Here In Mesa: Oakland A's Set Sights On Spring Training in Low-Stakes Environment

Oakland A's Instructional League Report: Settling in
Oakland A's Athletic Story

Kimberly Contreras

Monday at 1:03

MESA, AZ -- Kimberly Contreras checks in with her first report from the Oakland A's 2016 fall Instructional League camp.

Ask anyone who participates and they’ll tell you Instructs is the best time of year. Players and development staff alike value the four-plus weeks of evaluation, competition and comradery all in a low-stakes environment. It’s a wonderful way to wrap up the season and set sights on spring training

Players invited to participate in Instructs (also referred to as the Fall Instructional League) typically come from three areas:

rookies or minor leaguers who’ve just completed their first full season of professional baseball,

farmhands who spent ample time on the disabled list during the season and need to make up innings or at-bats, and

international free agent signers . . .

From the first day of camp, each staff member assumes an active, hands-on role; whether it’s throwing batting practice, hitting fungos, coaching first base or assisting in the outfield, every staff member contributes. When it’s game time, the hard-working coaches turn into reinforcement vocal supporters (cheerleaders) led by the man who often says his job title is “Special Assistant to Keith Lieppman”, Grady Fuson. The no-nonsense guru is a natural teacher who knows each players’ challenges and is the first to reinforce growth and improvement. Nowhere else do you see men of his stature with other teams as engaged and personalized in their encouragement of players regardless of the round they were drafted. The same is true with pitching coordinator, Gil Patterson. Before I met him, years ago, I thought Gil was a father of one of the pitchers – just wasn’t sure which one. He was nurturing, supportive, and invested in their progress. It’s the same thing I see today. Advantage: Baby A’s.
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