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Health & Fitness

Paper Marlin: My Journey with the Lincolnwood Marlins Continues

The Lincolnwood Marlins are in a critical part of the season.  The players are settling into their roles and Head Coach Lou Atsaves is working with everyone to improve their skills.

This brings us to my first practice action of the season.  My stated goal as a Paper Marlin is to get into my first ever Little League game, but before that happens, I must practice...practice...practice.  There are no free rides for this journalist.

Last week, despite a chilly drizzle, Coach Lou had us Marlins practicing for two hours on the field at Proesel Park.  While he waited to take his swings, I talked to Niko Konstantopoulos (see accompanying video).  Niko exuded confidence, enthusiasm and the positive nature, which is so evident on the Marlins.  I also got a little extra background info while talking to Glynn Elliott and Andrew Pabst.

Each Marlin took a turn while Coach Lou pitched.  Then, the unexpected happened.  Coach Lou called my number and directed me to the batter's box.  Okay, this isn't real game action, but I would have a chance to show what I could do.

Coach Lou picked Christopher Atsaves to pitch to me.  Christopher is often used in middle relief, along with playing other positions.  He is a crafty righty, which made me focus even more.

I admit He got the better of me on the first few pitches (as you can see in the video), but I hung in there and found my rhythm.  It felt good making solid contact.  I think I won over some of my teammates.

Baseball isn't just about hitting though.  Coach Lou guided us all through various defensive situations.  The team went through all sorts of double-play combinations, as well as pickoff plays and pitchouts.  Coach Lou is determined to make sure we are all fundamentally sound.

Unfortunately, practice does not make perfect, nor does it guarantee a win.  We lost our next game by 1 run in extra innings.  Still, we played well and Coach Lou expressed his satisfaction in the post-game dugout session.

Our next game was another battle, but we came out on top of this one.  It was a total team effort, with a few standout moments.  Andrew had two amazing bunts.  Christopher had a key pickoff.  Second baseman Frank Ocana made a nice stop and throw to prevent a hit.  Left fielder Peter Atsaves dove to his right to snare a sinking liner.  Dylan Moreno pitched solidly to start the game.

I did not get into either of these games, but I joined my Marlins in continuing to learn more about playing.  I sat on the bench and listened as Coach Lou discussed baseball strategies and situations with whichever Marlin was not in the game at the time.  Coach Lou utilizes every chance to teach the Marlins and the Marlins are attentive students of the game.

The Marlins are now 5-3 with 6 games left.  I still have yet to get in a game, but as a team player, I realize that the younger kids need to play.  As a 48 year old kid with little baseball upside, I must simply remain patient and trust that the coaches will find a spot for me at some point.

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