Small College Opener

In looking at the calendar from last year, I really jumped in to the College Phase with both feet. There was the opener in Riverside and trip to Long Beach that first weekend, then it was straight into the two Powerhouse Weekends. This year, however, I seem to be easing in to the College Phase starting with some Small College action before the big boys start playing. While I'm always down for the power matchups with the big-time programs, there is something refreshing about seeing a Small College game. By easing in to this phase of the season, I'm really getting the opportunity to savor the relaxation and chillness of these Small College games before the high-intensity of the D1 games, Spring Training, and the professional season.

My Small College Opener was on the campus of Riverside City College to see the RCC Tigers play host to the West LA Wildcats. The field is on the outskirts of Downtown Riverside and offers a spectacular view of Mt. Rubidoux, which is a familiar landmark for those familiar with Riverside. There really isn't anything special to the field itself as it has a few small bleachers set up from dugout-to-dugout. There is a press box with bathrooms below it, but no concession stands or ticket booths. The game was fairly well-attended, but I get the feeling that most of the people in attendance were family members of the teams playing.

I got to the park about twenty minutes before first pitch, and while I was getting setup, I couldn't believe just how many professional players had come through RCC. On the outfield wall, the team had put on signs the players that had come through. While there weren't any hall-of-famers up there, I was impressed at the names of a few notable MLB players that I recognized. Players like the recently-deceased Tommy Hanson, Jesse Chavez, Dane De La Rosa, and Delwyn Young. Sure, that isn't really an all-star lineup, but I was impressed that such a small school produced that many MLB players.

While the College Phase is starting small, the game sure was an exciting one. A back-and-forth affair between West LA and RCC culminated in the Tigers plating the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th to beat West LA 8-7.

This was my first game using a new system to score games, which is in practice for my new job that starts in April. Ordinarily, I keep score using my scorebook, but I really only focused on the plays that mattered and did it because it kept my focus on the game. However, with this new system, I have to pay attention on every pitch, track the hits and outs in the field, count pitches, and be more cognizant of substitutions and pitching changes. I was a bit flustered at the beginning of the game because Small College games go real fast because there aren't any promotions or media breaks to get in the way. However, around the fourth inning or so, I hit my stride with the system and started to become more comfortable with it. I do need some more practice with it, so I'll probably continue to use the College games to refine my craft.

I'm taking a break this weekend because of Valentine's and President's Days. I'm spending some time with my girlfriend helping her put new flooring in inside her home. I know, I'm a great boyfriend! I'll be jumping back on the College wagon a week from Friday with the home opener for UC Riverside against Kansas State and then the trip down to San Diego to see my Oregon Ducks play at San Diego State.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)