Mustang Offense ... Misconceptions and Conceptions

So, why put this up here? What if people are reading? Well, I hope they are. No, really I do. I'll explain later.

But here's the bottom line: If we execute our offensive plan as a team as we continue to grow and improve, it won't matter so much what our opponents are doing.

At the plate, remember, it starts with the three "E's" ... Expect your pitch and hit it where it wants to go ... Every one has a two-strike adjustment ... and, Eyes ... broad to fine focus.

Focusing on these three elements of hitting will keep a hitter on track and out of prolonged slumps. When a team buys in ... that is, each player is executing the three "E's" consistently ... then special things start to happen. We have made progress and seen bits and pieces of this during the season. We've got a ways to go still.

So, let's talk about a few key concepts.

First, our approach is not ... I repeat, is not ... passive. Rather, it's controlled aggression. Remember, we expect our pitch. We are not surprised to get it. Go back and read the Hitting Chapter from "The Mental Game." As Al Oliver expected his pitch, he thus saw it more.

I liken what we are doing to turning down sparrows while we are on a big game hunt. We are aggressive, but we know what we are hunting for. We decide, not the opposing pitcher.

Regarding the two-strike adjustment, keep the following in mind ... every one has one (meaning we make a mechanical adjustment to give us more plate coverage and a quicker bat while expanding our hitting zone to cover the whole plate). Also, we are not trying to "just put it in play." While making our adjustment, we are still trying to hit the ball hard.

But doesn't the two-strike adjustment run counter to "Moneyball" theory? That is, aren't we now hitting more on the pitcher's terms and adjusting our general approach of looking to hit our pitch? Yes, indeed. But we are doing so to neutralize the pitcher's advantage with two strikes. Furthermore, the value of putting the ball play is much higher at the high school level than MLB.

As we continue to work our approach at the plate, some times our offense will appear methodical as the innings roll along. But ... the excitement is usually on the way.

Here is what we are seeing, over and over. Our offense continues to improve and get stronger as the game goes on, as we continue to put pressure on the opposing pitching staff and defense. When it's late in the game and things are getting interesting, we are often ready to play our best offense of the game.

This happens for a number of reasons. For one thing, when our hitters are seeing pitches, so is the rest of our team in the dugout. Also, we tend to get into bullpens sooner. When we get to tournament time, the benefits of what we are doing is amplified even more.

So ... buy in.

Our stock is rising.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

So, you want to play in college?

Some of our players want to get to the next level and play. If this is not for you, that is perfectly fine. My encouragement to all of our players is to commit their best in our program to become the best Mustang they can be. And do it for the Lord and your teammates.

Through the years, though, we've also had a number of players who have expressed interest in playing baseball at the college level. This post addresses what it takes to get there.

First of all, we have compiled some great information regarding the nuts and bolts of what it takes to get to the next level. I'd encourage you to check out the "College Bound Athletes" tab on our website.

Beyond the great info contained on our website, I'd like to offer some advice based on my research, experience as a high school coach, and myriad conversations with other coaches, scouts, and other people in the know regarding what it takes to play college ball.

To play in college, the following is strongly encouraged/recommended:

1) Work on your game year-round. If you lack the passion to work on your game in the off-season on a regular basis 4-5 days/week, you likely like the passion needed to succeed at the college level. This doesn't mean you're a bad guy. It just means that you are probably not cut out to be a a college player;

2) Related to 1), make sure that you play in the off-season, as well (at least in the summer or fall, if not both). By this, I mean that you play more than the very short summer season at the Cooper League;

3) Earn respect and cultivate relationships in the game, but especially with coaches. Guess who are the first people contacted by a college coach;

4) And guess what a college coach wants to know ... What is the player's work ethic like? How does the player handle adversity? What kind of student is he? What is is GPA? (You know, these coaches want players who will succeed academically and not become academic casualties.) Is he respectful and a good teammate? Does he have a presence on the field? What kind of young man is he? These considerations are not secondary ... they are primary. Wow. Think about this for a minute. Once a college coach realizes that a player has the ability to play college ball (there are lots of players such as this), he wants to make sure that the player is the kind of young man who can succeed in college and in a game/environment with many pitfalls; and

5) Most fundamentally, cultivate your character. To succeed at anything worthwhile, a person needs relentlessness and a commitment to his chosen mission. If God has called you to play baseball, then get to it ... and with no apologies. I don't apologize for being a coach; I do apologize for being a lawyer, but that's another story. But really, I jest. I realize that my calling from God is just as sacred as if I were on the mission field. It's what He made me to do. Be relentless. Be positive. Be the kind of young man who refuses to be discouraged. You will get opportunities, as a result. In fact, I believe you will be a magnet for them.

Finally, I am reminded of a passage from "The Mental Game": "A winner knows that the verb 'to be' must precede the verb 'to have'."

All of us would do well to work harder and more deliberately at what we are called to do.

Respect for the Game

A lot of what really is simply "baseball etiquette" comes under the rubric of what baseball people like to call "respect for the game".

We ran headlong into some of this on Saturday.

Baseball is a funny game, on so many levels. There are many written rules, some of which are followed more rigorously than others. There are many unwritten rules, as well. Most of these unwritten rules stem from a sense of honor or a realization of the humbling nature of the sport ... where the difference between a game-ending double-play and a base hit can be an inch ... or less.

But know this: The unwritten rules of the game are followed, or generally there are severe consequences.

Many of the rules from baseball's unwritten code stem from one of the foundational commandments of the game -- Thou Shalt not Show up Thy Opponent.

On Saturday, one player was loudly proclaiming that he thought he knew our signs (he didn't).

In baseball at the college level and up, that player would likely be beaned for such conduct. This seems harsh, I know. But the player showed disrespect for the game by proclaiming publicly that the opposing team's signs were discovered. This is not done in baseball, because it's disrespectful to the opponent.

We can slide into the bag hard, but respect for the game means that a player does not try to injure another. The game presents enough trials and tribulations of its own.

People who have watched, played, or coached the game for any period of time know that umpires make mistakes, but these tend to even out over time. It shows a lack of respect for the game and the opponent to blame a loss or bad performance on the umpires.

We wear our uniforms correctly, with our caps straight forward and our jerseys tucked in ... always. It is not cool to cock your cap to the side. Rather, it merely looks like you have been out on a windy day. Wearing our uniform correctly not only shows respect for our team, but also to those who have worn our uniform before. Furthermore, wearing our uniform correctly is not only required by the written rules of the game, but it also shows respect for our opponents. We are dressed for the occasion, so to speak.

In our dugout, we show respect for the game by pulling positively for our team. Some teams yell for pops from the dugout while the ball is in the air. That is bush league and shows a lack of respect for the game. I mean, do they really need such an advantage? Think about it.

Also, we realize the situation of the game and make sure that we don't appear to be making merry at our opponents' expense, especially when a game turns into a blowout.

We don't run up the score. For my part, I neglected to hold up a couple of runners when we had a big lead on Saturday. I thought that could have been interpreted by our opponents as showing them up. That's why we talked about it after the game.

Again, this is a humbling game, and we treat those who play it with us with the respect that they deserve and the grace that we all need.

Respect the game. Respect your teammates, coaches, opponents and the umpires.

Do all of this because you respect yourself and, most fundamentally, the Lord Himself.

Like life, baseball doesn't fit into a neat little package

One of the keys to growth in baseball ... and in life ... is to keep reevaluating and changing. You have to, because just when you think you have it wired, you see one of those things that just sends you back to the drawing board and scratching your head.

Ron Wolforth and I were discussing recently the whole process v. results debate. Ron says he is a results guy; that is, he is a practical guy who is after results in working with players. I want results, too, but I think that the best way to get there is to focus on a solid process.

Ron's point was, though, that your results will ultimately tell you whether your process is working. That is, if your process is messed up, it doesn't do much good to focus on it. For instance, you can focus all you want on hitting with your eyes shut, but that's a questionable process that will be borne out in the results you'll get.

I agree with Ron.

So, the challenge for each of us as players and coaches is to evaluate how we are going about our business. How are we going after the results we seek? Are we doing enough of what we know is required? Are we doing those things that we know will lead us where we want to go?

Always strive for excellence. Ask yourself and others questions about what you're doing and why.

If you are continuing to have bad at-bats, then that's a cue, isn't it, to ask why? If a particular skill or play remains difficult after much practice, then maybe it's time to examine how we are practicing that particular skill.

For that matter ... are we practicing it at all? How much are you doing on your own to get better each day? A little progress each day makes a huge difference over time.

For me, I strive to keep all things on the table always. Remember players what we committed to at our retreat. We told each other that we'd give our best and do whatever was in our power to help this team get to its maximum potential.

So, when we seem to run up against obstacles we find ways to go around them, to grow, to adapt, and overcome.

If the game weren't mysterious and fraught with difficulties and inexplicable challenges, you know, it wouldn't be nearly as fun.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

A New Year ...

Well ... congratulations, Mustangs on winning the Lutheran South Baseball Bash. Oh, wait. That was last year. So, it seems there was a little delay in getting us our plaque for the first tournament that a Mustangs Varsity team has ever won.

But ... better late than never.

This year, we didn't get the results of 2009. However, we actually played better baseball against a much-improved field. Pasadena First Baptist and Westbury Christian were much improved, and St. John's (who was not even in this tournament last year), always presents a challenge.

So, it's a new year. There are new challenges. And teams that might have given the Mustangs a pass and rested better pitchers and players are not going to do so. It's time to for us to step up to the challenge and keep working -- deliberately working on those things we need to improve upon -- to get better.

An exciting week lies ahead, weather permitting. The key to having a good week on the field is to not look at either the past week ... or really the games ahead. It's always the one play ahead.

When things get tough and tight, life and baseball remain real simple -- one pitch and one play at a time. When we feel the yellow light coming on, then we go to our A-B-C's. We work our approach consistently, and things start to make sense. It sounds simple, and it is. If we execute such a plan, though, we'll survive and even thrive.

Hey, a verse came to mind after we saw ourselves being required to mature this weekend -- 1 Tim. 4:12. Check it out.

Now, let's get back to it.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

Remaking ourselves ... or making adjustments?

After a tough first week that saw us drop our season opener in resounding fashion at TWCA and then have our home opener rained out ... well, one might be tempted to be a little discouraged. I understand the feeling, but we still have the foundation in place to get where we want to go.

A start of a season doesn't define a season. A season is the accumulation of all of a team's games ... and a team's games are the accumulation of its mindset, approach, and preparation.

Mindset, approach, and preparation -- these make up what mental game teachers refer to as "the process" of the game. Most players, coaches, fans in the game are focused on getting the results they want. But the irony is that to give yourself the best chance for the results you want on the field, you have to focus on the process rather than the results.

So, the results of 2010 will be a by-product of our process. We'll get back to honing this on Monday at practice.

Adjustments need to be made. Some are obvious. We have an approach that we've discussed at the plate, on the mound, in the field, and on the bases. Our approach works when we employ it. When we don't, then we tend to drift.

We also encourage routines on and off the field. When things don't go as we would like, we teach our players to employ the "A, B, C's". I wonder how many of us were using these against TWCA.

A player without a consistent approach really can't make meaningful adjustments. He is riding a a wave of chance and feelings. Baseball can be cruel enough without setting adrift on its seas without a rudder or sail.

Always remember that in one of the greatest seasons at the plate ever Ted Williams was "mired in failure" 60% of the time.

A consistent mindset and routine is absolutely essential to thrive in this game. We continue to grow through the peaks and valleys of emotional plays and games when we stay focused on a winning process. We prepare -- that is, we work on our approach in practice.

Those without a plan (we are all here from time to time) don't merely make adjustments. We can't. Instead, we often remake ourselves in an emotional response to events. Sometimes we get lucky and it works for a while.

At the other end of the spectrum, with an undue focus on results we think all is well because we won a particular game, got a hit, made play, etc. But ultimately, without a consistent underlying process trouble is right over the horizon.

Indeed, without a consistent approach, over the long haul the game catches up to us (usually sooner, rather than later) and we are right back on the stormy seas again.

The very good news is that we have a solid approach to the game that we are teaching -- at the plate, on the mound, in the field, and on the bases. All we need to do is either a) get back to it; or b) make adjustments within it.

Stay focused on the process and let the results of the game come to you.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

Opening Week Thoughts

The opening of the baseball season is one of my very favorite times of the year. That it coincides with the coming of spring provides one more bit of evidence that the Lord is indeed a baseball fan. But this was proven to me long ago.

Opening Day (actually night) is Thursday vs. our friends from The Woodlands Christian Academy. We follow that with a JV/Varsity DH vs. Dallas Angels, a perennial homeschool powerhouse. It's a challenge to get going against these two great programs with the youngest Varsity team we have ever fielded. But you players are up to it.

The weather this week looks dicey. That's typical this time of year. So ... Semper Gumby (Always Flexible). About the only thing good about rainouts is that they cause you to reflect on how much we love to play.

As we take off into our best season of Mustangs baseball yet, players, keep in mind our commitments to each other from our retreat. Remember that contributing to our team is hardly confined to those nine who happen to be on the field at a given time. Keep the mindset of your teammates' welfare at the forefront and all else will fall into place.

Keep in mind, too, that the lineup we start the year with often changes as we twist and turn through a busy schedule on our way to Auburndale, Florida. If you want to be in another spot in the lineup or in the field, get after it and show that's where you need to be. If you do and that's what is best for the team as a whole, you'll get there.

Also, lineups change, too, as different pitching/defensive combinations are used. Stay alert and ready. I seem to recall that all of you players want us to do our best to give this team its best opportunity to play at its highest level. That's what we as coaches intend to do.

One of the great things about baseball is that it is difficult. It wouldn't be fun, after all, if you succeeded every time at the plate, for instance. In fact, it would get boring pretty quick. So ... expect adversity. It will come.

After all, adversity came to Ted Williams 6 out of 10 at-bats in the greatest season at the plate in half a century. Do you think we might see a challenge or two ... or three? I'm just sayin'.

But also expect this -- expect that we can and will work though that adversity ... by working a good routine, by using our ABC's, by taking responsibility for our thoughts and taking each thought captive, by staying positive, and, most of all, by remembering that what we are about is much more than any one of us alone.

Remember: We are enough.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

101-Inning Game Week

Mustang Nation, this week we take to the field to play our annual 101-inning game at Spring Creek Park in Tomball. It's one of the zaniest, darnedest, most fun events you'll get the chance to participate in at the ball field.

Question: Will we play 101 innings? Answer: Yes. Question: How? Answer: Well, let me explain ...

We'll divide the players from all of our Mustang teams (both JH and HS) into two teams -- red and white -- and then the teams will get their vests, warm, and get ready to play. Each batter gets one pitch (good, bad or ugly) to hit and try to get on base. No exceptions. If the batter doesn't get on base, he is out. To keep the game moving, each team will bat 5 innings at a time, and we'll clear the bases after three outs are made in each inning.

We'll keep it moving. Players and coaches need to keep players coming in and out. We'll break at about the halfway mark for lunch.

A few logistics: When the JH players on each team are batting, JH players on the opposing team will move into the infield, and likewise, when the HS players are batting, then HS players on the other team will come into and play the infield.

But what about pitching? That's where it gets interesting ... and fun. Dads are our pitchers for the 101-inning game. Every dad who wants to pitch can ... and will. And yes, we'll have the "L" screen out there. I've been blasted in the shin one too many times.

Players ... look at this as a great "bad ball" hitting drill. At the end of the day, players from each team will vote on the "Cy Old" award, for the best dad pitcher of the day.

Do we keep score? Absolutely. It gets interesting about the 80th inning. Trust me.

In the last inning, each team will pick its pitcher, and we'll keep track of balls and strikes. Batters will get a regular count in this inning.

One more thing ... due to the field quality and long day, we won't be sliding during the 101-inning game. So, be smart.

Expect crazy and/or winterlike weather. It is winter, after all.

As for the food and festivities during the day, that is still TBD as of this writing. Through the years, we've done lots of things, i.e., ordered pizza, cooked burgers, made soups and desserts ... so, stay tuned. Whatever we do as to food, it will be a great day to get to know other players and families in the Mustang Nation. So, take advantage of it.

Of course, as the day winds down we'll find out where we stand with our fundraising efforts. This is always exciting. God always provides for us.

I get excited this time of year. When we get to our 101-inning game, the season is upon us and another great year of Mustangs baseball is getting underway.

Enjoy the ride.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut

Another Great Retreat in the Books

Wow. I really enjoyed our retreat. Hard to imagine we have been doing this for 4 years now. It is a real highlight of our season, and it's the time when our team really begins to come together.

Here are some of the highlights that we covered (aside from our signs, which of course, are tied to Coach Fox's wardrobe):

Offensive Philosophy --

Our goal of each AB is a QAB (Quality At-Bat). We are trying to: 1) Hit the ball hard; 2) get on base w/o the benefit of an error; or 3) work the count -- 6 or more pitches.

The most important stat is OBP, followed by slugging percentage.

We work our routine, starting several batters before we hit. When we are on-deck we are reminding ourselves mechanically and locking in on the pitcher. When we get to the box, we are working free and our minds are clear. We are looking for our pitch. The only reminders at this point will be simple adjustments, i.e., "quicker on the trigger," "raise my sights," etc.

Expect your pitch (and hit it where it wants to go). Every one has a two-strike adjustment. Eyes -- use 'em ... broad to fine focus.

Baserunning Philosophy --

Three words: Hair. On. Fire.

Good baserunning is really the combination of hustle and good judgment.

Every pitch our mind in engaged. We get the sign early.

Situational awareness. Sign. Stretch the lead.

Defensive Philosophy --

We went over cut-offs and priorities on balls in the air. We should all know this at this point.

Remember: Realize the situation. Repeat yourself (communicate). Routine plays (make 'em).

Pitching Philosophy --

Remember the three T's.

We work our approach in measured bullpens. Pitchers, we are taking it one pitch at a time, in an effort to pile up Quality Innings (18 or fewer pitches with 0 runs or 15 or fewer pitches with 1 run).

Pitchers (and all players) know the balk rule. Following are balks: failure to come to a complete stop; fakes while on the rubber to 1B; dropping the ball while on the rubber; being on the mound without the ball; coming past half-way and then coming to 1B (LH) and the opposite at 3B for RH.

When a pitcher is off the rubber, he becomes an infielder.

Effective velocity -- Pitch on the inside corner is effectively 4 MPH faster than a pitch on the outside corner, due to where a square barrel match is. Because of the position of the hands and the relative ease to drop the bat -- as opposed to raise it -- a pitch at the top of the strike zone is effectively 4 MPH or so faster than a pitch at the knees. Pitchers, we can create (or remove) nearly an additional 10 MPH of effective velocity on a pitch by simply changing location.

Catchers ... target smart on two strikes. If we hit our target here, it will be strike three.

Starting pitcher and catcher ... should get with coaching staff to discuss game plan.

Mental Game Philosophy --

Overall idea is this: Take responsibility for thoughts/actions, using your mind as God intended.

Find your ideal mental state (i.e., some guys are better with an edge) and work your pre-game routine to get there. Each player should have a routine for pitching, hitting, defense, base-running, everything. Find yours, and work it.

Keep your eye on the process (how you approach each play or pitch), as opposed to the end result.

When you feel a yellow-light moment (when you might be tempted to press) coming on ... work the ABC's. A = Act confident. Recall your best moments on the mound, at the plate, etc., and act that way now. B = Breathing. Concentrate, and control your breathing. C = Now, control your thoughts and self-talk. Tell yourself what you want to do here.

Remember why you compete ... and work each day to be remembered as a player in the way you want to be remembered when you have finished playing baseball.

Remember the circle of blessing ... each of you players are valuable to us.

Remember to have the attitude of a a learner, and be in control. Listen to and trust your coaches. Give both players and coaches freedom to make plays, decisions, and mistakes. When teams are free, they are loose. And good things happen.

Little things are big. If you want to contribute, you always can -- whether on the field or not.

The irony of results is that the individual/team focusing on the end result inordinately can't attain it. Meanwhile, the individual who works the process and is not consumed with the end result will play better and have a better chance at winning.

These are some of the times of our lives. Let's embrace and enjoy them.

We are enough.

See you on the field.

Off and Running ...

An exciting week is ahead. We start our second week of practice. By the time we get to next Friday night, we will have our whole offense, defense, and signs in place. Maybe that sounds like a lot, but really, we are honing simple systems that all of our players are going to master.

Think R-E-S-T, players. We've introduced the "E" and the "T". After next weekend, we'll talk about them all right here. So, if you need a quick refresher, this will be the place to come.

I thought Friday's practice indoors was sharp. All of our pitchers threw measured bullpens. Every one hit, worked count cage, and two-strike approach. Our tee and toss work was productive, too.

Keep this in mind: Our goal is to make everything we do productive; that is, we want our work in practice to prepare us for executing our approach in games. I think we are on the way.

Practice is where it's at.

I am really excited because this Friday night is our fourth annual High School Retreat. We will talk philosophy so that you players all understand what we are trying to accomplish. We'll also take some time to share prayer requests and goals. I really look forward to hearing from all the coaches. This is a time for each of us to share our hearts with you, as well as our visions for the coming season.

We'll also hear from our Chaplain Lee Rushing. I always look forward to hearing from Lee.

Plus, I will own you all in late-night basketball.

After this weekend, we'll be united and ready to roll into our season. It's a good thing ... because it's coming fast. We scrimmage The Woodlands Christian Academy on Monday, Jan. 25.

Get ready.

See you on the field,

Coach Rut