Like so many fans, I cannot wait for Spring Training.  As a player, I love that work and practice that goes in to being a baseball player.  Working on the skills of hitting, fielding and running are so much more fun when it is organized and with purpose.  Here are some pictures of past spring training camps that show some of the hard work that goes into being a professional baseball player:

Turning the double play

Turning the Double Play from the 2nd base side is on of the most difficult feats on the diamond.

The 2nd basemen has to get to the base earlier and be ready for any type of throw. Stepping towards the throw with opposite foot on the bag, the 2nd baseman cannot think about the runner bearing down on him.  Getting at least one out is the key to the play. Making a smooth transfer of the ball to the throwing hand then lets the 2nd baseman make a strong throw to first.  Notice in the pictures that the basemen are ignoring the runners and concentrating on the throw.  6-4-3.

Grabbin' seams

Sounds nasty doesn't it!  Here is David Wright of the Mets making an off balance throw to first.  Notice he has his whole right hand around the baseball.  He is trying to "grab" as many of the seams on the baseball to insure an accurate throw.  Coaches will teach catchers, infielders and outfielders to throw a baseball across the 4 seams to keep it from tailing and to bounce true.  In this case, Wright has to grab as many of the seams on the baseball quickly and is almost throwing off balance with a "change-up" grip.  As the ball leaves his hand he will have to compensate for the angle of his body to the first baseman and throw a little left of the bag.  This will bring the ball around to the first baseman and get the runner.  So the next time you are throwing the baseball make sure you are "grabbin' seams".

Staying Behind the Ball.

 Here you see Russell Martin of the Yankees staying "behind" and getting his hands "inside" the ball for a hit.  Firm front leg and the back knee is turning inward to get the hips moving into the swing.  The Power is turned on.

What's wrong with Albert?

Hitters know and understand that hitting is very, very difficult under the best of circumstances.  Albert Pujols signed the big contract so every Angels fan wants him to produce NOW!!  It does look like he is pressing and not very comfortable.  However, he will get hot and the hits, homeruns and RBIs will start coming in bunches.  Keep the Faith Albert!

The Follow Through

After making contact with the ball, it is important to keep the momentum of the swing going "through" the ball. Here is a great view of Buster Posey hitting through the baseball:

The Chase Utley Swing

The sweet left handed swing of Chase Utley lended power and grace to hitting a baseball.  Utley has been on the DL since the beginning of the season and currently on extended spring training: