A day before the game, I got a message on the group saying Daniel will be playing catcher. I told Jeff I could play any of the 8 positions, but I didn't really expect to play catcher. Catcher used to be my main position, and my favorite player as a kid was Pudge.
Turns out, I had a great time catching. I was pretty on page with the pitcher (Ilan). We had a great warmup session, and I learned he throws 5 different kind of pitches. We discussed what he likes to throw, when and to whom, and I prayed I would remember it during the game.
Now, I haven't caught since 7th grade. But it all started coming back to me quickly. The importance of catching each ball. The getting down and blocking a ball in the dirt. The staring runners back with fake throws. The framing of pitches. The awesome feeling of being part of every pitch. No one tried to steal off of me. My teammates were pleased with my catching.
Hitting-wise, I started to feel better at the plate (got moved up to batting 8th). I flew out deep to left center, and then got my first fast-pitch hit of my career, on a solid line drive to right field. On my third at bat, I grounded out.
We lost 11-7, but it was a fun, intense game, against a team with players I am friends with.
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