So this Sunday one of my summer teams is playing in the championship, barring no rain and that the field isn't underwater from rain on Friday or Saturday.
There is no series, it's win or go home. And thinking about it, it really goes against how baseball is normally played. With the 162 game season, sometimes, along the way, a single game can become meaningless, and players don't have the sense of urgency to win. You won't see too many on the top railing, itching for guys to get on base and be driven home.
I was always skeptical of people who said, "Guys on bench make such a big deal. If they cheer, players on the field will play better." Still, as much as I think about it, I truly fail to see the connection. Maybe I'm not a normal player, but I'm not up there trying to satisfy the cheers of anybody. I am playing for myself, doing what I can do to help the team win. Coach gives me the bunt sign, or hit and run, I don't see how my execution will be different when guys are loud or quiet. If you have an answer, please comment or let me know.
Back to championships. In playoff games, you'll see guys on the top rail all the time, guys talking, chattering, really in the game. But I don't like to focus on the bench. I focus on the player. The guy in the box. Is he pressing? Is he opening up the strikezone? Helping the pitcher?
To an extent, I would have to say, your play should be changed for these types of games. I think you have to bat on the side of aggressiveness and field on the side of "don't make the error that puts the guy in scoring position." Why? Because if you're are not aggressive at the plate, you leave too much up to the umpire. Now, that doesn't mean to change your approach, and it doesn't mean to chase pitches. It means, foul off the borderline, don't take it. On defense, don't rush the throw if Ichiro is running up the line on a slow grounder to third. If he gets a base hit, fine, don't rush the throw and have it wind up rolling done seats by RF, while Ichiro hustles into third.
So what will it take to win?
Guys need to play to the best of their ability and then you need to get lucky. Ability. To do what? To not over-think situations. To focus on the task at hand, not the result, or the overall picture. Focus on taking a good swing, not the the ball going over the wall. We just have to do what we've done all season. Throw the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball.
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the reason that some ppl like the chirping on the bench is that it shows interest in the game/ play. and if the bench who arent playing in the game are 100% interested and focused it will keep the starters focused and energized.
ReplyDeleteSee, but that's what I'm talking about. Why will it keep the batter focused? How will it keep the fielders energized? Honestly, if there are players who need that, they have some serious problems.
ReplyDeleteAs a batter and fielder, I have enough things to think about and anticipate, there isn't much time to listen to the bench.
I'll say this. When I'm on the bench, I chatter, but not because my teammates need it. I try to have fun with it. And maybe, just maybe, it will help some guys relax.
EXACTLY! RELAX. That's what some players need to do, especially rookies, and I think that if veterans on the team do not show support, a rookie can feel intimidated and tense. Chatter creates an environment where players can, well--chatter, and 'chilax'. And, as you said, it's fun.
ReplyDeleteMaybe somebody who is so completely immersed in the game like yourself may not pay attention to these trifles, but people who do not focus on the sole aspect of pure baseball may need some of this chatter, to feel like he is playing as a team, not everyone looking to boost his own stats.