First-year skipper Alex Mayster gets ready to deliver a pitch during batting practice of the squad’s first training session on Wednesday, April 15, in Northbrook.
As Chicagoans breathlessly proclaim the glory of Scott Darling — he’s from Lemont, dontcha know — and the Blackhawks aim to avoid dropping the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second year in a row, there was a far more dramatic development brewing north of Chicago.
The softball squad’s first depth chart was much-anticipated. Who’s on first, you ask? No need to ask any longer, as the depth chart is finally here.
In a Between the Bylines exclusive, first-year skipper Alex Mayster gave Between the Bylines a sneak peek at the initial depth chart following the team’s first practice session.
Catcher: Lauren/Tahira
First base: Megan Maginity
Second base: Matt Yan
Third base: Matt Bernard
Shortstop: Fouad Egbaria
Left field: Erin Berger
Center field: Joe Coughlin
Right field: Eric DeGrechie
Fourth outfielder: Hope/Nicki
Pitcher: Alex
Veteran Joe Coughlin, as the old song goes, asked Mayster to put him in, proclaiming his readiness to play center field — Mayster listened, as Coughlin appears poised to captain the outfield.
Elsewhere, experienced first baseman Megan Maginity looks to provide stability at first, while Mayster will take the bump on Opening Day.
Only seven players attended the team’s first practice, however, and Mayster noted via text message that the initial depth chart is “subject to change.”
In other words, players who feel comfortable about their position after the first practice shouldn’t rest on their laurels, while others who hoped for a better premiere still have a chance to climb up the depth chart before the season begins in late May.
Stay tuned for a full practice report right here at Between the Bylines.
Wire services/BTB Evanston Bureau
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