The First Intersquad
As mentioned before, today was our first big test as a team. We passed with flying colors. The day began with a quick stretch which quickly transitioned to pre-game batting practice. With limited time, only a select few were allowed to hit on the field today, the rest warmed up in the cages behind the left field fence. Following batting practice, the team went over bunt defenses one last time, while the starting pitchers warmed up in the bullpens.
Game time. Today didn’t seem anything like a regular practice, or even an ordinary inter-squad, but rather a weekend conference series. Regardless of the number of people in the stands, the energy and competitiveness of the game made it feel like late March.
The setup of the intersquad game is fairly simple. We take the number of innings that we intend to play for the day, divide them into three segments; then the two teams face off in three mini games. The winner is declared by winning two of the three segments. If there is a tie, the team with the fewest number of walks and hit by pitches is declared the winner.
Today we played only six full innings. Six pitchers (three on each team) worked two innings. As the fall and regular season progress, the pitchers will throw more innings as they try to build arm strength up. On the day, the pitching staff only allowed four walks and hit only one batter. It was a good sign, though pitchers usually begin the year more prepared than hitters. The hitters struggled a bit adjusting to the backdrop at Foster Field. Two large yellow signs located on the center field fence make Foster Field one of the most unfriendly places to hit.
Jason Morriss, had the big hit on the day, a first-inning triple. He would later score and give the visiting team an early lead. The home team answered in the bottom half of the first to tie the game at 1-1. Each mini game ended in a tie, so the before mentioned formula was applied to determine the winner. The home team, whose pitching staff allowed no free passes, was awarded the win.
Today also begins the first installment of "Meet the Rams". Each time, I’m going to try and do something a little bit different, so each week players have a chance to share a bit of their own personality. This week, I’d like to start off with a true freshman and our senior comedian, this way we hit both ends of the spectrum early.
Going Down – Under
Many of you who follow the Rams will remember Chris Adamson from last year. After coming over from Clarendon College after his sophomore year, Chris went on to lead the team in hitting, batting .409 on the year with 56 RBI and nine home runs during his junior campaign. Chris was also a constant in the field, making only six errors on the year. (Sometimes sacrificing his face to ensure he did not make an error.) Not too shabby for someone who split time at first and behind the plate. His outstanding year earned him awards such as being named to the first team all conference and all region team, as well as being named second team All American in two separate polls. (CoSIDA and NCBWA) While he continues to play exceedingly well, Adamson also has found a way to help the team in another way; being himself.
Chris Adamson is returning this year as a senior and our resident team comedian. His mere presence in the clubhouse lifts the team everyday. (I’m not sure if it’s his hair or the Australian accent.) Each day Chris’ outlook and demeanor allow grueling practices to become a little more relaxed. Chris, though he has only been here for one year has established himself as a true leader in the clubhouse, on the field and in the community. I asked Chris a series of questions, and these are his responses.
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Major: Kinesiology
Favorite Baseball Player: Joe Mauer
Dream Job: Pro Surfer
Nickname: Tank
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Band: Hilltop Hoods
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Walk Out Song : Land Down Under – Men At Work
Favorite Quote: “Life’s a Garden – Dig It.”
Sport you would play if you didn’t play baseball: Rugby
Favorite Part About Angelo State : The close knit culture.
Favorite Moment during the 2009 Season: Beating Abilene Christian at the regional to knock them out.
We know what his “REAL” favorite moment was though.
As mentioned before, today was our first big test as a team. We passed with flying colors. The day began with a quick stretch which quickly transitioned to pre-game batting practice. With limited time, only a select few were allowed to hit on the field today, the rest warmed up in the cages behind the left field fence. Following batting practice, the team went over bunt defenses one last time, while the starting pitchers warmed up in the bullpens.
Game time. Today didn’t seem anything like a regular practice, or even an ordinary inter-squad, but rather a weekend conference series. Regardless of the number of people in the stands, the energy and competitiveness of the game made it feel like late March.
The setup of the intersquad game is fairly simple. We take the number of innings that we intend to play for the day, divide them into three segments; then the two teams face off in three mini games. The winner is declared by winning two of the three segments. If there is a tie, the team with the fewest number of walks and hit by pitches is declared the winner.
Today we played only six full innings. Six pitchers (three on each team) worked two innings. As the fall and regular season progress, the pitchers will throw more innings as they try to build arm strength up. On the day, the pitching staff only allowed four walks and hit only one batter. It was a good sign, though pitchers usually begin the year more prepared than hitters. The hitters struggled a bit adjusting to the backdrop at Foster Field. Two large yellow signs located on the center field fence make Foster Field one of the most unfriendly places to hit.
Jason Morriss, had the big hit on the day, a first-inning triple. He would later score and give the visiting team an early lead. The home team answered in the bottom half of the first to tie the game at 1-1. Each mini game ended in a tie, so the before mentioned formula was applied to determine the winner. The home team, whose pitching staff allowed no free passes, was awarded the win.
Today also begins the first installment of "Meet the Rams". Each time, I’m going to try and do something a little bit different, so each week players have a chance to share a bit of their own personality. This week, I’d like to start off with a true freshman and our senior comedian, this way we hit both ends of the spectrum early.
Going Down – Under
Many of you who follow the Rams will remember Chris Adamson from last year. After coming over from Clarendon College after his sophomore year, Chris went on to lead the team in hitting, batting .409 on the year with 56 RBI and nine home runs during his junior campaign. Chris was also a constant in the field, making only six errors on the year. (Sometimes sacrificing his face to ensure he did not make an error.) Not too shabby for someone who split time at first and behind the plate. His outstanding year earned him awards such as being named to the first team all conference and all region team, as well as being named second team All American in two separate polls. (CoSIDA and NCBWA) While he continues to play exceedingly well, Adamson also has found a way to help the team in another way; being himself.Chris Adamson is returning this year as a senior and our resident team comedian. His mere presence in the clubhouse lifts the team everyday. (I’m not sure if it’s his hair or the Australian accent.) Each day Chris’ outlook and demeanor allow grueling practices to become a little more relaxed. Chris, though he has only been here for one year has established himself as a true leader in the clubhouse, on the field and in the community. I asked Chris a series of questions, and these are his responses.
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Major: Kinesiology
Favorite Baseball Player: Joe Mauer
Dream Job: Pro Surfer
Nickname: Tank
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Band: Hilltop Hoods
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Walk Out Song : Land Down Under – Men At Work
Favorite Quote: “Life’s a Garden – Dig It.”
Sport you would play if you didn’t play baseball: Rugby
Favorite Part About Angelo State : The close knit culture.
Favorite Moment during the 2009 Season: Beating Abilene Christian at the regional to knock them out.
We know what his “REAL” favorite moment was though.
Welcome to Angelo
The Rams also welcome Nick Adams to the team this season. Nick is entering his first of many great college years from Georgetown, Texas, at the age of 19. During practice in the past few weeks Nick has showed good speed on the base paths and a steady glove at shortstop.
Being that this is only his fourth week at school, Nick is coming to find that college classes mean “a lot more reading and homework with a lot less class time.” I’m sure he’ll adjust sooner rather than later. In the mean time, here are a few trivia questions about Nick Adams.
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas (Though he also claims Lake Tahoe, California)
Major: Business
Nickname: AdamBomb
Favorite Player: Jose Reyes
Dream Job: Owning a Surf Shop on the Beach
Favorite Movie: Green Street Hooligans
Favorite Band: Rise Against
Walk-Out Song: Rockstar – Ludacris Ft. R. Kelly
I know you but you don't know me. Gaby.
ReplyDeleteJ/K...I work with your Dad, who is always raving about his two boys!! Congratulations and best wishes on a new season!