The first team meeting of the new baseball season. So many fresh faces and a few familiar ones fill a quiet room. That's the thing about first impressions, they have gotten such a horrible reputation that people feel more at ease letting silence fill the air rather than simple introductions.
That ends when manager and owner Dave Herbst walks in and opens up the meeting. The Rangers scout draws such a strong connection between his style of baseball and boxing. It's interesting to hear similarities of the national pastime to the sweet science. Herbst talks about using intelligence and quick strikes to eliminate opponents out on the diamond. It reminds me of the works of a young Mike Tyson. Though I'm pretty sure Herbst doesn't want batters pummelling infielders or catchers with jabs and hay makers.
Throughout the discussion of Herbst's talk about his expectations of the summer (hard work and focus on baseball), the room lets out it's nervousness. While on first impression of meeting Herbst he is not the kind of guy who overpowers you with his words. He talks when needed, much like the boxer he was, reminds me of the Paulie character from Goodfellas. Even the words he says are powerful but at the same time speak to your level. Herbst is the type of guy who wants to help you, a strong reminder of why he manages a collegiate summer league team.
After the introductions of the coaching staff, the players shared their basic information around the clubhouse and the one thing that stood out that was different from last season was the goal. Not to say that last season's Wings team was focused on trying to advance in the game of baseball but the players this year seem focused on winning.
While the some of the players got fitted, Dave Riggs, my broadcasting partner and I took a look at the new pitching staff for the 2009 season. Let me tell you this, there are some pretty strong arms on this young group. This team has a collection of arms looking for the quick strike, fastballs that are whizzing through the warm June air in Geneva. The 2008 staff featured a diverse group of pitchers. Half finesse with an equal amount of power just turned away hitters last season. It was a critical factor in the teams title run that ended in the Divisional Series against eventual champion Brockport.
After the short practice, I was able to chat with Will Horford, returning infielder from Notre Dame. I was glad to see Will, because this is a kid who shows a lot of hustle and love for baseball and as a journalist, a laid back guy you can easily talk to.
The same can be said for most of the guys on this squad, so open at dinner, where I was talking to Dan Gliot about playing high school baseball in harsh Northeast and Midwest conditions or chatting about the dearth of large towns in Iowa with Jack Wortley. This team looks ready to play as a team and hopefully this squad will take home the championship. Let's see if they can start today's exhibition with a "W".
ROC SPORTS NET 2009
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