Carmel Catholic High School

Good defensive play begins as soon as the batter steps into the batter's box. That's when a fielder has to ask himself, 'All right, if he hits a grounder through the right side for a hit, will he keep going and try for two?' or, if there's a man on first, 'Will that guy try to take third?' You always have to know where you want to throw the ball, whether you're an infielder or an outfielder. You need to know the situation. You need to know the runner's speed. You need to know the other manager or coach's tendencies, whether they're daring or conservative. You need to need to think it through and consider all the different possibilities. What I try to do is visualize the play before it happens, at least from the standpoint of what base I'll be throwing to on a single or double or whatever. That way, there will be no hesitation when the play begins to unfold. I'll be ready. Torri Hunter