Wednesdays at UFCU Disch-Falk Field present an unusual scene.
Shirtless, the pitchers for the Texas Longhorns occupy the infield positions around the diamond and field ground balls, working on their athleticism and ability to make throws from different angles, reflecting pitching coach Max Weiner’s emphasis on throwing from a variety of arm slots.
Playing four games a week presents few opportunities to practice during the condensed college baseball season, so Weiner makes the most of his chances to improve his protege’s fielding acumen.
In an orthodox sport with a remarkably limited number of on-field outcomes, finding ways to produce an edge is difficult, but Weiner has done it by training his pitchers like infielders.