Crossing our "T's" ... Breaking Down our Pitching Approach

"Just throw strikes ... don't lose 'em ... you can't walk people," etc., etc.  Here we go again, right?  But the real question is ... how do you do this?

Because the truth is, like hitting, pitching a baseball is difficult.  And improving as a pitcher requires plain hard work.  The time we spend on the mound is the result, the reward, if you will, of a lot of time and banging on our craft. But too often, pitchers want one-step-presto-magic solutions to their ills.  The truth is, that the road to being a good pitcher is paved with lots of hard work, sweat, trial and error, and most of all, throwing the baseball ... over and over ... and over again.  

Throw More. Prepare More.

We simply need to throw more, as in a lot more ... and outside of games. You know that guy who seems like he can "throw every day?"  Well, that guy probably throws about every day. Yet, American youth baseball in general (and select baseball in particular) has emphasized games for games sake over good old preparation, and, as a result, our pitchers are failing to grow and develop while pitching beyond their preparation. This explains, in large part, the simultaneous increase of pitching injuries while pitch counts and even types of pitches are being regulated more all the time. 

In my view, what is needed is more throwing and preparation to pitch in games rather than simply more restrictions.  However, I am hardly saying that pitch counts are irrelevant at all. Indeed, we track them carefully, but we pay more attention to how a specific count is accumulated (along with the specific pitcher's preparation for that workload) rather than the total number of pitches.

Mechanics: Learn from the Dominicans

Regarding mechanics, let's make this simple because of the following obvious observation: Each of our pitchers are different. On our staff this year, the mechanics of each pitcher is very different. So, who is right?  I guess it depends on which pitching coach you ask.   

But some common themes in good mechanics jump out, such as rhythm and tempo, and also the upper body following the lower/half and core in a synced, explosive movement.  And if you see your ideal mechanical movement begin to break down, often a mental stresser will be related.  So, self-evaluate.  Know yourself and your ideal movement pattern.  And when something changes, first know what may have triggered it.  And then, correct it.  Learn to be your own pitching coach.  After all, it is your arm; it is your pitching career.  

We want our pitchers to be free, fluid, and athletic. You have heard all the stories of shortstops with arm troubles, right?  No?  Well, that is because, well, they throw free and athletically ... and in rhythm.  And they throw a lot, too.  Wait ... maybe we need to limit those throws.  Or maybe not ... 

So, imagine for a moment that you were born in the Dominican and no well-meaning do-gooder had impacted your good sense and tried to get you to pitch "by the numbers."  You would just be explosive. And you would probably find that you threw harder, and eventually with better command, too.  Amazing how it works that way. 

And note that, while we are trying to develop explosiveness, let's run sprints rather than poles.  (This gets back to preparation.) Kenyans are great distance runners.  Dominicans are great pitchers. If you want to run distance, do what the Kenyans do. If you want to be a great pitcher, do what the Dominicans do.  Train to be able to repeat short, explosive movements with a short recovery time in between, i.e., like we are baseball pitchers.  

And always, always remember to stretch dynamically and work up a sweat before throwing. We warm up to throw, rather than the other way around.  And when you are finished throwing for the day, stretch and run more sprints.  The day after a pitching outing, sprint hard to stretch and get the lactic acid out of stressed muscles. 

Keep stretching to develop flexibility, all the way down to your ankles ... yes, your ankles.  A loose, fluid athlete is an athlete who can throw more and better. 

Approach and Game Plan

To understand what we are trying to do on the mound, start here: Tempo and targeting are the brick-and-mortar of our pitching approach.  They are so critical.  Tempo encompasses both the time it takes us to get the ball to the plate and also the time between pitches.  Both elements of a pitcher's ideal tempo must be known and mastered by each pitcher.  Each player and pitcher has a unique internal clock that tells him the time that his body is synced up to throw.  So, we try to find the fast edge of that zone and stay there.  We also want to be moving as quickly between pitches as our personal tempo allows.  This allows us to stay on schedule, think the most appropriate amount (which is not too much, for sure), and it also keeps our defense ready and engaged. 

When runners are on, we zero in on our tempo to the plate.  We want to be quick to the plate, without throwing "ahead of" ourselves.  But with runners on, we also want to utilize tempo (here, the time between pitches) as as a weapon to confuse runners, too, that is, by varying it and keeping that runner from picking up a pattern to the plate.  As pitchers get better at this and establish more command, they can also vary their delivery to both increase and decrease tempo to the plate as the situation dictates. 

So, know your personal tempo.  Experiment when throwing by varying it to find out your zone.  Understand when you might be varying tempo, and why.  Do you rush (or slow down) when you are stressed?  If you recognize this, then take a moment to address it. All of this starts again with self-awareness. 

And remember that third "T": Make sure you are targeting consistently and with each pitch.  The habits built in our throwing program of acquiring a target before each throw are meant to be taken to the mound.  Each pitcher may target differently (i.e., in how/when he looks at where he is throwing), but each pitcher must consistently utilize his targeting methodology, both in the bullpen and on the mound. 

Regarding game plan, I want to see our starting pitcher and catcher before each game to go over the specific game plan for that day's opponent.  At the most fundamental level, though, our game plan always starts with the three-pitch approach.  That is, after three pitches we want the hitter to be on, out, or we want the count to be 1-2.  Why? The idea here is that an aggressive approach puts the hitter on the defensive.  And when we get that hitter to two strikes, our goal with a two-strike pitch is either to get him out or to throw a pitch that gets him set up to be out on the next pitch. 

To execute the three-pitch approach, our pitchers need to know what we are looking for: good, rather than perfect, pitches. Avoid the feeling of needing to throw a perfect pitch.  Remember, the pitcher always has the advantage.  Even a meatball can be missed or hit right at some one.  A good low strike in the middle of the plate is a good pitch.  Sure, it is great to paint corners, but the feeling of "needing to" be on the edges of the strike zone to survive puts the pitcher on the defensive.  And the party on the defensive in a confrontation usually loses.      

Remember that our goal as a pitcher is to make it difficult or impossible for the hitter to get a barrel match on our pitches.  The hitter is looking for rhythm and flow.  So, we give him neither.  And  in this regard, remember Perry Husband's concept of "effective velocity."  That is, the movement of a pitch from one part of the plate to another changes the "effective" velocity of the next pitch because the hitter must be slower/quicker to get barrel match in different hitting zones.  In general, the high pitch is effectively 4 MPH faster than the low pitch (due to the relative ease of dropping the barrel of the bat on a low pitch) and an inside pitch is effectively 4 MPH faster than an outside pitch.  Thus, simply by taking the same pitch from low-and-away to up-and-in a pitcher has effectively made that pitch about 8 MPH faster to a hitter.  That is significant.  Add in additional velocity change on the particular pitch and you can see what a weapon this is.  

Effective Velocity further demonstrates the importance of command and the need to develop it.  And command is "magically" developed by ... throwing a lot ... and to a target ... with measured results and progression. 

Also, remember the power of changing eye levels.  Again, we are trying to upset the hitter's goal to get in flow, get his timing down, get "locked in," and then get barrel match.  The combination of changing speeds, location, and eye level (with command) is a "Bermuda Triangle" for hitters.  Add a plus-FB and it becomes a "Black Hole" for hitters.

And ... remember the art of pitching backwards.  When facing "dead red" hitters who lock in on the fastball, unless you have got a plus fastball that you can command (remembering that excellent pitching starts with FB command), it is time to make the hitters react to you and play to your strength.  So, we pitch backwards, meaning that we throw breaking balls in fastball counts, and vice versa.  So, often the only FB a particular hitter might see under this approach is with two strikes.  And we often will utilize the FB in this scenario like we would the breaking ball ... off the plate where it can't be hit well.  You will often find that the aggressive FB hitter, so excited to see a FB, will chase in this scenario.   

So, what pitch do you throw?  Good question.  My view is that (after factoring the game plan for a particular team), I want our pitcher to throw the pitch that he can throw with conviction in this situation.  I believe that a good pitch thrown with conviction is better than a "perfectly-called" pitch thrown without conviction. Some days (or even sometimes in a certain game) a certain pitch doesn't feel right.  All of the foregoing (combined with my preference for pitchers learning the game and how to be their own pitching coaches) explains why I don't call pitches.  It's art. And the guy on the mound has the brush. 

Personal Growth and Development

Know your strengths and weaknesses.  If your strength is not the plus-FB, then your strength by necessity needs to be some other pitch.  That, along with command work for all pitches, needs to be the focus of work in-season.  Work CB long-toss (throwing a curveball or your off-speed pitch of choice at 90-120 feet), for instance.  Also, talk with other pitchers who have mastered (or are farther along than you) a curve ball, change up, etc.  Look at how they are gripping the ball.  Ask them about throwing it.  Experiment. Be a learner.  This is what great pitching staffs do.  They get better together. 

And in the off-season, keep working, developing, long-tossing, and adding velocity while making adjustments on other secondary pitches, as well. 

As with hitting, playing defense, or even running the bases, remember the ABC's to stay in control when "yellow-light" moments arise.  It can be a hard game. In this regard, the pitcher much keep focused on the fourth, critical "T" -- task-at-hand.  When the mitt seems small, life out there is hard, the umpire seems to have joined the other side, or when it seems like even your own teammates have turned against you and are unable to make a simple play, this is the time when you can become better and even get on the road to being very good, or even great.  View these challenges in such a manner. 

Finally, avoid instructors and pitching coaches just for the sake of having one.  Be a good and informed consumer of such services. And as I have mentioned above, learn to be your own coach.  

With the foregoing said, there are some excellent resources and coaches out there who can provide insight and direction.  Personally, I highly recommend Ron Wolforth at the Texas Baseball Ranch in Montgomery.  Coach Wolforth has greatly influence me and my approach to pitching, and I have learned/borrowed a lot of what is here from him. Shoot me a text or an email to discuss instructors and pitching coaches further. 

Finally, the best book on pitching approach that I know of is "The Mental ABC's of Pitching," by the late, great H. A. Dorfman.  It is a great and easy read and will help you understand the approach and art of pitching better. 

Keep at it.  The grind is worth it.   

See you on the field.  

Breaking Down our Hitting Approach

You put the bat on the ball.  Simple, right?  You put the round bat on the round ball ... squarely, and as it is heading at you upwards of 80 mph and with movement. Got it.

"Be aggressive." Keep your eyes on the ball ... swing level.  "Don't strike out."  Ahhh ...  all those things we have heard a thousand times over rattle in and out of our brains, but what do they mean?  And are they really helpful? 

I have found in coaching hitters over the past decade that much of the mechanical is ... mechanical.  That is the simple stuff, really.  That is where people tend to spend their time.  But where the real difference is made is in approach. 

But let's first take a brief look at mechanics.  

Mechanically, we are looking for a few simple markers in our swings: 1) short to the ball (swing as compact as possible); 2) minimizing movement, especially of the head; and 3) a free and athletic swing with lower-body explosion.    

Especially during the season, we want to keep mechanical adjustments minimal to avoid remaking our swings.  The time for big adjustments is the off-season.  With our team, we have sound enough mechanics that no such major adjustments are required. So, tweak instead.  One thing that I have coached hitters to do in order to generate solid contact when we are missing (both topping and popping) is to widen our stance.  This will both reduce movement and also make taking our bat directly (the shortest path) to the ball more natural.  There are other techniques to reduce movement and shorten the path to the ball, but this is the most effective one I have seen in-season. 

Really, though, we need to master our approach.  You may remember the "E's." 

Let's back up first, though, and remember the power of routines, both on a macro level (how are you getting prepared each game to hit well ... re: rest, getting ready, doing the things that make you ready to come to the park ready to play) and on a micro level (how to you get ready for each AB, when do you start, what are you doing in the hole, on deck, at the plate, etc?  Are you studying the pitcher? What are you saying to yourself at each stage?)

Note:  If you are flooding your head with a bunch of information, especially mechanical, when you are at the plate, you are asking for trouble.  Full head = slow hands.  You need to be on auto-pilot essentially at the plate.  The last time you are thinking about mechanics is the on-deck circle where you are providing yourself with short, simple mechanical reminders, at most.  When we are at the plate, we are on auto-pilot.  This is why routines and habits/patterns built in practice are so critical. 

As a hitter, you need to know what pitch you are looking for when you head to the plate.  Have a plan.  "Expect your pitch and hit it where it wants to go."  Most hitters who are lost at the plate either have no/little routine or no/little plan, or both.  They remake themselves from AB to AB.  They ride the highs of success and the long valleys of slumps.  And as they move up the competitive ladder, the valleys get longer and deeper.  Eventually, they don't come back up.  

So, be different.  Have a plan.  Know what you are looking for.  See it. Expect it.  Be aggressive, but with a defined plan.  Our approach is controlled and smart aggressiveness.

This is so critical to understand:  Our approach is hardly passive. That is, we are swinging until we are not.  We are thinking we are going to see our pitch (noting that many pitches will be balls, and more still may be hittable, or even strikes, but not what we are looking to hit).  Read the chapter on hitting in "The Mental Game of Baseball."  See how Al Oliver expected to see his pitch.  As a result of his approach, he saw it more.  And he hit it.  That is what we are trying to replicate. 

Having a great plan and knowing what we are looking for, we will take some strikes that are not the pitch we are looking to hit. No worries.  This is part of our plan, and while the opposing team's pitch count goes higher and higher (and the pitcher weakens and we get to their bullpen) we are seeing more pitches, and getting better and better.  

And then when we get to two strikes, we will be great two-strike hitters.  Having a great two-strike approach gives us more confidence to selectively and relentlessly work our plan.  

Generally, we are looking fastball before we get to two strikes and we are looking for a pitch in a location where we like it.  If we get a hanging breaking ball in that zone that we can hit with authority, then we are going to hit that, as well.  But generally, we are looking FB and we have an idea where we want to see it. 

Our two strike approach involves a mechanical adjustment (we each do one thing ... or two ... to enable us to be shorter and quicker to the ball).  We do this because we need to be able to react quicker to both get to a fastball and to wait out a breaking ball longer.  "Our pitch" is now the strike zone plus 2 inches or so.  So, we need to be quicker and have more plate coverage.  

This leads us to the whole question of what kind of pitch we are looking for.  As noted above, before we get to two strikes, we are looking FB.  But now, with two strikes, we need to be able to handle the breaking ball.  But, we start by looking FB and then we can react to the breaking ball.  The reason we do this is because we can't look off-speed and then react to the FB.  There is no time.  

And where do we look with two strikes?  Our buddy, former pro player and instructor-extraordinaire Kevin Castleberry, likes to look right down the middle and react to each side of the plate.  I think that is about as close in as you want to get.  A good plan is to look middle-away and react in.  Like you can react breaking ball when looking fast ball, you can also pull your arms in when looking away.  But the design of your body makes doing the reverse difficult, like it is when looking for a low pitch and then trying to hit a high fastball.  

So ... with two strikes, look middle to away, lock in with your mechanical adjustment and eyes ... and battle.  

And remember, you can use the two-strike adjustment to break out of struggles.  When all else fails, go back to good eye patterns.  Two-strike approach plus good eye patterns is a powerful combination. If you are struggling, go here. 

As for "eye patterns," if this phrase still raises question marks for you, then you know why you may be struggling at the plate.  When we say "eye patterns," it means we are concentrating on our broad-to-fine focus on every pitch ... and this starts in practice.  We pick a broad focus spot before every pitch is thrown, and then we lock in on the ball at release point (fine focus) to the point of contact, and bam!!  This is the most important "E" there is.  The eyes are the key to hitting.  If you are not hitting the way you want to be, this is most likely the place to start.  Do. This. Every. Pitch. 

And ... remember your ABC's.  This can be critical.  Build in good actions, breathing, and thoughts into your routine. Watch the great hitters.  They all have a consistent breathing routine.  And they are self-coaching short, positive statements during the AB (i.e., "line drive up the middle," "down through the ball," "see the ball, hit the ball, etc.).  Find something that works for you. 

For further reading and info, check out "Mental Game of Baseball," of course, by H.A. Dorfman.  Also, Dorfman also wrote "The Mental Game of Hitting," which I think is perhaps the best book ever written on hitting approach; this book also marries up some of the great concepts from "Moneyball," which is a compelling read, as well.  

See you on the field, 

A Great Day ...

It was a great day ... and a great weekend,

I had the opportunity, really the privilege, to attend the funeral and memorial for a close friend's father in Lancaster, PA on January 25. 

As you can tell by the picture, the military ceremony for this WW2 veteran was cold ... but it was beautiful, too.  

I learned about this man's life and was humbled by his journey.  Like a lot of young Americans, Jim or "Pops," as he was known to his family, entered the military as a teenager.  In fact, he was only 20 years old when WW2 ended. 

Pops landed in France shortly after D-Day.  Then, as part of the 8th Infantry Division under Gen. Patton, he and his fellow soldiers fought their way across Europe.  He fought in the Ardennes Forest, in the Battle of Bastogne, and then in the Battle of the Bulge.  He was in Berlin when it fell. 

He was part of the very first unit of Americans to liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp.  Many years later, he recounted how the experience was life-changing.  

He learned to cherish life as a young man. Only six of Pops' batallion of 122 returned from the war without being wounded or killed. 

After the war, he came back home to build a life and raise a family.  He was a man who loved to work ... he was always building, repairing, helping neighbors, seemingly always doing something, spending time with his family, and going to church.  My friend told stories about being dragged to church his whole childhood. 

Pops had become a Christian in 1949.  In fact, he recalled the exact date some 65 years later.  In a beautiful memorial tribute, my friend said his father was best defined as an "American soldier and a Christian."  

After the memorial service, I had the privilege to spend the afternoon with the family, looking at heirlooms, WW2 memorabilia, and telling stories. It was a great day.  

In getting to know Pops' family, including grandchildren, sons-in-law, great-grandchildren, etc., there were kids everywhere, it hit me ... Pops had left an amazing legacy of faith and service to the nation that reflected how he saw the world and had lived his life. His beautiful family is full of great and uplifting people.    

What a legacy. It challenged me to take stock, to examine the legacy that I am building and will someday leave. Our time here is brief. 

Interestingly, the family had almost no knowledge at all of Pops' faithful and heroic service during the war until about 15 years ago when a family friend interviewed Pops (on videotape) and preserved the historical record for posterity.  This reminded me how a lot of time we see some one in a chapter or stage of their life (i.e., an elderly person) and have no idea where they have been or who they really are. You never know who you might meet. 

Today, when we see the various blustering athletes, recording artists, famous types and such talk smack about their assorted accomplishments, their conduct often stands in such stark contrast to the quiet heroes in our lives ... heroes on whose shoulders we stand. 

In his memorial tribute, my friend told of how in Pops' last days he maintained an upbeat and positive outlook in the midst of tremendous pain and the certain knowledge that his time on this earth was drawing to a close.  Pops continued to do little acts of kindness, like making sure that the nurses taking care of him got donuts ... and he always was polite and said "thank you" to those who were doing their job in taking care of him.  Little things are often big things, and how we do them can let others know what we think of the "big" things in life. 

On the day he died, Pops told my friend that each day since he came to faith in Christ in 1949 had been a great day and today ... the day he was leaving this life ... was a great day, too.  

Wow. What a perspective. What an eternal perspective.  

So, I had a great day with Pops' family celebrating his life on Jan. 25, 2014.  

And he has reminded me that today, too, is a great day. 

See you on the field soon. 

Of Focus and Facial Hair: Relentless Commitment to Approach + Relentless Commitment to Team = Championship Baseball

Post-season MLB baseball brings us the best players in the world playing the greatest game in the world at the very highest level.   

And oftentimes, the post-season teaches us the game while the world watches.  

Yes, the 2013 World Series was also teaching. But were you watching? And studying?

The much-anticipated match-up between the Cardinals and Red Sox brought us the NL's best vs. the AL's  best, the teams that so many wanted to see.  This WS was considered to be a fairly even, and it featured a number of classic games.  

And in the end ... the better team won. Sorry, Cardinals fans.  That is just how it is ... and was.  But the real gold here is found in digging deeper.  Why were the Red Sox the better team?  

In my view, it was their relentless commitment to two things ... their approach and their teammates ... that carried the day.  This comment is meant as no disrespect to the Cardinals, who had a great team and season, but it is merely a recognition that in the end a superior approach and chemistry won out.  

When I was watching pivotal Game 5, I knew ... I just knew ... that the Cards were done.  This was a different team than the 2011 world champions.  Indeed, the Cards were missing two key pieces from that team -- Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman.  And not so coincidently, those two hitters and team leaders reminded me in their approach of the two leaders of the 2013 Red Sox - David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia.  

On Approach ... 

In each game ... every game ... the Red Sox made the Cardinal pitchers throw more pitches as they relentlessly hunted to get a good pitch to hit. What this meant was that Red Sox hitters saw more pitches, and thus got better and more prepared as each game (and the series) continued, all while getting deeper and deeper into the Cardinal bullpen and wearing the opposing pitching staff down.

  
And Pedroia and Ortiz led the way, like they always did.  Indeed, David Ortiz was having a series for the ages, and so the Cards eventually decided to pitch around him and avoid having the big guy beat them.  Ortiz's response?  He stayed within himself and his approach and let the Cardinal pitchers walk him (sometimes on 10-11 pitch AB's that ended in 3-2 walks), thus elevating pitch counts, knowing that eventually the dam would break.  And it did. It broke in pivotal Game 5.  

In Game 5, it was ace vs. ace -- Lester v. Wainwright -- and after about 5 innings Boston's Lester was at 60 pitches and St. Louis's Wainwright was well over 80. The breakout was inevitable, like gravity, especially since this was the second start for both of the series.  

And so it came in the 7th inning, after the Red Sox had worked Wainwright to the point where he exited.  Then, David Ross got the go-ahead single in the 7th, off of what had previously seemed to be an unbeatable Cards' bullpen. (But Boston had seen these guys by now ...) And then, the Red Sox were then in the driver's seat as the series was coming down the stretch. 

On Team ... 

In spring training, the Red Sox showed up prepared to put a horrible 2012 behind them.  How soon we forget, but Boston lost 93 games in 2012.  Yes, they finished last in their division and were one of the worst teams in the AL just a year prior to winning the WS. 

After 2012, the Red Sox took stock and jettisoned three high-paid players who, although talented individuals, were net team negatives overall -- Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez.  In return, they added guys like Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, and Johnny Gomes.  And this was a positive for the Red Sox?  You bet.  It was Gomes' 7th-inning HR that pulled the Red Sox even in the series in Game 4 when things looked bleak. 

Indeed, the players who came to the Red Sox brought a hunger and work ethic ... and a love of the game while embracing the daily grind necessary to be a champion.  The difference was felt immediately. 

Napoli and Gomes even started growing beards in Spring Training.  Others followed, for fun, superstition, or whatever.  But as the team continued to played well, the length of the beards grew.  

To be clear, rather than advocating facial hair for any team (including ours!) I am simply pointing out that the beards were evidence of a commitment to the team and each other.  

After the Game 5 win, the Red Sox went back to Boston and did what they usually did.  On their supposed day off, they practiced.  They were back at the ball yard, taking BP ... together.  I watched the TV reports as a group of about 8-9 players stood around talking, smiling, having fun, working ... comparing notes.  They respected each other and liked being teammates.  So, coming to work was, well, not much like work at all.  It was fun.  And they hit pretty well, too, didn't they?  The AL's best team had its best offense. No surprise.  

They worked at it.  And respecting each other made the environment easier to do so.  

And now, the team that used to be under the Curse of the Bambino has won more World Series titles than any other MLB team in the last decade ... by doing what they do.  Let's learn from them.

So ... here's to relentlessly committing to doing what we do in 2014. 

See you on the field.  

Off-Season = Prime Time for Developing a Routine for Excellence

One of the individuals who I follow and pay close attention to is mental conditioning coach Brian Cain.  Brian is high-energy, 100% positive, and right on.  He is anything but polyanna, as most good mental game coaches are.  So, I enjoy hearing what he has to say.  What follows is an excerpt from an email I recently received from Brian.  Check it out: 

... The highest earning and performing individuals I coach do some very specific things in the morning as part of their routines built for excellence.
MORNING ROUTINES

• They read from good books each morning.

I suggest a short daily reader (my Daily Dominator Book will be out in July), and I read John Maxwell’s Daily Reader, Sean Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens Reader, and Tony Dungy’s One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge.  Reading these each morning helps me to jumpstart my day and get the right mindset going first thing.  This whole process takes about 5 minutes each morning.

• Make your bed

Chip Kelly, former football coach at The University of Oregon, not with the Philadelphia Eagles, challenged his players to make their bed first thing in the morning.  Making your bed first thing when you get out of it does is three critical things: 1. You show attention to detail 2. You show discipline over yourself 3. You act differently than how you feel.  Cementing these three actions within one minute of waking up will help you to, as Coach Kelly says, Win The Day.

• Wake up 15 minutes earlier

Waking up 15 minutes earlier than you normally do is the ultimate excuse exterminator for morning “excuseitis,” the disease of making excuses.  When you wake up 15 min earlier you will have created the time to implement a morning routine of excellence.  If you don’t have a morning routine of excellence already… what are you waiting for?  Remember, it is the start that stops most people.  Get started with your morning routine of excellence TODAY!

• Books on tape vs. talk radio and music

On your morning commute, trade your talk radio and music for a book on tape.  If you have a 10 min commute each way, you can easily get through a book a week if you are relentless in listening on your way to and from work or the field.  If you were to pick one topic area, let’s say leadership, and listen to a book on leadership in your car each day for an entire year, you would be a World’s leading authority on leadership in a year or two and COMPLETELY change your life.  Pick a topic, pick a book and GET STARTED… The quality of your life depends on it.

• Success hotline – 973-743-4690.

Dr. Rob Gilbert is one of the greatest motivational speakers and sport psychology professors in the world.  His commitment to excellence, teaching and daily discipline is unmatched by anyone in the field.  For almost 8,000 consecutive days, he has left a three minute motivational message on his success hotline at the number above.  I have called this daily since I first heard him speak in 2006 and it has had tremendous positive impact on my life.  I call the success hotline after I read my morning books mentioned above, take notes and apply his teachings in my daily life.  I HIGHLY suggest you do the same.  It will change your life. ...

You can check out Brian's blog here. I highly recommend it.  Flood your mind with constructive thoughts and ideas ... and then act on them.  Build a routine for excellence.  The time to start is now.  Each morning, each day, is precious.  Make it count. 

See you on the field.

So, it's Florida time ... Tme to get pumped up? Time to get ready and take it another level for the "big" games?

No.  

Wait a minute ... are you serious, coach?  Yes, I am.  Please let me explain.  

Players, fans, coaches ... every one ... will be excited (some of us perhaps a little too anxious or excited) when we get to Auburndale to play.  So, actually, it's time to keep it on an even keel and just enjoy the ride.  

In doing this for a number of years, I have watched a number of our teams prepare to go to regional and later World Series competition, and what I have become convinced of is ... you find a process and plan that works during the season and you keep refining it during the season ... and then working it when you get to Florida. You use the same process, and you work it again.  And this ... works. 

So, we joke about "big" games with our players, because we teach them that every game is big.  If you make things too big, it's a good way to play small.  And we want to play big.  So, we play like we practice. Indeed, the mentality we are trying to bring is one of practice ... businesslike but relaxed, purposeful, fun ... getting the job done ... routine.  It's a mistake, in my judgment, to try to change things up now in any event.  A dramatic turn at this point, even if it were warranted, would be impossible and counter-productive.  So, we keep grinding and keeping on.  No rah-rah speeches ... Just get to the field and play. 

Here are some things to keep in mind as we head for warmer temperatures in the Sunshine State and the World Series: 

1) Routine -- All successful players and teams have these.  We do, too. You fans will recognize what we do in Florida ... ladders, stretching exercises, pregame, etc. For instance, you will note that we will do our in-and-out just like we do before all our other games.  We do this intentionally throughout the year, knowing that there will be no on-the-infield pregame in Fla.  Our pregame warmups will start 50 minutes before game time in Fla, just like we do in all our other games.  We continue to do what we do. Individual players ... work your Saturday game routines.  What a deal! Each day in Florida is like a Saturday (no school) with baseball.  So, work your routines accordingly.  Keep it as much as possible like you do in Texas.  Keep it routine; 

2) Expect and be prepared for it to be warmer in Florida -- We will all recognize what the temperature is, so players, please keep such observations to yourselves.  Note that it will be the same temperature in the other dugout, too.  Note also that it has been cool all over the country this spring (global warming?  Ha ha.), so every one is making the same adjustment.  Drink water ... early and often.  Be proactive in taking care of yourselves. 

3) Eat a good breakfast each day ... Players, this means eat more than sugar and bread.  During the day when we are playing later ... be smart in what and when you eat.  

4) Players, we are there to play baseball.  So, stay off your feet and out of the sun as much as possible when we are not playing.  And get good rest at night.  We will probably encourage lights out for players by 11 p.m. for a.m. games and midnight for afternoon games. 

5) Players, fulfill your contracts.  Parents and fans ... bring the same spirit and police your own.  

6) Remember your P's:  Keep everything in perspective.  Things will seem to go wrong in nearly every game ... even those that ultimately work out right.  But ... if you think this is life-or-death or the end-all-be-all of your life or baseball career, a) you're wrong; and b) you will play tighter than a drum and underperform.  So, keep it routine, focus on the next pitch and play, and play just like practice.  And finally, commit to and work our process or plan -- at the plate (the E's), on the mound (the T's), in the field (the R's), and on the bases (the S's).  If we do these things, we will be just fine; and (this is the really cool part) ....

7) Our players are prepared to play well, without question.  We always have been, and we will be this time, too. So, know this ... be confident, and remember ... please remember because these great times pass so quickly ... to have fun.  

See you on the field in Florida, 

Bunting ... Another cog in the wheel of our offense

So, I figure since TWCA executed two squeeze bunts on us in one inning in our opener Friday -- yes, two squeeze bunts in one inning -- it is time for me to expound upon my expertise in the area of bunting.  Yes, my tongue is firmly in cheek ... not about the two squeezes, but about the rest of it.  

It's interesting because we have made bunting a point of emphasis in the off-season, but TWCA was the team who used the bunt to make a real difference in the game the other night. So, hats off to them. Side note: If we executed our defense in those situations, we would have defended both.  Actually, we would have stopped the first one, and there would have likely been no second attempt.  But we will learn and move forward.  

Still, the squeezes and watching teams in general utilize the bunt has made me think more about our own philosophy and how and when we bunt.  As I have stated before, I believe in the general premise of "Moneyball," that is, that it is unwise to give up precious outs.  Our goal offensively, stated simply, is to have a quality at-bat each time up to the plate -- either by working the count (six or more pitches), hitting the ball hard, or getting on base.  It is simple.  We look for our pitch to hit, and then when we get to two strikes we make our two-strike adjustment. I can understand this approach, and the players can, too.  Plus, this philosophy works at all levels of baseball, too, when a team buys in and executes it up and down the lineup.  

So where/how does bunting fit into our offense?  My view is that every hitter in our lineup is a hitter.  In other words, we are more akin to an AL team in MLB than a NL team.  There are no automatic outs that you may want to use to sacrifice.  On our team, if a player is batting, he can hit.  So, when (if ever) do we sacrifice?  Let's put it this way:  We have a bunt sign.  Unless we have a squeeze on (which we rarely do), we are almost always trying to both move the runner and get the bunter on base.  Make sense?  That is, we want our bunter to square around not quite so early -- probably when the pitcher is delivering the ball -- but we also want him to resist the urge to get in a hurry, too. In high school (really, in college, too), a good bunt -- as opposed to a perfect bunt -- is adequate to get the job done. A bunt placed where at least two fielders can reasonably make the play places pressure on the defense to make the play.  

In addition, we will certainly utilize the bunt to get a base hit.  We will do this with some frequency.  But when we do so, again, we want to try to work to show it only during the delivery and slow down a bit with the emphasis on laying down a good bunt. We want it away from the plate and the mound, where two fielders could arguably field it. 

As for squeezes, my own view is that (absent having the ideal personnel at the plate and on third base) a squeeze in high school is usually too high of a risk for the potential reward.  Why?  I accidentally discovered a few years ago that a safety squeeze is just about as effective in terms of scoring. And we have on many occasions executed a safety squeeze without risking the runner breaking from third.  Again, a good bunt puts pressure on a high school defense, especially those who are changing bunt coverages often and moving a lot of players when the ball is put in play.  

So, essentially, we are working on utilizing the bunt to both generate base hits and move runners.  We are rarely only trying to sacrifice -- although we might do (and have done) this very thing in a specific situation -- and we doing the foregoing within the context of trying to rack up quality at-bats and get on base.  

See you on the field,  

How the Tide Keeps Rolling ...

The guy in the picture celebrating with all the Alabama football players is no football player.

He is Trevor Moawad, a guy who Coach Nick Saban has had hanging around his program since 2007.  The results speak for themselves.

So, who is the little guy in the white windbreaker?  He is a mental game coach.  Alabama is one of the few programs who has a full-time mental game coach.  Moawad also consults for Jimbo Fisher's Florida State team, and they are doing pretty well of late, too.

But wait a minute ... Nick Saban, the Prince of College Football Darkness, is a mental game guy? Can I be serious? Absolutely. He is one of the best.

Coach Saban is a true student and teacher of the mental game, and you can see it in the way he (and his team) talk and prepare as they approach "big" games.  For instance, they are all about process ... as opposed to obsessing over results. As I listened to A.J. McCarron in the days before the BCS Championship Game against Notre Dame, he talked about how the Tide's focus was on themselves and their respective jobs.  He said that they needed to focus on the task-at-hand, as opposed to worrying about what the opponent might do.  I would say they did pretty well in that regard.

How important is the mental game training and coaching that the Tide is doing overall to their success?  Well, their schemes and execution are pretty good ... to say the least. But Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart says that the mindset of players is most important to their success.

More and more, when you scour the sports landscape to find great performers, you find that they are almost without exception intentionally developing a winning mindset. This is more than platitudes, too.  There are specific thought patterns and things to do in this regard. 

For instance, in many ways the fulcrum of a winning mindset is a good plan and routine.  A good plan is how a team (and individual players) order their thoughts to give them the best chance of success.  A routine is how players consistently behave -- on a macro (i.e., a day) and micro (i.e., games, pitches and plays) level to execute the plan. 

When watching the pregame of the BCS National Championship Game, I noticed that some Notre Dame players were warming up and on the field hours before game time.  Meanwhile, Alabama rolled up at the same time that they always do ... following their normal routine.  It is a little thing, but I knew Notre Dame was in trouble.  Sure, Alabama was better. But the key here is that they played better, too.  They got the most of what they had by following their routine and executing their plan.  They had practiced a winning mindset all year long, and it showed.  Meanwhile, Notre Dame was tight, and when things started to go badly, it got ugly.  Alabama, though, stayed on task until the end.     


It was instructive to watch.  These things happen intentionally. 

As the the crux of the daily grind of mental game preparedness is plan and routine, we are going to master both this season.  Our plan starts with R-E-S-T.  Players, memorize it.  Let it soak into your DNA and affect your game in every facet.  We will have team routines, too.  But to get where we can go, our players will be required to establish -- and execute -- their own routines. We are going back to basics to make our routines work to serve our plans this season.

Next time, we'll talk about some of the great things happening with TCU baseball along the same lines.  

See you on the field ... 

Baserunning 201: The Four S's in Action

Greetings All,

As promised, here is my updated paper on baserunning. High school players should be familiar with it ... and let it sink into your DNA.

I. Introduction

A. Good baserunners need three things:

1) Focus

2) Judgment (which is knowledge plus experience); and

3) Enthusiasm. We run with our "hair on fire", always.

B. Why is it important to run hard?

1) The opposition may misplay the ball, and we want to be in a position to capitalize

2) Our hustling, in fact, might create misplays by putting pressure on the defense; and

3) We give our best at everything. I Cor. 10:31.

C. Message to "slow guys": Base stealing is not baserunning. Rather, base stealing is a part of baserunning. Understand this and grow as a player. Every player can be a good baserunner.

D. According to "The Mental Game of Baseball", a player who has shown the commitment to become a good baserunner has shown the commitment to become a complete player.

E. Important note: Understand the difference between rules and principles. It is important to understand the rules of the game that affect what we can do on the bases. Equally important is that we understand the principles that govern what is the best move to make in various situations.

II. We begin at home

A. On a dropped third strike, the ball is live and the batter can advance to first unless first base is occupied and there are less than two outs. With two outs, the ball is always live on a dropped third strike.

1) If a runner is advancing on a dropped third strike, then force plays are in order. For example, if the bases are loaded the catcher should simply step on home plate to force the runner coming home. Why? It gets an out without a throw.

2) Catchers especially need to learn this rule ... to the point where it is automatic.

3) For the batter/runner ... the principle is that we should run always. Why? Because the opposition often will not know this rule and will make unnecessary throws. If a ball gets thrown away, the batter may be out (i.e., if 1B is occupied with less than two outs), but other runners can advance on an overthrow.

B. When we make contact, we take a quick glance to see if the ball is going to the outfield. If we can't tell, then we assume there will be a play at first. No admiring hits allowed. Run with a purpose.

1) If the ball is through the infield, we take the turn at first and put pressure ... always we put pressure ... on the defense. We make a good turn, starting about 12-15 feet from the bag, swinging out to the right about 5 feet or so to where we can hit the inside corner of the bag and push off hard toward second.

2) Note: Angles are basically the same for all bases, with the idea being to cut down unnecessary steps and reduce the time it takes to get to the next base.

3) If the ball is on the infield and there is a play at 1B, we run hard through the bag and decelerate only after we clear the bag.

a) When we run through the bag, we automatically take a quick glance over our right shoulder to see if the ball has been overthrown, and if so, we are off to 2B unless held up/called back by the 1B coach.

b) Extremely important: A high school runner should be an informed, aggressive runner. We run hard and think aggressively and ahead, always. We run hard first, and listen for confirmation from base coaches. The days of waiting to be told to run before moving are over. To be clear, when a ball gets away or is put in play, (absent specific instructions to the contrary and/or a play being on ... i.e., instructions to hold at third) our runners are moving. Base coaches can override and/or confirm.

4) The running lane to first ... Runner only required to stay here (3 feet to the right of 1B line) when the play is behind him and the C or P is trying to make a play at 1B.

5) Rule: If the runner makes any move toward 2B after running through 1B, he is not considered to have run through the bag and must get to the base before being tagged or he is out. Principle: If you, as a runner, think you have made a move toward 2B, hustle back to 1B before you can be tagged. If you are playing 1B, then you should watch for any such move and then tag a runner coming back toward first. Many times, an umpire will call the runner out (and correctly so).

D. What about sliding into first? No sliding into first unless you are trying to avoid a tag. When you slide, you slow down. Sliding is for avoiding tags (either before getting to a bag or if we cannot run through the particular base). Note: Sliding into first head first is particularly dangerous (as is sliding into home this way) because of the elevated bag and the likelihood that the 1B will leave his feet to get an errant throw.

II. Okay, now we are at first.

A. We take our lead, and unless we are the first baserunner of the day we have already been studying the pitcher's move to first from the dugout.

1) Righty: Usually will move left shoulder toward first and his left leg while stepping off with back (right) foot. But all are unique. Study them.

2) Lefty: Tends to be trickier. Watch for the left shoulder coming toward you, and study how they move their right leg when coming home and going to 1B.

3) Baserunners need to know the balk rule. We will cover that later and in detail. But know this: A pitcher cannot fake to 1B while touching the rubber. He can fake to the other bases.

4) Once the runner arrives at 1B, he must know where the ball is at all times and not take a lead unless he see the pitcher with the ball an the pitcher is on the rubber (unless we have a play on).  Eyes on the ball. 

B. What all runners need to know when they are on base ...

1) Situation details, i.e., locate the ball, what's the score/inning (because it might affect what our plan might be), the pitcher's pattern, the count, what you will do if the ball is hit to all places on the field, what if it's in the air/on the ground?  Know the first "S."  Good baserunning starts -- and ends -- with knowing the situation. 

a) As an example, if we are on first and the ball is hit on the ground, we are always moving. Be aware that if a tag is made behind the runner that the force is off.

2) Offense -- Before every pitch, the runner looks over for the sign. The second "S" is "Sign." It is your responsibility as a runner to get it ... early. 

3) Once the runner is committed to second, he is then the responsibility of the 3B coach and should pick up that coach when he heads toward 2B.

C. Now, we are trying to take/steal 2B.

1) First, we fight for a good lead.  Third "S" is we stretch our lead ... always.  We work for it. We take a primary lead, and when not stealing, we take a secondary lead of at least 2-3 steps (from all bases) and are ready to move.

2) If the pitcher makes a move, we go back in head first with our heads turned away from the play (for safety, but also to help us to pick up an overthrow).

3) We get a good jump ... always. We push with our back arm while pulling our front arm back. Should crossover with our left foot.

4) When we are running, unless the take sign is on we look back for a quick glance once we are up to full speed. It is primarily the runner's job to pick up the ball once it is put in play and to adjust accordingly.

D. A steal has three elements: A good lead, a good jump, and a good slide.

1) Three types of slides: Pop-up, hook, and head-first.

2) A pop-up slide is designed to enable the runner to pop up quickly after sliding in order to faclitate a quick move to the next base. On the pop-up and hook slides, the runner comes in with hands cupped and up, the leg is tucked under on a pop-up, and the runner leans back to avoid the tag.

3) On a hook slide, the runner slides down and away from the tag, hooking the base with the inside foot.

4) A head-first slide has the advantage of speed, but the runner is typically disoriented for a moment when sliding in this fashion. The body is, after all, designed to land on the feet and not the hands.

5) When do we slide? Whenever there is a close play at 2B, 3B, or home, or we are avoiding a tag play (with the first baseman pulled off the bag) at 1B.

6) Where do we slide? To the bag and away from the tag.

III. Now we are at second

A. Lead is dependent upon position of the middle infielders. Runner keeps eye on second baseman and 3B coach watches SS. Runner should be listening for 3B coach, and not the dugout or other players. Learn to listen for 3B coach.

B. As on first, we fight for a good lead and always check the sign before every pitch. Yes, before every pitch.

C. It's crucial to know when to move on a grounder when you are on 2B and there is no runner on first. What is the principle?

1) We run when the ball is hit at us or to our left, unless it is right to the pitcher.

2) But this is only a principle, and we look for other opportunities to move. We evaluate how the particular ball is put in play ... always. For instance, is it a liner? A one-hopper?  A nubber?  We are ready to make this judgment when the ball is hit because we know the situation. 

3) If the ball is in front of us, we see it through the infield and then advance to 3B (and home, if possible).  We are going to be looking to move more often than not on balls hit in front of us, but we have to wait until a play is made across the diamond in front of us. 

4) So, we stay alert on a grounder to 3B on in the hole deep at SS, for often with a nice lead we can make it to 3B after the throw goes to 1B. Think aggressively. Note: Our lead will be determined by where the second baseman is when a ball is hit into the hole.

IV. So, the ball is hit in the air and there are less than two outs. What do we do? If there are two outs, we are always running hard, of course.

A. How far off the base does the runner go before it is clear if a catch will be made? It depends.

1) The principle is for the runner to go far enough that he can make it to the next base without being forced or tagged (or advance as far as possible) while still being close enough to the base to avoid being doubled off. So, it depends on where the ball is hit and the arm of the outfielder involved.

2) Some specifics ... Remember, it depends.

a) Example: Runner on first, and the ball is hit into the air to ...

1) RF -- Go less than halfway to 2B. Why? If it drops, you have to be concerned about a force and RF is the closest to all the OF positions to 1B, so there is the greatest risk here of being doubled off. Tough tag play almost always.

2) CF -- Go more than half-way to 2B. Why? Greatest risk of being forced at 2B because CF is closest OF position to 2B. Longer throw to 1B to attempt to double off runner.

3) LF -- Go two-thirds of the way to 2B. Why? LF is the farthest OF position from 1B and relatively close to 2B.  Remember, too, that all of the foregoing can require adjustment based on other factors, too, such as the strength of the respective OF arms. 

b) Runner on second, and the ball is hit in the air to ...

1) RF -- We want to stay pretty close to the bag if it looks like it is going to be caught -- less than one-third of the way. Why? This is a great tag situation if the RF catches the ball with any depth, and advancing to 3B won't be difficult if the ball drops. Remember: We are thinking aggressively and want to get home if possible, too.

2) CF -- This could also be a tag play, but the CF is closer to 3B than the RF. What this tells us is that we generally will want to get farther off the bag here than on a ball hit to RF, unless the ball is really deep.

3) LF -- A tag play is going to be difficult. Note that the LF is close to both 2B and 3B. This tells us that we need to get far enough off (probably more than a third to almost half) to guard against both getting doubled off and also to avoid a force if there is a runner on 1B. If there is no runner on 1B, we are going to stay closer to 2B.

c) Runner on third ... We always return to tag on a fly ball as soon as it's hit in the air. If it drops, we are going to score, any way. We don't need a jump to get home. Remember: Coach will send or not send on all tags.

d) What about tagging from 1B? Only when a really deep fly or lead runners moving up. Always be moving if the lead runner is stealing or advancing.

e) Runners on 1B and 2B ... We return to the bag (after being the appropriate distance off, depending on where the ball is hit) as soon as we can see it's going to be caught.

B. What's the rule pertaining to tagging up?

1) We don't leave until the ball is caught. Listen to the coach and be ready to move. Coach will give "go" or "take three" (bluff). Coach responsible for the lead runner will be responsible for giving "go" sign. Trailing runner prepare to also tag when the lead runner tags, looking where the throw may be to adjust, as necessary.

2) Can we tag on foul flies? Absolutely.

C. But what is the principle? We always at least bluff when we can. We may force a misplay or a bad throw. When the ball is caught, we are always ready to move from the base.

V. So, we've made it to third.

A. Here, it's important to be aggressive. Unless told otherwise by the 3B coach, we are always moving on a ball that gets away from the catcher (again, unless called back by the 3B coach). We are always looking to take the next base. Here, it means a run.  A default is to move.   We have the "go" sign. 

B. Default on 3B again will be to move on contact on a grounder (if not right in front of the plate or to the pitcher), unless told or given sign to hold. Note: The runner on 3B checks the sign before every pitch, too.

C. On flies, we tag always. We bluff if we are not going. We wait at the bag ... always.

D. The lead

1) A lead off of 3B is important, but not as important as moving 2-3 hard steps with the pitch and being ready to move on contact or a passed ball/wild pitch.

2) We lead in foul territory and return to the bag (and not too quickly and tentatively) in fair territory. Why? If we are hit by a batted ball in foul territory, we are not out. Likewise, a thrown ball hitting a runner is a live ball, and the runner is safe. Also, it is a harder throw for a catcher to 3B if the runner is in fair territory.

E. Note: When coming home on a ball hit to 3B or coming to third on a ball hit to SS, the runner doesn't have to get down or even at all. This makes it a much more difficult defensive play.

F. When you have just scored or are on deck, you are the coach for the runner coming home (telling him when and where to slide to avoid the play at home).

VI. Special Situations

A. Infield fly rule: With runners on 1B and 2B and/or bases loaded with less than two out, and a pop is hit on the infield (and fair). The umpire calls "Infield fly, the batter's out." Runners can advance at their own risk after the ball is caught or hits the ground. Best move is to get back to the base you came from, unless the ball squirts away from the fielder after it comes down.

1) What if the umpire doesn't call it? Regular rules apply, and we'll have no problem because our runner will be hustling to 1B.

B. With two outs, a 3-2 count, and a force in front of the runner, it is automatic that the runner will be moving on the pitch. Treat this situation as a steal sign.

C. If the picther forgets and winds up, treat this as a steal sign.

D. Line drives ... "See" them through rather than simply freezing. If you see it's going to be caught, hustle back.

E. If a batted ball hits a runner in fair territory, the runner is out; if a thrown ball hits a runner in fair territory, the runner is safe (unless he is not in the running lane -- the 3 feet to the right of the first baseline -- and the play is behind him when he is running to first).

1) What if the runner and a fielder collide and the runner is going for the next base and the fielder is going for the ball? This is a judgment call, but it will often go to the fielder. Principle: Runners should avoid contact with fielders, but can/should use their bodies to shield the ball and make a fielding play more difficult. If a fielder runs into a runner while not making a play, the runner will be awarded the next base.

F. When the third out is made, when does the run scoring from 3B count? When it scores before the last out is made, unless that out is a force play. Pay attention and keep your cool in walk-off situations. Runners touch all bases and the guy getting the winning hit needs to at least make it to first. Why? Because if he is forced at first, then the run doesn't count. Could that happen, you ask? Well, yes, it has.

G. Rundowns. Our job as runners, even if we have blown it and gotten picked off, is to never give up. We always make the defense work and make as many throws as possible. The next throw may get away. We may stay alive long enough for a run to score or another runner to advance. (See F. above). In general, we always make the defense make the more difficult play. If you can make them make a throw to force you instead of running into a tag, do it.

H. The baseline ... is three feet on either side of a straight line between the runner and the next base, on a tag play (that is, this rule only applies when a runner is trying to avoid a tag). If the runner runs outside the baseline to avoid a tag, he is out.

I. You can't pass your own runner, or you are out. Also, if two runners end up at the same base and are tagged, the trailing runner will be declared out. If encountering such confusion, wait for the umpire to tell you if you are out before leaving the base. In fact, if you don't know, stay there in all circumstances. If the opposition does this, tag them all ... early and often.

J. "Malicious contact". An umpire in HS baseball can call a player out (and eject him) for contacting a fielder without making a legitimate effort to make it to the bag via a slide. The solution? Make sure you can always reach the bag when you slide. If you are heading home and the catcher is blocking your path to the plate, you can make an effort to get there. However, no lowering your shoulder and/or trying to run his over.  Make an effort to get to the bag by sliding there.  If you can't do that, get in a rundown. Be aggressive but smart. Note: A defensive player can't block the plate without the ball in HS ball any more.

VI. Finally, remember ...

A. The Four "S's" -- Situation (Know it), Sign (Get it), Stretch (your lead), Say it again (what are you going to do on the next play?).  Be ready. If you think ahead and keep the "ticker" running, you will do fine. 

B. If you have a question, ask it. It's not hard to be a good baserunner. With some knowledge and a lot of determination, you can get there.

See you on the field.

Whatever it takes ...

... to do my part to be as good as we can be in 2013.  That's what I hope is the answer to the question I posed in the last post -- "So, what are you working on this off-season?"  We talked about a number of ideas.  So, what are you doing?  What more are you willing to do? Fall Training is right around the corner, and a new crop of Mustangs will be hitting the field to work for roster spots and positions.

As for me, I am doing a number of things, including reading a couple of books (as we discussed at the last summer game at Cooper) and going over my notes from last season to incorporate some new training exercises in our fall program. Actually, there is a lot going on. 

Then there is something else ... Back in June and along the way to my 30th high school reunion, I was contacted by some old teammates who challenged each other (and me) to a weight-loss contest.  To make a long story shorter (and less painful) the deal is ... well, I was the heaviest of all of these guys, including our HS nose guard.  I had become the fat guy ... "Jabba the Rut" is what they called me.  Ouch.

So, with some impetus from these guys (okay, well, really some serious and relentless ribbing), I got started.  And then when I realized that I really was committed to doing this, I decided to cement my plans.  I told the Mustangs, and the rest is history.

So, now I feel compelled to finish the job.  My goal is 200 lbs. by Opening Day (that would be 2/14 vs. Northland Christian).  That will make 50 pounds total. As a stopping point between now and then, my goal is 220 by Fall Training.  And that will enable me to be sprinting with the Mustangs this fall, like olden times.  I think this will help me be better on a lot of levels.  I am looking forward to that very much ... and our baseball season.

I am learning a lot and being reminded again of some important things on this journey.  Here are some of them:

1) We all have things we want to do, but a lot of times we need a push to get going.

2) But keeping going after the push is hard.  I've wanted to quit a few ... no, more than a few days.  But remembering what my old teammates said, but more importantly what I said to the Mustangs has been key.  I gotta do it. The Mustangs have helped me be better on many, many days through the years.

3) Goals are huge.  When we get separated from direction, purpose, and goals ... we drift.  I sure do.  What about you?

4) Accountability is key.  We need people around us.  We need teammates.  You Mustangs have teammates. And knowing you are out there keeps me going (and getting better), as well.  If you want to go somewhere you need to go, call upon your teammates to walk alongside.

5) In the end, though, we really do have to walk alone ... into the gym, on the field, into the batter's box, to the mound,  etc.  It's a personal decision as to how badly you want your life and game to change.  How badly to you want to take your game and life to the next level?  Your decisions, and ultimately your actions, will answer the question.

Progress ... and excellence ... are hardly natural. They are intentional.

It is time for all of us ... each Mustang ... each coach ... every one ... to really dig deep to make excellence happen each day ... each pitch ... each play.

See you on the field (and sprinting) and Fall Training,