In defense of strength up the middle

Sporting News, The, Oct 6, 1997 by David Falkner

If you want to get a feel for how important the game in the middle of the field really is, especially at this time of year, put yourself in the mind of Cal Ripken for a moment. Ripken is completing a sore-backed season at third, one spot over from his old position. Silver-haired and diplomatic though he surely is, you can hear the edge of yearning in his voice when he talks about the game he left behind, a game where once he called every pitch for his team from his lair in the 6-hole. "It's been a huge challenge or me to learn third base all over again, and I've enjoyed it," he says. "But I mean there are times when you see hit-and-run situations develop, when you get into those situations where you can have an impact in the middle ... and, sure, you can see all of that while the responsibilities you have at third force you stay focused on what you're doing. The action is in the middle of the field. Defense begins with your pitchers and then goes to the players who back them up."

Especially in October when the game, more than ever, is likely to be in the middle of the field.