During MLB shutdown, Mariners players demonstrating individual drills for kids to try
Baseball is shut down — and not just for the big leaguers.
Minor leaguers, college players, high school players and little leaguers are missing out on playing catch, taking batting practice, fielding ground balls, and everything else that comes along with Amercia’s pastime, during the coronavirus pandemic.
But, the Seattle Mariners are trying to help kids keep baseball in their routines until practices and games resume.
The club has been periodically posting videos on social media of big league players (and coaches and broadcasters) working through individual drills kids (or anyone, really) can try at home while still practicing appropriate social distancing.
The News Tribune will update this page as more drills are posted. Here’s what the Mariners have demonstrated so far:
▪ Mariners first baseman Evan White works on picks, short hops, throwing stance and batting visualizations. Materials needed: Wall, tennis ball, bat.
▪ Mariners right-handed reliever Dan Altavilla works on balance and hand-eye coordination. Materials needed: Wall, two tennis balls, pad or pillow for balancing.
▪ ROOT Sports broadcaster Angie Mentink and sons Chase and Jaxen work on strengthening swings. Materials needed: Bat, tee, basketball.
▪ Mariners outfielder Jake Fraley works on fielding ground balls cleanly. Materials needed: Glove, baseball.
▪ ROOT Sports broadcaster Brad Adam and his daughters work on lateral quickness and fielding. Materials needed: Baseball or softball. Optional: Glove, resistance band.
▪ Mariners right-handed reliever Austin Adams works on squats and lunges as he continues ACL rehab. Materials needed: Bench, couch or table.
▪ Mariners infielder Jose Marmolejos works on defensive drills. Materials needed: Glove, baseball.
▪ Mariners minor league hitting coordinator Hugh Quattlebaum and son Broxon working on adjusting to different pitching speeds. Materials needed: Baseballs or Wiffle balls, bat, three plate markers.
▪ Mariners minor league field coordinator Tony Arnerich and kids work on fielding and throwing stance. Materials needed: Glove, tennis ball.
▪ Mariners right-handed reliever Art Warren works on pitching repetition. Materials needed: Glove, baseball, long sock, tape.
▪ Mariners right-handed reliever Matt Magill works on pitching mechanics and muscle memory. Materials needed: Glove, baseball, mirror or reflective window.
▪ Mariners right-handed reliever Yohan Ramirez works on delivery mechanics. Materials needed: Glove.
▪ Mariners bench coach Jared Sandberg, an Olympia native, and his daughter and son work on hitting mechanics. Materials needed: Bat, tee, balls of different weights, net or sheet hung up to catch the ball.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 6:00 PM.
