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Standings

Mmm...the sweet scent of softball is in the air! 2007 is here!
 
In 2006, the TankGrrls were fantastic. The Grrls worked  as a solid  team, offensively and defensively. I am so proud to look back on our first season together! Every TankGrrl worked hard and was a dream to coach. The Tankgrrls have revilatized my passion for coaching and for the game. For that, I am Grateful and Excited!
 
I am sure 2007 will be another busy year.  This season I will focus more on the individual talents in each player and game strategies. I can hardly wait to see players experience the thrill of a homerun, a winning out, a great catch, an incredible slide, or even their first bunt. My gosh, It will be great to get the team together again. What a top notch group of women! Dust of your cleats! Let's play ball!
 
Please email me if you have any questions.
 
Cheers,
Karen
 
 

Some quick quizzes....
 
 

1) A fly ball is hit to the outfield where both the right fielder and center fielder can catch it. Neither
player should call for the ball until they decide who should take it.
TRUE * FALSE - If both fielders can catch the ball, the center fielder should take charge and
call for it.

2) A ball is popped up into shallow left center field, and it can be caught by either the shortstop or
the left fielder. Who should catch it?
A. The shortstop
B. Either player can
* C. The left fielder - In this situation, the outfielder should call off the infielder and take
charge
D. It depends on the game situation

3) A ground ball into the outfield is bobbled by the fielder and is laying off to his side. The fielder
should pick the ball up with his glove because his glove is bigger than his bare hand.
TRUE * FALSE - Just like an infielder, pick the ball up with your bare hand. It better ensures
picking it up the first time, and you won't waste time transferring it to your throwing hand.

4) There are runners on first and third, with one out. A line drive is hit to left and the left fielder
makes the catch coming in on it, for the second out. Meanwhile, the runner on third broke for home
before the ball was caught and is still trying to get back. What should the left fielder do?
A. Get the ball back into second
B. Hit the cut off man (shortstop)
C. Run the ball back into the infield to avoid a bad throw
* D. Make a good throw to the third baseman - Third baseman simply has to step on the bag
for a double play.

5) You are the right fielder and a routine ground ball is hit toward the first baseman. What, if
anything, do you need to do?
A. Shout encouragement to the first baseman because you know that will give him confidence
B. It depends on what inning it is and the score
C. Since it is a routine ground ball, you don't have to do anything
* D. Assume t hat the first baseman will miss the ball and come in to back him up - ALWAYS
assume the fielder will miss the ball and be in position to have him backed up if it happens.

6) A fly ball is hit down the third base line. You are the left fielder and are standing in foul territory
trying to make the catch. The wind blows the ball back into fair territory, but as the ball hits your
mitt and falls to the ground, you are still in foul territory. Even though the ball fell fair, since you
touched it while standing in foul territory, the ball is a foul ball.
TRUE * FALSE - If the umpire feels the ball would have fallen fair regardless of whether or
not a fielder touched the ball, it is a fair ball.

7) There are runners on first and second base, there are no outs, and you are the center fielder. The
batter hits a line drive toward you and you catch it on one hop. Since the ball that was hit is a single,
the force play at the bases is no longer in effect.
TRUE * FALSE - In fact, if one of the runners is forced at a base, the batter doesn't get
credit for a hit, it becomes a fielder's choice.

8) In the first inning a ball is hit over your head in right field and you have gone back and picked it
up. There is two outs and a runner on second. Who should you be looking for?
A. Look for your coach, he will tell you where to throw it
* B. Look for the relay man who will be the second baseman - with two outs the runner on
second will easily score on a ball hit over your head. You should be looking for the second baseman
in an attempt to keep the batter off second.
C. Look to see where the runner is and then quickly decide where to throw the ball
D. Throw the ball home, because the runner from second will probably be trying to score

9) What is the best way to catch a routine fly ball in the outfield?
A. Catch the ball in front of your face, using two hands. That way you can move your glove to either
side if the ball drifts one way or the other
* B. Moving forward, with your glove on your throwing hand side, off to the side of your head,
using two hands - Catching the ball in front of your face does not allow you to watch the ball into
your glove. In addition, you can more quickly get off your throw by catching on your throwing hand
side.
C. Since many major league players use one hand, that is probably the best way to do it
D. Whatever style is most comfortable to you is the best way

10) It is more important for the infielders to know the score, inning, number of outs, and where the
runners are, since they get so many more balls hit to them then the outfielders get.
TRUE * FALSE - It is extremely important that ALL fielders know the game situation on
each pitch. Runner on third, fly ball to left field - is there two outs or one? Left fielder better know.

Tips from the Coach
 
1.  Sometimes the biggest mistake is not made by the player making the error, but by the teammate who fails to cover it up.
2.  Don't be caught watching your teammate's embarrassment when you could have helped undo it.
3.  Team communication starts before each pitch. 
4.  You need to know what to do before you know you need to do it.
5.  Two throws fast and low are better than one long and high.
6.  You will be the best you can be only when you can't get any better.
7.  Never be the best; work only to get better.
8.  We are what we think are, and become what we believe we can. 
9.  Live to give.
10.  Lead them to winning ways, and the game will take care of itself.
11.  Learn not to dwell on your mistakes; that only increases the likelihood of repeating them. 
12.  If you have to ask, ask before you need to know. 
13.  Always know the count, but don't always believe the scoreboard. 
14.  When the pitch comes, the grip comes.

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Suck it up!