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Post by IrishNY on May 22, 2009 22:46:55 GMT -5
Much appreciated...proper mechanics are critical...my guys have fantastic mechanics but they just haven't spotted their two or four seamers very well...my "ace" gets so anxious that he starts digging a hole on the mound...first time he did it I called time walked out there smiling and asked if needed a shovel, kid started cracking up and than proceeded to throw strikes after that That's some funny stuff right there!! ;D Thanks I try to keep the pitchers loose...when I see them get tired, I usual walk out to there and ask them dumb questions...like something out of Bull Durham..."what are you having for lunch after the game?" Is it supposed to rain later and than I look around or something...LMAO...always make them laugh and ask like...."what did you just ask me coach?" eventhough they know exactly what my inane ? was
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Post by IrishNY on May 22, 2009 22:49:15 GMT -5
I teach our kids to throw a cut-fastball. It forces the seams down but the arm action is the same as a fastball. No harm to the arm...and another weapon for them. I will keep that in mind...I am gonna make sure they get better mastery of thr two and four seemer before we try the cut fastball but I'll take your advise on it and mix it in...Thanks off to bed so we can make sure and have a great day.
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Post by BTB07 on May 24, 2009 22:49:35 GMT -5
Tonight was pretty cool. We had an assistant coach from Wake Forest who went to a local high school, come out and help us out for a while. Showed us a couple of new drills, and sometimes a different voice is helpful. He was about 28 years old and the kids could imagine him still playing (he played in the minors for a while) and they were asking for his autograph and stuff, pretty funny. Hopefully they got something out of it.
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Post by BTB07 on May 26, 2009 10:06:09 GMT -5
Went on a tour of a bat factory yesterday (it is in Central Ohio). The Phoenix bat company let us into their production area, finishing area, and gave us a couple of bats.
One of the bats that was ready to ship was for Miguel Carbrera (the monster for the Tigers). That thing was a big ole piece of lumber, and it was fairly heavy.
I think we are going to get the kids batting practice bats with their names on them. The barrells will be smaller than their aluminum bats, and the feedback on how well they are hitting will be more realistic.
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Post by tophb21 on May 26, 2009 10:51:18 GMT -5
Went on a tour of a bat factory yesterday (it is in Central Ohio). The Phoenix bat company let us into their production area, finishing area, and gave us a couple of bats. One of the bats that was ready to ship was for Miguel Carbrera (the monster for the Tigers). That thing was a big ole piece of lumber, and it was fairly heavy. I think we are going to get the kids batting practice bats with their names on them. The barrells will be smaller than their aluminum bats, and the feedback on how well they are hitting will be more realistic. That's some cool stuff right there BTB.
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Post by BTB07 on May 26, 2009 14:41:52 GMT -5
It was awesome. They have a machine that takes the billet of wood and cuts it to the proper size and shape, during the process the machine also sands the bat. After that is done (about 3 minutes/bat) it is taken to the longer process of applying finish and burning the lettering on the bat.
The youth bats are about 40-50 bucks. They do not offer a composite in the youth lengths though (waste of the composite billet I assume).
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Post by BTB07 on May 28, 2009 10:29:09 GMT -5
Ok I am going to sound like an ass here...
One kid on the team broke his fingers trying to catch the ball on the outside of his glove to turn a double play. He didn't do it right and broke his finger. Well since he has done that he has not been showing up to practice at the right time.
His dad is also an assistant coach, and has been making me very upset. When injured he should be working on another part of his game, and helping his teammates. Not showing up on time makes me want to treat him the same way when he returns to action.
His dad doesn't seem worried about it...and kid has been joking around and distracting the other players when he is there. Just aggravated me a little...
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Post by tophb21 on May 28, 2009 22:00:05 GMT -5
Ok I am going to sound like an ass here... One kid on the team broke his fingers trying to catch the ball on the outside of his glove to turn a double play. He didn't do it right and broke his finger. Well since he has done that he has not been showing up to practice at the right time. His dad is also an assistant coach, and has been making me very upset. When injured he should be working on another part of his game, and helping his teammates. Not showing up on time makes me want to treat him the same way when he returns to action. His dad doesn't seem worried about it...and kid has been joking around and distracting the other players when he is there. Just aggravated me a little... Nope. You're not an ass. I had a stress fracture in my left thumb during the preseason of my senior year. I was out for 3 weeks and still showed up and did all of the conditioning that I could. Then I served as an ump for the simulated game sessions that the other pitchers had and charted pitches during the preseason games. Just b/c your hurt doesn't mean that you're not part of the team. His dad of all people should understand that.
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Post by BTB07 on May 29, 2009 8:21:01 GMT -5
Well at least I am not the only one. The kids dad is a bit of a doofus and I can hardly stand the guy. You know the guy who is there just to coach his kid? Yeah that is him. The kid just got his cast off, and yesterday I heard his dad say to be careful with your hand probably 100 times in 2 hour practice. Driving me nuts...
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Post by tophb21 on May 29, 2009 11:45:38 GMT -5
Well at least I am not the only one. The kids dad is a bit of a doofus and I can hardly stand the guy. You know the guy who is there just to coach his kid? Yeah that is him. The kid just got his cast off, and yesterday I heard his dad say to be careful with your hand probably 100 times in 2 hour practice. Driving me nuts... I know that guy. Typically parents who coach their own kid's teams are like that though.
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Post by BTB07 on May 29, 2009 15:50:32 GMT -5
Yup that is what is aggrevating. I want all the kids to get better (not just my brother). I am not a parent so I guess I can't see his side. But our other coaches are parents (my dad and another dad helps) and neither of them act like that.
Anyways...just got some bad news. We are playing a bad team tonight. Unfortunately our best pitcher is going to have to pitch. His grandpa has to have a surgery and postponed the surgery a day to come watch him pitch...that means I HAVE to pitch him.
Won't be around much this weekend. Hopefully IrishNY updates us on his situation soon!
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Post by tophb21 on May 29, 2009 18:36:47 GMT -5
Yup that is what is aggrevating. I want all the kids to get better (not just my brother). I am not a parent so I guess I can't see his side. But our other coaches are parents (my dad and another dad helps) and neither of them act like that. Anyways...just got some bad news. We are playing a bad team tonight. Unfortunately our best pitcher is going to have to pitch. His grandpa has to have a surgery and postponed the surgery a day to come watch him pitch...that means I HAVE to pitch him. Won't be around much this weekend. Hopefully IrishNY updates us on his situation soon! Well sometimes there are just things that are more important than sports. Who knows how long his grandparents will be able to come to his games. I know that you could probably say that about a lot of kids, but I'm sure you'll make do.
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Post by BTB07 on May 30, 2009 0:24:38 GMT -5
Well we beat them 12-1 and it was kinda ugly.
He started and pitched three near perfect innings (1 walk and 5 K's). The same kid just missed a HR by about 3 feet (he already gave his earlier HR ball, his first of his life, to his grandpa which made him tear up). Good stuff IMO. I felt kinda bad for the overpowered hitters (but then saw his grandpa in the stands and wasn't worried about the other teams feelings anymore). It looks like they caught it early and hopefully they can get rid of the cancer and he will be be able to come to a lot more games.
Got 4 guys on the hill tonight in 6 innings. 2 hits and 2 walks. Not too bad.
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 2, 2009 22:14:32 GMT -5
Wow the last couple of nights we have played very poorly. The last 2 nights we have played the same team 3 times. 2 league games and 1 non-league game.
We went 2-1 but had to come back in the last inning to beat the team on walk-off hits. The other game was lost by 2. The number of errors has been too high.
It is about tournament time, and it is a bit disconcerting that we are not playing as well as we should right now.
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 10:55:46 GMT -5
I went to one of my wife's friend's son's game the other night. I think they were 11 year olds. It was the first time her friend's son pitched. He's tall and lanky for his age and has some solid potential, but his mechanics needed a lot of work. Not sure his coaches can help him that much with them though. I told her friend that if he was serious about pitching, that I'd be more than glad to help. The frustrating fact was that b/t the two teams 5 pitchers pitched. They all attempted to throw breaking pitches and none had any clue about location or mechanics. I blame that on coaching. Just thought I'd share.
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Post by MIZ-SIU on Jun 3, 2009 11:02:40 GMT -5
Breaking pitches at 11 years old. I am just shaking my head. How could their coach let them do that
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 11:45:53 GMT -5
Breaking pitches at 11 years old. I am just shaking my head. How could their coach let them do that I agree whole heartedly and it is one of my biggest pet peeves in youth sports if not the biggest. It does seem to be fairly prevelent, though.
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 3, 2009 12:11:07 GMT -5
It sounds like you can help him out Toph. Breaking pitches at 11 years old. I am just shaking my head. How could their coach let them do that I agree whole heartedly and it is one of my biggest pet peeves in youth sports if not the biggest. It does seem to be fairly prevelent, though. It is all too prevalent. Our team sees a lot of other teams trying to throw different pitches, and the most difficult thing to see is a kid who can't throw a fastball for a strike on a regular basis trying to slow mechanics to throw a breaking pitch. All our kids throw a cutter. But it is much closer to a slider (only pressure on the seam of a 2 seam fastball, thrown the same as a fastball). It doesn't mean all that much, but the change of speed, and the comfortable nature of the pitch makes it effective. Location is the most important thing anyways...
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Post by IrishNY on Jun 3, 2009 15:00:06 GMT -5
Yup throwing strikes and location are key. I have been working very closely with the pitchers and it seems to be paying off. Well at least during the last game We played last Staurday and lost 23-12...way too many errors. It really affected the pitchers as they tried to be perfect. Anyhow I was proud of the kids as we were down 10-0 but didn't give up. Monday night - we finally won. We are now 1-6. I was so happy for the kids as they were ecstatic...the parenst were happy too BTB - some parents are really annoying but I let them know from the start that if they are going to help...they help all the kids and do what I say...haven't had too many problems, only one douche bag a few years ago who refused to listen...
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 16:40:43 GMT -5
It sounds like you can help him out Toph. I agree whole heartedly and it is one of my biggest pet peeves in youth sports if not the biggest. It does seem to be fairly prevelent, though. It is all too prevalent. Our team sees a lot of other teams trying to throw different pitches, and the most difficult thing to see is a kid who can't throw a fastball for a strike on a regular basis trying to slow mechanics to throw a breaking pitch. All our kids throw a cutter. But it is much closer to a slider (only pressure on the seam of a 2 seam fastball, thrown the same as a fastball). It doesn't mean all that much, but the change of speed, and the comfortable nature of the pitch makes it effective. Location is the most important thing anyways... Couldn't agree more. IrishNY, Congrats on the victory! Keep 'em coming!
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 3, 2009 16:44:43 GMT -5
Right now I think some of our struggles (playing poorly even when winning) is getting some of the parents down. The kids have bought into the idea of bunting to get runners over, etc. But the cheers from the sidelines are minimal when a good sac bunt is laid down (lack of understanding?).
A couple of the kids are probably a little too soft, or undetermined to play travel baseball at this level based on their attitudes, and their reluctance to work to get better (its obvious who works even a little on their own).
It probably isn't as big a problem as I think and we are still 17-5 and have a winning record in our league. But a lack of effort is something that really bothers me. Makes me look like a chump as a coach.
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 3, 2009 16:56:01 GMT -5
Can't believe I forgot to say Congrats to Irish! Keep working with um, bud, it sounds like you are doing a great job, and the kids are having a great time. Congrats, and keep the improvement (remind them of improvement over results). Doing it the right way, even if the results don't work out is far more important anyways. (this coming from a guy who can't stand that they don't keep score in some little league games, etc.).
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 17:25:00 GMT -5
Right now I think some of our struggles (playing poorly even when winning) is getting some of the parents down. The kids have bought into the idea of bunting to get runners over, etc. But the cheers from the sidelines are minimal when a good sac bunt is laid down (lack of understanding?). A couple of the kids are probably a little too soft, or undetermined to play travel baseball at this level based on their attitudes, and their reluctance to work to get better (its obvious who works even a little on their own). It probably isn't as big a problem as I think and we are still 17-5 and have a winning record in our league. But a lack of effort is something that really bothers me. Makes me look like a chump as a coach. You can only lead a horse to the trough....can't necessarily make them drink. Not an indictment of your abilities, I don't think. Most parents don't truly understand the fundamentals of the game, so getting them to encourage their kids in that aspect may difficult. 17-5 is nothing to sneeze at. I'm sure IrishNY would love a winning record. Irish, you know that wasn't a stab at you or your kids.
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 3, 2009 17:30:26 GMT -5
That has got me thinking Toph. Some of the kids may have reached their ceiling. Some may not be as interested, and those are the kids that are not cut out for a high level of travel baseball, which is fine.
Some of the kids that don't work on getting better are falling behind, and it is becoming more and more obvious.
I keep track of the stats, and know how many PA's, IP's each player has. All our kids are within 15 PA's of each other (minus the two who broke their hands). All our kids have pitched at least 7 innings, and none more than 16. The thing is it is starting to be unfair to the guys who are working on their game, and the others are not and are letting them down.
Guess I just didn't expect it out of the group of kids we have. Also didn't expect the parents to be whiners about everything (whether vocally to me or another coach, or just to their kids changing the attitude of the team).
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Post by IrishNY on Jun 3, 2009 17:56:30 GMT -5
Can't believe I forgot to say Congrats to Irish! Keep working with um, bud, it sounds like you are doing a great job, and the kids are having a great time. Congrats, and keep the improvement (remind them of improvement over results). Doing it the right way, even if the results don't work out is far more important anyways. (this coming from a guy who can't stand that they don't keep score in some little league games, etc.). You said Congrats in an earlier post...no worries. I tell the kids all the time it's about the effort and doing things the right way... positive results will hopefully follow
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Post by IrishNY on Jun 3, 2009 18:00:33 GMT -5
Right now I think some of our struggles (playing poorly even when winning) is getting some of the parents down. The kids have bought into the idea of bunting to get runners over, etc. But the cheers from the sidelines are minimal when a good sac bunt is laid down (lack of understanding?). A couple of the kids are probably a little too soft, or undetermined to play travel baseball at this level based on their attitudes, and their reluctance to work to get better (its obvious who works even a little on their own). It probably isn't as big a problem as I think and we are still 17-5 and have a winning record in our league. But a lack of effort is something that really bothers me. Makes me look like a chump as a coach. You can only lead a horse to the trough....can't necessarily make them drink. Not an indictment of your abilities, I don't think. Most parents don't truly understand the fundamentals of the game, so getting them to encourage their kids in that aspect may difficult. 17-5 is nothing to sneeze at. I'm sure IrishNY would love a winning record. Irish, you know that wasn't a stab at you or your kids. Top, I didn't take it as such...my kids would love to have a winning record. I am very proud of the fact that my kids haven't given up...effort is something I stress all the time....I tell the kids to have fun but play smart and give a good effort
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 18:08:19 GMT -5
You can only lead a horse to the trough....can't necessarily make them drink. Not an indictment of your abilities, I don't think. Most parents don't truly understand the fundamentals of the game, so getting them to encourage their kids in that aspect may difficult. 17-5 is nothing to sneeze at. I'm sure IrishNY would love a winning record. Irish, you know that wasn't a stab at you or your kids. Top, I didn't take it as such...my kids would love to have a winning record. I am very proud of the fact that my kids haven't given up...effort is something I stress all the time....I tell the kids to have fun but play smart and give a good effort That's all you can ask for man!! I know the Little League team that I played on sucked big time. If I didn't strike the batter out, chances they weren't getting out. I realized at a young age that I couldn't do it all and just went out and tried my best and had fun. Hopefully your kids do to. Eventually they'll get it going.
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 18:11:31 GMT -5
That has got me thinking Toph. Some of the kids may have reached their ceiling. Some may not be as interested, and those are the kids that are not cut out for a high level of travel baseball, which is fine. Some of the kids that don't work on getting better are falling behind, and it is becoming more and more obvious. I keep track of the stats, and know how many PA's, IP's each player has. All our kids are within 15 PA's of each other (minus the two who broke their hands). All our kids have pitched at least 7 innings, and none more than 16. The thing is it is starting to be unfair to the guys who are working on their game, and the others are not and are letting them down. Guess I just didn't expect it out of the group of kids we have. Also didn't expect the parents to be whiners about everything (whether vocally to me or another coach, or just to their kids changing the attitude of the team). Hardest part about coaching young kids-teenagers is there parents. Most often they are worse than the kids. As far as kids hitting a ceiling, being disinterested, etc., that will happen at that age. At this point many are playing because their parents want them to be active in something. The kids that are really good will continue to progress and move on. Now for it being a competitive travel team, I would hope the parents aren't putting their kids through this and putting forth all the effort, if they have an inkling that the kids may not have the dedication that a team like this may require.
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Post by BTB07 on Jun 3, 2009 20:27:50 GMT -5
I would have a beer with any of the parents, and have. However, when they start complaining about how the coaching staff is doing (ex. one guy was upset that I yelled at his kid at the end of the game, and said I was yelling at him more than any other, not the case at all). As a matter of fact, I am the toughest on my little brother, and he knows it, and knows that I have to be (my dad does the same I always tell him that he has to be the example, because after the game we go home and I can talk to him about it later, and let him know what I really think. I think some have reached the ceiling, and think that some are unable to handle the 'pressure' that is put on by their parents, along with the high expectations of us as coaches. Thanks toph, sometimes need a sounding board for all this stuff... ;D
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Post by tophb21 on Jun 3, 2009 20:30:59 GMT -5
Any time man. Like I've said before, I'd wish I had the time to coach. Watching that game the other night really made me realize it.
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