Panthers Fall to Majors
6/10/2009

You think playing first base is easy? Not a crucial infield post, you say? Talk to Kitchener Panthers' first sacker Mat Taube, who's learning the position this Intercounty Baseball League season.


"It's different than what I'm used to," said Taube, following the Panthers' 3-1 loss to the London Majors yesterday at Jack Couch Park. "I'm used to up-the-middle." Taube, 23, played third, short and second growing up in Kitchener. He put in 24 games at second for the Panthers last season, piling up 11 errors. This year, he got shifted to first to keep his lineup spot.


Playing first is mentally demanding. "I've got to always be aware where the ball is," said Taube, who has three homers this season for the 5-6 (won-lost) Panthers. "I can't really just sit back and just let everyone do their job now. I've got to be a part of every play."


Yesterday, Taube took one grounder off his body to get an out. He juggled another ball but made the play. Later, he jumped high to catch an wild Mike Andrulis throw from short. Taube found the base with his foot in time to get the out. "I'm getting used to it now," said Taube, who scored Kitchener's only run against London (6-6).


On Wednesday, Taube drove in the winner in Kitchener's 10-9 ten-inning victory at Toronto. He hit a three-run homer in Friday's 13-5 loss at Brantford. He also homered, had four hits in a 6-5 victory at Mississauga on Saturday. "I'm seeing the ball well and going with it," said Taube, who twice hit the ball hard to right field yesterday only to have an in-blowing breeze knock them down. The Panthers visit Guelph tomorrow before hosting Hamilton on Thursday.