663 V2 ch135 (1/2)

Chandler let us run through this drill a couple of times and then moved onto the next: practicing rundowns.

”Everyone will take turns being the runner.” Chandler told us. ”Tips to keep in mind for fielders: use the fewest number of throws as possible and don't let the runner advance.”

I frowned, unsure of what he meant. Aren't we supposed to just get the runner out? I nudged Noah.

Noah raised his hand. ”Can you elaborate for us?”

Chandler glanced at him, then at me, then moved his eyes throughout the group. ”The goal is to use the fewest throws as possible. Preferably two. You have to cut down the chances for an errant throw. The key to doing this is to run hard at the baserunner, forcing him to commit, before making the throw to your partner.” He continued. ”Making sure the runner doesn't advance is self-explanatory. Always try to make the runner go in the direction of a smaller base. For example, if you have him caught between second and third, run him towards second.”

Oh. I nodded. It makes sense.

Chandler looked like he was going to let us begin, but he paused for a second. He glanced around at everyone. ”How many of you practice rundowns with your teams?”

Only half raised their hands.

Chandler nodded, yet was frowning. He glanced at me and Noah. ”Weren't you two on a championship team?”

Noah shrugged. ”So?”

”So you haven't practiced rundowns?” He asked.

Noah shrugged. ”Maybe once or twice. Not too often. It's kind of expected that we know what to do before we make varsity.”

Chandler nodded in agreement. ”Okay, good. So you two can go up first.”

I coughed.

”Well.” Noah spoke up, understanding my unspoken signal. ”Jake...he made the team for his batting skills. Everything else...is rather new to him.”

Chandler looked suspicious.

”He's never been on a team before.” Noah explained. ”Just batting cages. So, we've just been teaching him everything else as we go.”

There was a moment of silence from everyone, including Chandler. I shifted from foot to foot, uncomfortable with the looks. They know...that I only have one skill. Gotta own up to it. I've come a long way. I straightened up and made brief eye contact with Chandler.

Chandler pointed at a few of the guys. ”You'll run. And you, you, and you will be the fielders.” The four got into place to try to practice a rundown, but Chandler started another explanation. ”First step of all rundowns, is getting the ball. Whether that's from the pitcher or catcher or whoever. You catch the ball and then transfer it to your throwing hand. This way, you'll be able to either tag the runner or throw to your teammate.”

I paid attention to Chandler's speech. He was a good coach, covering every step of how to do a rundown.

He motioned for the first group to begin.

Chandler was in complete coaching mode all morning. For any mistakes made, he didn't make fun of anyone or give them disapproving looks. All he did was correct them on what they should have done and made sure that our whole group knew what to do as well.

By lunch time, I was completely dead on my feet, but I felt like I had never learn so much. The Atkins taught me a lot about baseball, but it was always the basics. I finally feel like a real baseball player now.

”Chandler was in a good mood today.” Travis said as we headed to the cafeteria together.

Most of the group members nodded in agreement.

”I really see him more as a coach than as a player.” Adam spoke up. ”It's crazy to think he's only a few years older than us.”