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May 2015 Recap
ON THE MOUND

Own the change-up. It's the best pitch in baseball. Combined with a fastball to both sides of the plate, a change-up makes a breaking ball practically unnecessary. Hitters like to anticipate a fastball and get the sweet spot of the bat out in front as soon as possible.  If they have to respect the change-up, it'll wreck their timing and their day. Most won't even be able to adjust, and will swing through it or take a change up the entire game.
AT THE PLATE
The first source of power to improve bat speed is your backside. It’s a combination of movement of your back knee, thigh and back hip. Prior to the pitch, it’s necessary to shift some weight onto your back leg. This “load” process will allow you to rotate your backside with some force, provided you have enough weight loaded up on your back leg. Hitters who avoid loading properly won’t have any pressure on their back leg and consequently won’t rotate their back knee, thigh, and hip properly. After the pitch is thrown, the hitter begins to rotate his back knee, thigh, and hip toward the pitch. Simply spinning the back leg in a circle ("squashing the bug") without gaining any ground towards the pitcher is not effective. All of your hitting drills should focus on taking energy towards the pitch.

One good drill to work on is to begin in a pre-loaded position with a batting tee set up in the strike zone. At about 70% of your full swing potential, take some swings working on rotating and taking your back knee towards the pitcher. Keep in mind that it’s absolutely vital to keep your front leg fairly straight when you are doing this movement. A front leg that bends will prevent any power from being transferred into the second step.

Over 60 Update

Maine Woods 60 is alive and well (sort of). The over 60 league had their season opener on May 30th with twelve ball players in attendance. Twelve was enough to play a modified game, but the goal is to have at least 20 players  show so a more traditional game can be played. The good news is some players who normally would play were unable to attend. Plus there are a few over 55 players who have shown an interest in playing. Hopefully the combination of missing over 60 players, and potential 55 plus players will result in a "real game" breaking out next time. As usual, if you have questions, comments or want to help organize the league please contact Dick Hill.  dhillcmd@yahoo.com

Dates To Remember

June 1st:
League fees ($195) need to paid in full or you risk losing playing time or paying a late fee. Checks should be made out to Maine Woods 45 and of course cash is always welcome!

June 28th:
League wide mixer game from 9:00AM to NOON. Followed by a BBQ and second game if the numbers support. It's an opportunity to play a non-competitive game with some of your fellow players in the league. Similar to an Allstar game, but without the ESPN coverage or fan voting. The BBQ will feature lots of food, drink and an opportunity to purchase/order league merchandise. Contact your manager for more information.
 

May Highlights

After a long winter the 2015 Maine Woods 45 season started without a hitch on May 2nd. The season opener was a rematch of the 2014 championship game and featured a moment of silence for our good friend Pete Connors who passed away this past winter. The Dodgers prevailed over the Pirates and went on to be undefeated for the month of May. Surprisingly rain was not a big factor for the month with only one weekend being a total washout. Hopefully June will be as kind.

Giants Recap:
The Giants didn't manage a victory in May but it wasn't for lack of trying. Team morale remains high and team chemistry is still one of their strengths. One thing for sure, they look great in the new uniforms. This season they will be sporting new black and orange jerseys with plenty of orange accents by way of socks and shirts. Thanks go out to John Coray (Pirates) and Walt Foster (Cubs) of Champs Screenprinting for making the Giants look sharp.

Dodgers Recap:
The Dodgers finished May 3-0 for the first time in many years. They were sparked by the great defense and pitching of rookie Andy Riordan. Larry Murphy and Billy Barron have also pitched very well. The offense is getting contributions from Ben Johnson, Barron, and Simpson(who connected for his first HR of his career). They look forward to continuing the winning streak in June.

Braves, Cubs, Cardinals, and Pirates Recaps:
Did not make it in time for publication.  Maybe next month.
Current Standings
                        W          L       Played  
CUBS 2   1   3    
PIRATES 2   1   3    
CARDINALS 1   2   3
W          L       Played    
DODGERS 3   0   3    
BRAVES 1   2   3    
GIANTS 0   3   3    
May Snapshots

Today's Quote

" Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing."

-- Warren Spahn --

MW45 Merchandise


Show your support for Maine Woods 45 and help spread the word about your Midcoast Maine Men's Baseball League. Order an item listed below or get the league logo added to your own gear.
Email mainewoods45@gmail.com for more details or to place an order.

Stickers: $2.00 (stickers are 4" round)
Hats: $15.00
Mugs: $8.00
T-shirts: $18.00
Sweatshirts: $28.00
Logo On Your Item: $8.00 each

MW45 merchandising is a not-for-profit venture. It's primarily a league marketing tool and all profits, minus administrative and shipping costs, will be used to offset league expenses.

 
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Our email address is:  mainewoods45@gmail.com
 
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