pregame infield

One thing not mentioned here that I may add. I am a big advocate of taking infield before the game. Why? Because it may be the only chance for a scout to see a certain player's arm. If a scout is at the game and watching any player, it would be a shame for them to never see that player's arm as might be the chance without taking infield. Which is why I believe, every single time, each player should be making the throws just as if they were in the game. And I include the catcher throwing to second base between innings. It actually is a pet peeve of mine to watch a catcher lolly gag around while throwing down to second between innings. If you are going to do that, just don't throw down. I feel that many times catchers believe that this is done just because everyone else does it. But it's a chance to be exposed to a scout, so take advantage of it.

Now, on the other hand, I can't stand to watch a team take infield for what seems like an eternity. Coaches need to have their round of IF/OF streamlined to move as quickly as possible and be productive. I'm sure, with the teams mentioned above, they practice their round of infield. Which should be done. And as noted, it is noticed.

And I guess I should add, that I'm a big fan of exposing players to as many people as possible. So I think of IF/OF as more of a situation to expose the player to a scout (if one is there) rather than worrying about the other team seeing a strength or weakness.

 

why

why do they call it "taking infield" when they also take "outfield" practice at the same time?

 

I just think an outfielder especially should not be throwing from the warning track ever during infield.The game I was at was just brutal. I got there for the last inning of the jv game. After the jv game prepping the field took about 30 min. then the home team gathers round their coach and then takes about 20 minutes of infield after which the visitors do the same. all this is followed by introductions of every player and coach on both teams and the national anthem which all took well over an hour from the end of the jv game to the start of the varsity game.Did i mention it was 40 degrees and windy plus a little rain all this time. All in all it was so cold and windy the conditions made it unbearable to sit out and watch.

it just takes way too long between games.imho especially in cold weather

 

I bet that was bad. And I agree they shouldn't be throwing from the OF wall. Brings me to another point, the purpose (in my mind) of pregame IF/OF is not to get players loose or anything like that, it's to showcase the fielder and to also build a little confidence. I think they ball should be hit (by the coach) to where it can be easily handled and a throw can be made. I've seen a lot of coaches try to make it difficult on the players in pregame, and that's not the place for it in my opinion. All that does is bring the player's confidence down just before a game. Now if they player, say SS, can't field a three hopper hit right at him, then maybe he's just not ready to play and the confidence issue goes out the window. But most guys don't do that.

But after replying to some of these topics I am even more convinced that baseball is one of the most mentally challenging games today, if it's done the right way. There is always something to think about with baseball, whether it's base running or taking a round of infield.