Making The Adjustment,
By Maddie Polanco (Manager)
Cassadaigua held a special place in my heart before I even put on this uniform, and it always would have even if I didn’t wear it. Being able to be a part of my home country’s World Baseball Classic 40 win was something I will cherish forever. Super-Llamaland is my homeland, and we did great things last time out. We won the group, and then knocked off some very good teams in the playoffs, especially the later rounds. In the semifinals, we were up against a tough team from Newmanistan who had one of the best pitchers in the game going against us. But I knew that we would not be intimidated. Courtney Duvall put up great numbers during qualifying, but she never pitched against us before. She did well, but we just did a little better. Our reward for eliminating Newmanistan was to play Schiltzberg in the finals. It was surreal, because we were looking for our fourth title, and had to go through both four-time champions in order to do that. Beating Schiltzberg was really special, as it was a matter of payback from World Baseball Classic 37.
During the playoffs, I had been talking to the Cassadagan Association for Baseball, with the blessing from my own nation. It had always been my dream to coach a team at this level, as I always knew that I could. All those late nights a player, studying the pitchers trends, to the work I did as a bench coach, using every possible statistic I could get my hands on. I put my name out there as interested, and I wondered who would possibly give me a phone call. I figured that I might get some aspiring new nations that would express their interest. That’s not how it played out. My first call was from another three-time World Baseball Classic champion. It could not have been an easier decision. It was a perfect fit, almost a too good to be true fit. At the time, we hadn’t won the title quite yet with Super-Llamaland, so the thrill to go to another three time champion was amazing. I knew the country since we were playing there, and culturally, it’s about as good of a fit as a woman could ask for. CAB told me that the current manager was retiring, so I would not be stepping on anyone’s toes, and then they let me finish out my business with the Tigers.
I was able to enjoy countless evenings after the series win against Schiltzberg with my team. It was truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of it. After a couple weeks, the reality of my new undertaking began to set in. I would be coaching a team from a new nation, and I could not wait to get started! At first, I was doing just what I had done before, scouting the players, getting familiar with and looking at how I can maximize the ability of players. We held practices in Concord Heights, and it was a joy. I was proud to be part of this new team, but even at this stage, it did not feel a whole lot different. I had prepared for many World Baseball Classics, and this was just feeling like any other one for a while.
When the groups were drawn, it began to set in. It was time to go to business, and there was Schiltzberg sitting there in our group. I looked over all the groups, checked for my beloved Tigers, and then thought about the mission that I was taking on with the Dagans. A three time champion, looking to win a fourth. Sounds like something I just got finished doing! I liked the group draw a lot, because there was a chance we could be drawn with Super-Llamaland, and I really didn’t want to have to face them so soon, as they still hold a place in my heart. They are in another group, so I can freely wish them the best unless we meet in the playoffs. Even better, I know my old fans are still my fans, because I know they want us to beat Schiltzberg.
The first game was a little relaxing, playing in a new nation known as Azadeshia, and being able to put a four-spot on the board in the top of the first inning definitely made me feel good. We executed in the game brilliantly, just the way I had envisioned it. Now, all the jitters were gone, with the 12-2 win behind us. I knew I could do this, and I knew I had a great team to do it with. Next up was our home opener against Devonta, and this proved to be more of a challenge, but we expected that. It was a dogfight in the early innings, but I was really proud of how we hung in there, and pulled it out in the end.
Next stop: Schiltzberg. This is what it was all about. From the beginning, I knew one of the big reasons that I was brought in here by CAB was to be able to put Cassadaigua over the up from being a very good team to being a championship team. Schiltzberg had the better of the Dagans, but I had the better of Schiltzberg. Did I have secret game plan? No, but it’s one of those mental things. Someone keeps beating you, it can start to play with your head that they have your number. But when you bring in someone who’s beaten them, then not only do feel better, but you are exceptionally confident because you want to show them that things will be different this time. No magic game plan, just mental confidence, and were able to get the 5-3 win. There will be five more meetings, but we know now that we can win this group. How great would that be?
I’m so thrilled to have won my first three games as the head coach, and to have done with this great team. There are many more games ahead, but we look forward to all challenges!
