Some nights the game gives you four hits. We jumped out to an early lead, scoring two in the first and five in the second. The hits were just coming for the whole team. I think we had back to back to back doubles at one point. It's fun to be playing like this.
The game was great, but probably the best part of my day was reading Tao of Jeet Kune Do, by Bruce Lee. Cosomoalapan is about three hours away and it's a perfect time to read. Last winter I was able to read his book and it really helped me continue to find a simple, relaxed approach to the game. I can't say I am as simple and relaxed as I was last winter, but just reading it relaxes my thoughts and reinforces, "through no way is way".
Bruce didn't like naming his way or thoughts because it is limiting. He used the word Jeet Kune Do. I have replaced Jeet Kune Do with Freedom ball to show you how easily these ideas can transition into baseball. "[Freedom Ball] favors formless form so that it assume all forms and since [Freedom Ball] has no style, it can fit in with all styles. As a result, [Freedom Ball] utilizes all ways and is bound by none and, likewise, uses any techniques or means which serve it's end."
You see how awesome reading this is!
I wish I could explain more of my thoughts, but I have to get ready to catch a bus. Let me know what you think.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sweep
That's three games in a row against Xalapa. We are really picking up steam. The team is pitching, playing good defense, hitting, and just enjoying the game.
Yesterday we got a big league/AAA ball player, Donny Murphy, and he seems to be a good addition. He's like a breath of fresh air. I notice he plays the game faster than other players I've been around. It's good because being in independent and Mexican leagues for the last three years I've gotten use to the relaxed atmosphere. At the top the game speeds up and the players are sharper. I wonder where I would be if I was in that type of atmosphere. Man, I would eat it up. If I could play and learn in that type of atmosphere. Sounds great. I'm going to do my best to pick up my game and Murph will be a good influence.
Murphy being here also reminds me of being in the Red Sox Organization. There's guys out there fighting for the job and some are better some are worse. In the past when there was a player that I respected or thought had skills equal or better than me, I would kind of shut down. I would start questioning my ability and it would take away from my game. I don't like that about myself, but it's the truth. I felt it happening a little yesterday. It's a good challenge. Another something to work through.
Today the sun is shining and the pool is calling my name. Check out the videos from the games. The videos on the right are the most recent, but there are about thirty videos. Later
Yesterday we got a big league/AAA ball player, Donny Murphy, and he seems to be a good addition. He's like a breath of fresh air. I notice he plays the game faster than other players I've been around. It's good because being in independent and Mexican leagues for the last three years I've gotten use to the relaxed atmosphere. At the top the game speeds up and the players are sharper. I wonder where I would be if I was in that type of atmosphere. Man, I would eat it up. If I could play and learn in that type of atmosphere. Sounds great. I'm going to do my best to pick up my game and Murph will be a good influence.
Murphy being here also reminds me of being in the Red Sox Organization. There's guys out there fighting for the job and some are better some are worse. In the past when there was a player that I respected or thought had skills equal or better than me, I would kind of shut down. I would start questioning my ability and it would take away from my game. I don't like that about myself, but it's the truth. I felt it happening a little yesterday. It's a good challenge. Another something to work through.
Today the sun is shining and the pool is calling my name. Check out the videos from the games. The videos on the right are the most recent, but there are about thirty videos. Later
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Unnatural Naturalness or Natural Unnaturalness
During this week of baseball, video has been a great tool. First, I looked at swings from the past week and compared them to swings from last winter. I realized I was stepping open, also know as not staying square. The video allowed me to reckognize this when I wasn't able to feel it. I knew something was off, but couldn't put my finger on it.
After realizing this I decided to watch some other big leaguers and noticed the same thing. The best hitters do the best job of keeping that front side closed as long as possible. Once the foot is down correctly the hitter is able to move in all directions, or attack any pitch. If this front foot is opening before it is down the hitters ability to get pitches is limited dramatically. I'll try and explain this a little more concretely later.
I also noticed how much the major league hitters were using their hips. In the past I found success with just a positive move, without much focus on hip action. I found a lot of succes like this, but it is very challenging to keep up. I had to be very relaxed and aware of my body at all times. It was a little mechanical. So after seeing this hip action from other big league hitters, while still keeping thier front side from flying out, I decided to give it a try.
So, once I realized my new focuses I went to the park and started working on it during batting practice (BP). It was amazing. I was able to encorporate two new focuses and do them successfully (square front side, and more hip action). It worked in the game also.
Unnatural Naturalness or Natural Unnaturalness. I get those words from Bruce Lee. Bruce thought the athlete was at thier best when natural and unatural abilities were equal, not too much of one. Learned ways (proper mechanics) and natural ways (thoughtless movements or reactions). Too much of either puts a ceiling on the athlete.
The last few years I have really studied hitting and broke down the mechanics. I felt at times it was a little too mechanical, but allowing my hip action again really makes me feel this unatural naturalness. It's fun. I'm learning. I'm sure there is still much to understand, but video this week has been a big key. I have uploaded some of my swings to the website. Enjoy. I'm going to keep making the site easier to follow. It's still underconstruction.
After realizing this I decided to watch some other big leaguers and noticed the same thing. The best hitters do the best job of keeping that front side closed as long as possible. Once the foot is down correctly the hitter is able to move in all directions, or attack any pitch. If this front foot is opening before it is down the hitters ability to get pitches is limited dramatically. I'll try and explain this a little more concretely later.
I also noticed how much the major league hitters were using their hips. In the past I found success with just a positive move, without much focus on hip action. I found a lot of succes like this, but it is very challenging to keep up. I had to be very relaxed and aware of my body at all times. It was a little mechanical. So after seeing this hip action from other big league hitters, while still keeping thier front side from flying out, I decided to give it a try.
So, once I realized my new focuses I went to the park and started working on it during batting practice (BP). It was amazing. I was able to encorporate two new focuses and do them successfully (square front side, and more hip action). It worked in the game also.
Unnatural Naturalness or Natural Unnaturalness. I get those words from Bruce Lee. Bruce thought the athlete was at thier best when natural and unatural abilities were equal, not too much of one. Learned ways (proper mechanics) and natural ways (thoughtless movements or reactions). Too much of either puts a ceiling on the athlete.
The last few years I have really studied hitting and broke down the mechanics. I felt at times it was a little too mechanical, but allowing my hip action again really makes me feel this unatural naturalness. It's fun. I'm learning. I'm sure there is still much to understand, but video this week has been a big key. I have uploaded some of my swings to the website. Enjoy. I'm going to keep making the site easier to follow. It's still underconstruction.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
That's how you play the game
That's what I'm talking about. That's how you play baseball. Last entry I talked about our team gaining a more competive spirit. I spoke with a few of the guys about creating a better atmoshpere and they seemed to be on board. It is a difficult thing to do here because the players are more relaxed, living conditions are not ideal, and we don't get paid much. But last night we played the game right. We had good pitching, offense, and defense. The game was a blast last night.
Before the game I studied swings of myself and major league hitters, focusing on the front side staying square or closed. I was looking forward to testing it out during BP, but couldn't take BP because it rained earlier, so all we could do is soft toss. And man it felt good, free explosive and efficient. I was a little unsure going into the game how much success the swing would have in the game. Just because you have a good practice doesn't mean you are going to have a good game. I thought I may need a little more focus or stay relaxed more because it just seemed so easy during soft toss. I really just kept the good feeling and walked up to the plate ready to execute the swing like I saw it in my head and had practiced. The first pitch was a ball and the second pitch I hit a lazer to left. I usually take a strike the first AB, but I guess because I was so ready, my body just took over and crushed the ball. Man it felt good. OK so that worked. Let's see what happened next AB. There were runners on second and third with one out. I was feeling it and swung at the first pitch. It was a little down and in and I fouled it off. It was a bad pitch to swing at, but I was ready for the next pitch. He threw a curveball, the first I had seen and my body handled it just fine. I saw it, reacted, and drove it to right center, the runner tagged up and scored. Again, that felt really good. The thing I liked about this AB was my ability to see the curveball for the first time and be able to drive it. I felt I could hit any pitch at any time. I wasn't really looking for him to throw me this or that. I was ready for everything and when I am in the zone that's what happens. I can see all the possibilities in my head and see myself hitting all the pitches. My third AB I got hit in the back. The fourth AB I hit a single to left. The pitcher tried to come inside on an inside fastball and I turned on it. I was a little early and got it off the end a little, but it was still a nice line drive. If I would have hit it on the sweet spot it may have been another linedrive out. hahaa. My last AB I was facing a side arm pitcher with a two seamer that comes back in on my hands. He tried to bring it and I was there. Another linedrive to left. 5 quality AB's. As you all probably know, hitting is contagious. Every guy seemed to have quality AB's throughout the game, driving in runs, moving runners, and scoring runs.
That's how you play baseaball. Days at the yard like this are awesome because it seems like all the studying, dry swings in the mirror, and video work seems to be paying off.
My mentality was great yesterday. During a season I go through many different feels; sometimes really in the zone, other times like I'm not there, and everywhere in between. I always do my best to respect the game and stay in the zone, but it's not always that easy. The goal is to be where I was mentally last night as much as possible. I think the video work gave me a real focus and that helped. Also I took it pretty easy the first half of the day. I'll keep working to maximize myself on the field and life. I gave you guys a lot today. A lot of those thoughts can really help you parents and players understand the game a little better. Use it and I welcome your feedback. Time to finish up breakfast and go to the gym. Have a good day. Oh yeah I started at shortstop yesterday.
Before the game I studied swings of myself and major league hitters, focusing on the front side staying square or closed. I was looking forward to testing it out during BP, but couldn't take BP because it rained earlier, so all we could do is soft toss. And man it felt good, free explosive and efficient. I was a little unsure going into the game how much success the swing would have in the game. Just because you have a good practice doesn't mean you are going to have a good game. I thought I may need a little more focus or stay relaxed more because it just seemed so easy during soft toss. I really just kept the good feeling and walked up to the plate ready to execute the swing like I saw it in my head and had practiced. The first pitch was a ball and the second pitch I hit a lazer to left. I usually take a strike the first AB, but I guess because I was so ready, my body just took over and crushed the ball. Man it felt good. OK so that worked. Let's see what happened next AB. There were runners on second and third with one out. I was feeling it and swung at the first pitch. It was a little down and in and I fouled it off. It was a bad pitch to swing at, but I was ready for the next pitch. He threw a curveball, the first I had seen and my body handled it just fine. I saw it, reacted, and drove it to right center, the runner tagged up and scored. Again, that felt really good. The thing I liked about this AB was my ability to see the curveball for the first time and be able to drive it. I felt I could hit any pitch at any time. I wasn't really looking for him to throw me this or that. I was ready for everything and when I am in the zone that's what happens. I can see all the possibilities in my head and see myself hitting all the pitches. My third AB I got hit in the back. The fourth AB I hit a single to left. The pitcher tried to come inside on an inside fastball and I turned on it. I was a little early and got it off the end a little, but it was still a nice line drive. If I would have hit it on the sweet spot it may have been another linedrive out. hahaa. My last AB I was facing a side arm pitcher with a two seamer that comes back in on my hands. He tried to bring it and I was there. Another linedrive to left. 5 quality AB's. As you all probably know, hitting is contagious. Every guy seemed to have quality AB's throughout the game, driving in runs, moving runners, and scoring runs.
That's how you play baseaball. Days at the yard like this are awesome because it seems like all the studying, dry swings in the mirror, and video work seems to be paying off.
My mentality was great yesterday. During a season I go through many different feels; sometimes really in the zone, other times like I'm not there, and everywhere in between. I always do my best to respect the game and stay in the zone, but it's not always that easy. The goal is to be where I was mentally last night as much as possible. I think the video work gave me a real focus and that helped. Also I took it pretty easy the first half of the day. I'll keep working to maximize myself on the field and life. I gave you guys a lot today. A lot of those thoughts can really help you parents and players understand the game a little better. Use it and I welcome your feedback. Time to finish up breakfast and go to the gym. Have a good day. Oh yeah I started at shortstop yesterday.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Just OK
I just met a couple from Alaska. They are here to climb Mount Orizaba, the tallest point in Mexico. Orizaba is about twenty to thirty minutes away. It's a special place, they say once you get to the top you can look down into the valcano. That would be so cool to see. They say it takes a couple days to get to the top because the body has to get use the change in altitude. Cool couple, enjoying life and it's always nice to talk to someone from the States.
Today was a much needed off day. I woke up, ate breakfast and did my normal routine, checking my e-mails, reading a little and just enjoying myself. After breakfast we took off to the gym for a little work out. I was suprised at how weak I am right now. I haven't lifted in a while and I guess life and last season has kind of kept me from working out as much as I'm use to. I really didn't like to see the strenght I've lost, but it's all good. I got a nice start today and will continue to get my strength back. After the workout I took off to Wal-Mart with my roomate Jose Torres. Torres is from Cali, he's a cool cat, they call him Daddy Yankey around here. Haha. He's a good person and is always trying to look cool with the latest fashion trends. We just grabbed a few snacks, mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, along with some hygene stuff. We came back relaxed, hung out with the guys and ate dinner.
Last series we played Los Toros de Soledad. Their team is much better this season than last and our team is weaker. Sooo, as you probably could predict we had a tough time with them. We were lucky to walk away with one victory out of three. Every game it looked like I would have a chance to pitch because our pitching is so slim right now. I would love to get on the bump and get some people out. The third game we were getting slaughtered in the fifth and didn't have anymore pitchers. I was next in line. Then the rain came. It was perfect timing. They called everyone off the field and after about thirty minutes in the rain delay they called it. It really was a blessing because I don't think I could have thrown four innings, my arm was soar from the two previous days warming up in the bullpen and I haven't pitched since my shoulder surgery.
It's still difficult playing with this team and under these conditions. We've only been together as a team for about two weeks, the fields aren't that good, we don't eat great, and the fans are just OK. I spoke with a few guys about how they were feeling and they mentioned how much easier it is to play at a high level when everyone around has the same competitive drive. But, when the level is down it is really difficult not to play down to that level. I'm sure all of you can relate in some way. Idealy we would like to create an environment where we could play to the best of our ability. If the players all get on the same page I bet we could make it a more competitive environment, which would make the game a whole lot more fun and we would probably start winning more. So the team has many challenges right now; pitching, hitting, fire, passion, and we're still getting use to each other. We'll see how these issues are handled as the season progresses.
Personally I have been playing just OK. I'm averging about a hit every game, but still don't feel quite in the groove. I compared video from last season to this season and I noticed my front foot has been opening up a little, which causes my whole front side to leave early. This slight move causes a lot of things to go bad. First my head can't stay on the ball like I would like, so it's hard to keep my eyes locked in on the flight. Second, the outside pitch seems like it's a hundred miles away. Third, my barrel drags. And fourth, I am out in front of everything because I can't see it and my barrel is behind so I over compesate. But last game was much better because I analyzed the film. The game slowed down and it seemed much easier to see the ball and react like I know I can.
I've been solid defensively, the sticks OK, and I'm a little out of shape right now. I had a good day today with the workout and rest. It was a step in the right direction. One step at a time for myself and the team. We'll start picking up some speed and eventually I'll be able to write about exciting baseball in Mexico. Oh and the mosquitos are loving some of my sweet Texas blood, they are killin me right now.
Today was a much needed off day. I woke up, ate breakfast and did my normal routine, checking my e-mails, reading a little and just enjoying myself. After breakfast we took off to the gym for a little work out. I was suprised at how weak I am right now. I haven't lifted in a while and I guess life and last season has kind of kept me from working out as much as I'm use to. I really didn't like to see the strenght I've lost, but it's all good. I got a nice start today and will continue to get my strength back. After the workout I took off to Wal-Mart with my roomate Jose Torres. Torres is from Cali, he's a cool cat, they call him Daddy Yankey around here. Haha. He's a good person and is always trying to look cool with the latest fashion trends. We just grabbed a few snacks, mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, along with some hygene stuff. We came back relaxed, hung out with the guys and ate dinner.
Last series we played Los Toros de Soledad. Their team is much better this season than last and our team is weaker. Sooo, as you probably could predict we had a tough time with them. We were lucky to walk away with one victory out of three. Every game it looked like I would have a chance to pitch because our pitching is so slim right now. I would love to get on the bump and get some people out. The third game we were getting slaughtered in the fifth and didn't have anymore pitchers. I was next in line. Then the rain came. It was perfect timing. They called everyone off the field and after about thirty minutes in the rain delay they called it. It really was a blessing because I don't think I could have thrown four innings, my arm was soar from the two previous days warming up in the bullpen and I haven't pitched since my shoulder surgery.
It's still difficult playing with this team and under these conditions. We've only been together as a team for about two weeks, the fields aren't that good, we don't eat great, and the fans are just OK. I spoke with a few guys about how they were feeling and they mentioned how much easier it is to play at a high level when everyone around has the same competitive drive. But, when the level is down it is really difficult not to play down to that level. I'm sure all of you can relate in some way. Idealy we would like to create an environment where we could play to the best of our ability. If the players all get on the same page I bet we could make it a more competitive environment, which would make the game a whole lot more fun and we would probably start winning more. So the team has many challenges right now; pitching, hitting, fire, passion, and we're still getting use to each other. We'll see how these issues are handled as the season progresses.
Personally I have been playing just OK. I'm averging about a hit every game, but still don't feel quite in the groove. I compared video from last season to this season and I noticed my front foot has been opening up a little, which causes my whole front side to leave early. This slight move causes a lot of things to go bad. First my head can't stay on the ball like I would like, so it's hard to keep my eyes locked in on the flight. Second, the outside pitch seems like it's a hundred miles away. Third, my barrel drags. And fourth, I am out in front of everything because I can't see it and my barrel is behind so I over compesate. But last game was much better because I analyzed the film. The game slowed down and it seemed much easier to see the ball and react like I know I can.
I've been solid defensively, the sticks OK, and I'm a little out of shape right now. I had a good day today with the workout and rest. It was a step in the right direction. One step at a time for myself and the team. We'll start picking up some speed and eventually I'll be able to write about exciting baseball in Mexico. Oh and the mosquitos are loving some of my sweet Texas blood, they are killin me right now.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The seasons under way. We got rained out the first two games against Mendoza and lost the season opener to them pretty bad. We got no hit and we looked pretty sloppy. I guess that's what happens when you get the team together just two days before the start of the season. It's been pretty hard for us to get going. It took us like 40 AB's to get our first hit. Yeah that means we got our first hit as a team about mid way through the second game. The good news is we just finished playing a three game series against Veracruz and we won two of three, but it was still slow and sloppy baseball. The team had much more fire last year, but it's still early. We'll see what happens.
Personally, the last couple of days has been very challenging on the field. The level of baseball is not as high as I'm used to and it's hard to stay focused. Last winter my teammates were high quality ball players which made it easy to stay up. If you didn't show up on last years team you would sit the bench. The competitive spirit was there and I do well in that kind of atmosphere. So far this season, the team has been a real layed back; new coaches, different players, and hot weather. Hopefully the tempo will pick up. Every season presents different challenges and before coming down to Mexico one of my main objectives was to work on my mental game and it looks like this is the perfect test.
There are times when I ask myself if I should keep fighting this battle. It's a challenge to show up everyday and keep fighting to bring out the best player possible. I've also thought about maybe getting back up on the mound again. Who knows what the future holds, but as for now I'm gonna continue to face the challenge of this season like I always have, giving it my all.
Personally, the last couple of days has been very challenging on the field. The level of baseball is not as high as I'm used to and it's hard to stay focused. Last winter my teammates were high quality ball players which made it easy to stay up. If you didn't show up on last years team you would sit the bench. The competitive spirit was there and I do well in that kind of atmosphere. So far this season, the team has been a real layed back; new coaches, different players, and hot weather. Hopefully the tempo will pick up. Every season presents different challenges and before coming down to Mexico one of my main objectives was to work on my mental game and it looks like this is the perfect test.
There are times when I ask myself if I should keep fighting this battle. It's a challenge to show up everyday and keep fighting to bring out the best player possible. I've also thought about maybe getting back up on the mound again. Who knows what the future holds, but as for now I'm gonna continue to face the challenge of this season like I always have, giving it my all.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Back In Mexico
I finally have a chance to sit down and write about my first few days here in Mexico. It's been non-stop ever since I left Austin. My flight left at 6:30pm, connected in Houston and arrived in Veracruz around 11. On the flight to Veracruz I met and sat next to an owner of the best Rock and Roll bar in Veracruz, Dawson's. He and his buddy were getting ready for a big night in Veracruz. Chuck was trying to convince me to stop off at his bar before I caught the bus to Fortin. Once we landed and got through customs I got a taxi as quick as I could to the bus station because I knew the last bus was leaving soon. I was too late, the next bus would leave in the morning, so I asked the taxi to take me to Dawson's. I got to the bar dropped off my bags and sat down with Chuck and the band. A few minutes later the crew flying the plane showed up. We had some wings and then the band started playing. I'm not big on Rock n' Roll, but these Mexicanos could play. It was pretty amazing. They were singing all the best Rock n' Roll songs you all love and know. I had a good time hanging out, but really just wanted to sleep and get to my destination. I hung in there as long as I could and eventually left the bar around 4:15 and caught a taxi to the bus station. I just missed the 4:30 bus because I didn't have enough pesos. I went to an ATM to pull out some pesos and by the time I got back it was too late. I had to wait for the 6 O'clock. The next hour and a half I sat in a daze, falling in and out of sleep, waiting for the next bus. Once I got on the bus I slept the two hours to Cordoba. Once I got to Cordoba I caught a Taxi to Fortin. My head was down the whole fifteen minute ride to Fortin as well. I got to the Hotel at 8am and was so happy my journey was coming to an end. I was ready to grab some breakfast and head to sleep, but as soon as I put my stuff down I was told we had practice at 9. I sucked it up, ate breakfast and made sure I had a cup of coffee and went to practice. It was good to get back out on the field and move around, but after practice I took a four hour nap. It was probably the worst conditions to take a nap in, but it didn't matter. The heat, sweat and loud noise from my roomates didn't bother me a bit. I was out and woke up ready to go. I went down stairs grabbed some dinner and then headed to a pro basketball game with the team. It was some pretty good ball, Cordoba won and they introduced the baseball team to the fans.
Day two, which is today was eventful as well. We started with a 9am practice. It went pretty smooth, it looks like I'll be playing secondbase and leading off. The team has new ownership this year which is exciting because Cordoba is a baseball city with a rich history and the ownership is really doing a lot to stur up support. After practice we went to the Owner's ranch. It looked like a "novela", a mexican soap opera. There were horses, a big house with open breeze ways, an out door patio, pool and workers catering to the owners needs. We ate and the owner spoak to us. I'm able to pick up a lot more spanish this year, but it's still a little choppy. He pretty much told us he was happy to have us playing for Cordoba and he was looking forward to bringing good baseball back to the city, Championship ball. We left the ranch came home, showered up, then took off to downtown to be introduced to the city. Each player was introduced one at a time. The people cheered, took pictures, and seemed to be in good spirits about this season. After the little presentation we came back to the hotel ate, and I just finished signing my contract.
We start the season tomorrow against Mendoza, the same team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year. They are talking about a capacity crowd. We'll see. Cordoba, Cordoba, Cordoba!!!
Day two, which is today was eventful as well. We started with a 9am practice. It went pretty smooth, it looks like I'll be playing secondbase and leading off. The team has new ownership this year which is exciting because Cordoba is a baseball city with a rich history and the ownership is really doing a lot to stur up support. After practice we went to the Owner's ranch. It looked like a "novela", a mexican soap opera. There were horses, a big house with open breeze ways, an out door patio, pool and workers catering to the owners needs. We ate and the owner spoak to us. I'm able to pick up a lot more spanish this year, but it's still a little choppy. He pretty much told us he was happy to have us playing for Cordoba and he was looking forward to bringing good baseball back to the city, Championship ball. We left the ranch came home, showered up, then took off to downtown to be introduced to the city. Each player was introduced one at a time. The people cheered, took pictures, and seemed to be in good spirits about this season. After the little presentation we came back to the hotel ate, and I just finished signing my contract.
We start the season tomorrow against Mendoza, the same team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year. They are talking about a capacity crowd. We'll see. Cordoba, Cordoba, Cordoba!!!
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