Hurricane Sandy Misses Cards

While Hurricane Sandy was bearing down on New York City and New Jersey, Plattsburgh managed to dodge the majority of the storm. Even though classes were cancelled Monday afternoon, we failed to get any of the predicted power outages or extreme winds. The accompanying rain did however thoroughly soak Chip Cummings Field, making it difficult to practice last week. With home plate sitting under three inches of standing water and mud, we moved batting practice to the outfield and cages, playing simulated games off of the tee in right field. 

By Saturday, the water had still not cleared, so our guys went to work as grounds keepers to get the field ready to play on. With Steve Corea commanding snow shovel in one hand and coffee in the other, we were able to scoop up enough water to put down the industrial strength kitty litter (known as Quick-Dry) and get ready for practice. It took a lot of time and effort, but given the equipment we have, our team could rival any MLB grounds crew in field prep. 

Saturday's practice was topped off by the three inning, three team simulated game. With coach throwing from behind the L-Screen, and each player getting one strike to hack at, several players had a good afternoon. One player stood out in particular at the plate. Tommy Verdino hit one of the most impressive shots I have seen at Chip Cummings Field, hitting the right field fence on the fly against the wind. Tacking on another hit, Tommy helped his team push runs across the plate, earning his spot atop the BBAP list and winning the second ever, Best Player At Practice Award. Congradualtions Tommy Verdino on a good day at the plate.