Alright, let me tell you about my experience with “ron washington braves”. It all started when I saw a highlight reel of Ron Washington’s coaching. I was like, “Damn, this guy is intense! I gotta see what the fuss is about.”
So, I dove in. First, I started watching old Braves games, focusing on how their infielders moved and reacted. I mean, I really paid attention – the footwork, the glove positioning, everything. I paused the games, rewound them, watched the same play five or six times. I wanted to burn it into my brain.
Next, I started doing the drills. Simple stuff at first. Just fielding ground balls, focusing on getting the right angle and making a clean throw. Then I moved on to more complicated stuff: double plays, slow rollers, backhands… you name it. My backyard looked like a mini-baseball field for a while there.
I hit a wall at one point. My throws were getting wild, my footwork was sloppy. I felt like I was going backward. Frustrated, I almost gave up. But then I remembered something Ron Washington always emphasizes: repetition. “Keep working,” he’d say (well, he’d say it to the Braves players, but I pretended he was talking to me).
So, I kept working. I slowed things down, went back to the basics, and focused on doing everything right, even if it meant taking longer. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. Slowly but surely, my throws got more accurate, my footwork got smoother, and I started feeling more confident.
Here’s a breakdown of the key drills I focused on:
- Ground Ball Fundamentals: Proper fielding position, glove presentation, quick transfer, accurate throw.
- Double Play Turns: Footwork around the bag, smooth transfer, strong throw to first.
- Slow Roller Plays: Charging the ball, barehand catch, quick release.
- Backhand Drills: Footwork to get in position, glove angle, strong throw across the body.
It wasn’t easy, but I learned a ton. I didn’t magically transform into an MLB infielder, but my fielding definitely improved. More importantly, I gained a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to play baseball at a high level. Ron Washington, you’re a legend!
And hey, if you’re looking to improve your own fielding skills, give it a shot. Just remember to be patient, work hard, and never give up. You might surprise yourself.
