The broken index finger on Cody Vigue’s right hand isn’t even a nuisance at this point. As a matter of fact, the Skowhegan Area High School graduate is using the injury as a teaching tool.
With the tip of the finger mashed, Vigue — Thomas College’s starting center fielder — has to focus on using the proper grip to make the throws from the outfield.
“It makes me focus on the four-seam grip,” Vigue said.
The injury happened when Vigue dove to try and make a catch, and it caused him to miss the final three games of Thomas’ trip to Arizona. Upon returning to Maine, coach Greg King moved Vigue to the top of the Terriers’ order. In the six games since the move, Vigue is hitting .300 with four runs, five RBIs and five doubles.
“The kid’s just a phenomenal player, probably the most athletic player on our team,” King said. “His arm is as good as any in Division III. He has a funky little swing, but he gets the job done.”
Vigue is more of a free swinger than a traditional leadoff hitter, but King said the sophomore’s positives outweigh any concerns.
“Cody is a good contact guy. He doesn’t strike out that much,” King said.
Now in his second year of college baseball, Vigue feels more at ease with the game.
“Last year, it was so fast. I had to get used to that in the outfield. The ball comes off the bat a little faster,” Vigue said. “I feel like the game is coming a little slower to me.”
Vigue’s injury was the result of what King calls his best asset, his hustle. The ball Vigue was hurt trying to catch was a lazy popup behind second base.
“It nearly tore his fingernail off,” King said. “He plays all out, full speed in everything.”
The injury is one reason Vigue hasn’t pitched this season.
“I want to be 100 percent before I get on the mound,” Vigue said.
Added King: “Until he can start throwing breaking pitches, I’m not ready to have him pitch.”
It’s not just Vigue’s hand that’s keeping him off the mound. Injuries to other Terriers have made King less apt to remove Vigue from the top of the order.
“He could be a good closer type, but we have too many injuries,” King said. “I couldn’t take him out of the lineup.”
Friday’s doubleheader sweep at the hands of North Atlantic Conference rival Husson dropped Thomas’ record to 7-12. Of the Terriers remaining 20 games, 10 are NAC contests.
Vigue has goals for the rest of the season, chief among them helping the Terriers reach the conference tournament.
“I want to get quicker with my hands at bat, and keep helping the team,” Vigue said.
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com
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