Question: Will we play 101 innings? Answer: Yes. Question: How? Answer: Well, let me explain ...
We'll divide the players from all of our Mustang teams (both JH and HS) into two teams -- red and white -- and then the teams will get their vests, warm, and get ready to play. Each batter gets one pitch (good, bad or ugly) to hit and try to get on base. No exceptions. If the batter doesn't get on base, he is out. To keep the game moving, each team will bat 5 innings at a time, and we'll clear the bases after three outs are made in each inning.
We'll keep it moving. Players and coaches need to keep players coming in and out. We'll break at about the halfway mark for lunch.
A few logistics: When the JH players on each team are batting, JH players on the opposing team will move into the infield, and likewise, when the HS players are batting, then HS players on the other team will come into and play the infield.
But what about pitching? That's where it gets interesting ... and fun. Dads are our pitchers for the 101-inning game. Every dad who wants to pitch can ... and will. And yes, we'll have the "L" screen out there. I've been blasted in the shin one too many times.
Players ... look at this as a great "bad ball" hitting drill. At the end of the day, players from each team will vote on the "Cy Old" award, for the best dad pitcher of the day.
Do we keep score? Absolutely. It gets interesting about the 80th inning. Trust me.
In the last inning, each team will pick its pitcher, and we'll keep track of balls and strikes. Batters will get a regular count in this inning.
One more thing ... due to the field quality and long day, we won't be sliding during the 101-inning game. So, be smart.
Expect crazy and/or winterlike weather. It is winter, after all.
As for the food and festivities during the day, that is still TBD as of this writing. Through the years, we've done lots of things, i.e., ordered pizza, cooked burgers, made soups and desserts ... so, stay tuned. Whatever we do as to food, it will be a great day to get to know other players and families in the Mustang Nation. So, take advantage of it.
Of course, as the day winds down we'll find out where we stand with our fundraising efforts. This is always exciting. God always provides for us.
I get excited this time of year. When we get to our 101-inning game, the season is upon us and another great year of Mustangs baseball is getting underway.
Enjoy the ride.
See you on the field,
Coach Rut
