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.