too many signals, but I am not worried; that will take care of itself with time.
Defensively, we booted the ball in a few crucial situations, but with practice that will improve also. Our players just need to understand how much quicker the game is at the collegiate level and adapt their play to speed of the game.
All things considered, our coaching staff was pleased with what we saw, but by no means are we satisfied. We have two more weeks of practice before our next scrimmage and I expect significant progress in our next competition.
Probably the biggest encouragement I experienced with our team on Friday was the camaraderie they have already developed in the short time we have been together. As the team spirit and camaraderie grows, I believe good things will happen. We have a group of outstanding young men and I have really enjoyed being around them.
The field is coming along nicely. I mowed the infield and dugout wings for the first time on Sunday afternoon and it looked good. It is still bumpy as all new sod is. It will just take some time to top dress the grass and get the dirt surface where we want it, but it is beginning to take shape.
I called a pipe company on Monday and shared what we needed with the yard manager. He was kind enough not only to donate some pipe for our backstop, but also to deliver the pipe for free. God is good; He does provide.
Thanks for checking in with us this week and I hope that you will continue to our website each week as I update my baseball blog. Please keep the coaches in your prayers as we lead these young men and also remember our players as they work hard in the classroom and mature as quality young men and baseball players.
God’s richest blessings to all,
Chuck White
Head Baseball Coach
Oklahoma Christian University