The outfield was soggy in spots and the base paths were muddy due to intermittent rain showers at Rhododendron Park Sunday morning.

However, the enthusiasm shown by a group of young baseball players, each with high hopes of earning a position on a Little League majors team for the upcoming season, made the inclement weather a bit more tolerable.

Sunday was the second day of Little League tryouts in Coupeville and about 25 candidates were eager to show off their skills for league director Bob Martin and his staff of coaches in hopes of moving up from minors to majors.

Martin had the group divided and action was taking place on two fields. While one group worked on their fielding skills, the other group practiced hitting against the pitching machine.

Dalton Martin was working hard on his hitting, getting his timing back after almost a year’s layoff and relearning where the strike zone was.

A minors veteran from the 2006 season, he put the metal on the ball a couple of times, smacking line drives into the outfield.

When asked what his favorite position is, the 9-year-old thought a moment before replying.

“I play all over, but I guess I like the outfield the best,” he said.

Major League outfielders, one Seattle Mariner in particular, were popular among the group doing field drills.

Ryan Freeman and Jourdan Clark both said Ichiro is their favorite player.

“He’s really good,” the 10-year-old Clark, who said he liked to pitch, remarked.

Sebastian Davis said he is also a pitcher, but is another big Ichiro fan.

Clay Riley said he played in the Rookie League last year and is also hoping to move up to the “big time” this season.

“Me, I’m a first baseman,” he

said. “I like playing first base best

of all.”

Ten-year-old Carson Risner, who coach Martin said can play just about any position, named Randy Johnson as being his favorite major league player. He was surprised when he learned Johnson would be wearing a different color pinstripe uniform this season after being traded from the Yankees to the Arizona Diamondbacks .

Risner who said he was a catcher, has a lot of talent and a good pair of hands, and could probably get his glove on “Mr. Snappy” when “The Big Unit” cuts the pitch loose.

A final tryout is being held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at Rhododendron Park.

Players will be drafted and placed on teams beginning March 3, and opening day for the Coupeville Little League is Sunday, April 1.