Touching the Bases With Nate Eastman: The First Oneonta Experience

In my first game back in Oneonta wasn’t one of my best games that I’ve ever had but certainly was one of the best environments that I have ever had the privilege to play in front of. It’s been a long time since I’ve had familiar faces in the crowd and on the opposing team. Our game on Friday vs. the Outlaws was rained out, but we were able to play our games on Oneonta scheduled on Saturday

On Saturday right off the bat I had a warm welcome from the Oneonta crowd after my name was announced in the pre game ceremonies. I was batting 4th for my team and playing first and I was extremely excited for the opportunity that was presented to me.

In the first inning of the game we had a couple unlucky breaks after the Outlaws peppered a couple hits down the lines along with an error from me in the field trying to receive a double play ball from second. It took a couple of innings for me to get a more comfortable feeling and shake off some nerves before I settled in.

I also didn’t have the best day at the plate going 0-3 in that but looking back, that didn’t put a damper on my day in the slightest. I couldn’t have been any happier being at Damaschke Field playing in front of all my friends and neighbors who all were rooting for me. Even though I didn’t have the best day on the diamond it’s certainly something that meant a lot to me and it’s a day Ill never forget.

After the loss on Saturday night it didn't sit very well with our team that we were 0-4 in the first four games. I sat out in Sunday's game as the Silversmiths got their first win of the 2013 year. Even though I didn't get to play in the big, It was nice to be able to have a day off and to talk with some teammates in between innings and on the bench.

When I usually sit on the bench I like to still be involved in the game in some way whether its keeping the stat book, warming up the corner outfield, or running down to the bullpen to relay a message from the manager. I'm thrilled for our first win and it was nice to get some revenge on the Outlaws after they beat us the night before.

Even though I had a tough outing in my return to Oneonta, I have to keep a short memory in baseball and move on from the game before whether it was good or bad. The good news is I still get three more opportunities to play in Oneonta this summer to look forward too.