Cardinals Try New Approach to Workouts

Practice on Wednesday was different than any other practice I’ve experienced here. It was definitely a change of style on Coach Doorey’s part, but everyone that came up to me throughout the practice really seemed to like it. Instead of outfielders working together on defense while infielders hit, the practice worked in stations where players worked as pairs throughout the practice. Position players worked on defense for their positions and everyone got different offensive drills in. Hitters went through cycles of hitting coffee lids, swinging through wiffleballs, hitting basketballs and soccer balls (to work on driving through the ball), and taking rapid swings. As catchers, we worked on everything from throws to second to our usual blocking and framing drills. Everything we did had a purpose and a certain amount of repetitions we had to work towards.

Two pitchers threw live again, and they continue to work through their cycle with their respective partners. The position players tend to see the work they put in because we work as separate groups, but I can promise that between the cardio, lifting, and swimming they do in and outside of practice, every pitcher is working toward being stronger and more productive for the team.

Former players--current assistant coaches Zack Welch and Billy Davis--have been a major part in helping our team grow. Zack works with the outfielders and catchers while Billy is a part of the pitching aspect now. Every single day they are making sure our team is getting enough work in as individuals and as a team based on their knowledge of the game. It’s so easy to listen to players who have had that success on this level and then become a part of the staff, wanting to see the program continue to succeed. I think often times, those who play a smaller role in the development of the team are overshadowed by the success of someone like Coach Doorey, but every coach on the staff contributes towards what we are always working for: a SUNYAC championship.

#17 = Matt Burns