The 10u boys finished their season strong getting their twentieth win against Medina at Shoshone Park. After a slow start and slipping to a three run deficit, the bats came alive, as NB beat Medina 12-3. Six different pitchers and many players in new positions reinforced the growth the team has shown over the summer and how versatile the squad can be.
To recap, it was a season of proud moments that saw the boys came in second in the Lewiston Lancer Tournament in the top tier, they finished second in the Clarence Sunday League Playoffs, they won the Buffalo Cup, the core group of players won the 10u Police Atletic League, and overall they finished with a .714 win percentage. Thanks to everyone for a great year, and I look forward to tryouts and doing it all again next year.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Buffalo Cup Champions
The 10u boys dominated their division winning all three games, 5-0, 9-0, and 12-1. In the process, they only gave up two hits. The overall play was fantastic, and their hard work helped Hertel North Park retain the Buffalo Cup. congratulations boys!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Always the bridesmaid....
The 10u boys lost an exciting game under the lights at Shoshone in the Clarence Sunday League Championship Final. Lancaster Blue played a solid game and put together a nice strng of hits to get up 5-0 in the third inning. The NB boys came back as always, but a few key defensive plays by the opposition and a close call at third base kept us from coming all the way back. The final of 6-4 was a real heartbreaker, but did not overshadow the fact that the NB team is a collection of real competitors. When we figure out the secret to getting up early, who knows how far this team will go! Congratulations on a great run, and as always, it is a real pleasure to be a part of it. I know people are disappointed to again come in second, but remember, there were six other teams full of players sitting home watching television because they were eliminated weeks ago. Be proud of your job well done.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
9u Win States
Congratulations to the nine year olds from Shoshone who won the WNY State Championships this past weekend. Coach Joe and the boys have been working hard all year long, and they have just begun to play their absolute best. They mercy ruled several teams on their way to the big win. Best of luck in the regionals in Cherry Hill, NJ. We are all very proud of you.
Coach Bob
Coach Bob
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The championship round, what a blast!
The Green Machine started their run to the championship today after reaching the top tier by going 3-0 in the pool play.
In the semi-final round we played A-Turf for the first time all year, and we were ready for a real battle. The boys outlasted their opponents and beat them soundly in the late innings to win 10-6. We had great pitching from Connor, Griff, and Rocco.
In, the championship game, we played Clarence who all year has been at the top of the 10u A division. The North Buffalo boys held on and gave the Big Red Machine the fight of their lives. The game was tied for most of the afternoon, going nine innings before Clarence was able to take advantage of a string of hits and win 4-3. It was the longest game we have played ever, and our pitching lasted throughout. Several great defensive plays were made throuout the game, and I hope everyone there agrees that they saw the baseball game of the year today. For once, i really think that the North Buffalo team has put to rest any doubts that they belong among the elite teams in Western New York. I hope that we can keep the momentum rolling, as we ready ourselves for the big playoff game in the coming weeks. No one is happy to win second place, but if we play that game ten times, we probably end up 5-5. I think that says a lot. Thanks for a great weekend, boys! I am extremely proud of you all.
In the semi-final round we played A-Turf for the first time all year, and we were ready for a real battle. The boys outlasted their opponents and beat them soundly in the late innings to win 10-6. We had great pitching from Connor, Griff, and Rocco.
In, the championship game, we played Clarence who all year has been at the top of the 10u A division. The North Buffalo boys held on and gave the Big Red Machine the fight of their lives. The game was tied for most of the afternoon, going nine innings before Clarence was able to take advantage of a string of hits and win 4-3. It was the longest game we have played ever, and our pitching lasted throughout. Several great defensive plays were made throuout the game, and I hope everyone there agrees that they saw the baseball game of the year today. For once, i really think that the North Buffalo team has put to rest any doubts that they belong among the elite teams in Western New York. I hope that we can keep the momentum rolling, as we ready ourselves for the big playoff game in the coming weeks. No one is happy to win second place, but if we play that game ten times, we probably end up 5-5. I think that says a lot. Thanks for a great weekend, boys! I am extremely proud of you all.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A great Saturday here in the park
The Green Machine won two today to advance in to the top tier of the Lewiston Lancer tournament. The first game was a 12-5 win against Pittsford that showcased excellent hitting by all the players. In the final game of pool play, the boys took seven innings, but they rallied and beat Euclid by scoring four on a triple by Ray, who also scored on a throwing error. Griffin had two home runs and pitched strong. Connor started strong before Griff and Rocco shut the door. The depth of the pitching staff helped us it outlast the opponent. Final sore 10-8. Great job.
NB Win Base Burner Competition, 2-0 in pool play.
The boys beat Pittsford 12-5 and then started the skills competition. We won the fastest runner competition, with Nick, Teddy, Luis, and Ray blazing down the base paths. On the yellow field, Rocco and Connor did great in the fielding and throwing competition, with Rocco winning the best outfielder arm competition.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Lewiston Lancer Tournament, Game One
The boys won a well played game, 8-1. The pitching was spectacular, and the bats were in full swing! A good start to an excellent tournament. We look forward to the rest of the weekend!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Fundraising
If you received candy bars, the money is now due. Please return money for all candy to me in an envelope with your name and also mark it 10u. I will give to Dave Birkemeier. The full $48 a box is what is due, your share will be returned to you by the league. if you already turned it in at the stand, please let me know.
Tomorrow, I have ten tickets for each player for the North Buffalo Travel Baseball Party at Ulrich's on July 25. Please return the unsold tickets or the money for any sold tickets in advance of the date. I need to find the final date we can sell until from Dave. Please return all $20 per ticket, and your share will be refunded by the league later.
Tomorrow, I have ten tickets for each player for the North Buffalo Travel Baseball Party at Ulrich's on July 25. Please return the unsold tickets or the money for any sold tickets in advance of the date. I need to find the final date we can sell until from Dave. Please return all $20 per ticket, and your share will be refunded by the league later.
Green Machine wins way into Clarence League Championship Game
Sunday, the 10u boys played two excellent games to advance through the quarter and semi-finals of the playoffs. In the first game, we faced the Lou Gehrig Blue team that defeated us on Mothers Day. Strong Pitching led the North Buffalo team to a 7-1 victory.
In the semi-final we faced Clarence. After giving up two runs in the first on a few errors, the boys stole back two of their own and then never looked back scoring five more for a big 7-2 win. Strong all around play from all ten boys contributed to the win that advanced us into the finals, also winning the right to be the home team. The finals will be scheduled against Lancaster Blue after we both participate in the Lewiston Lancer tournament this weekend.
The boys are currently 12-6 in all games so far this year.
In the semi-final we faced Clarence. After giving up two runs in the first on a few errors, the boys stole back two of their own and then never looked back scoring five more for a big 7-2 win. Strong all around play from all ten boys contributed to the win that advanced us into the finals, also winning the right to be the home team. The finals will be scheduled against Lancaster Blue after we both participate in the Lewiston Lancer tournament this weekend.
The boys are currently 12-6 in all games so far this year.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Disappointment but not without a fight.
The 10u team fought valiantly all day Sunday to try to stay alive after a loss in the opener Saturday night. After beating Matthewson McCarthy 4-3, the "green machine" played a brilliant game coming back to nearly defeat Lou Gehrig. In seven innings. After falling behind 5-0 on a first inning debacle, the boys fought back and rallied. Once down, 8-0, the rally br ought us back to a tie game before finally losing 10-9 in the seventh. What a game.
The team is very disappointed, but the excitement experienced on Sunday will be something that will be remembered for a long time.
The team is very disappointed, but the excitement experienced on Sunday will be something that will be remembered for a long time.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
North Buffalo loses opener, 13-5
Lou Gehrig got off to a string start and easily defeated the North Buffalo squad at Westwood Park. The North Buffalo team now faces Matthewson McCarthy in their single elimination round game.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tournament Tune Up Works Out
In an exhibition under the lights at Shoshone, the North Buffalo team beat Grand Island 2-0 in a pre-tournament warmup before this weekend's big district tournament. Highlights included strong pitching from the NB pitchers and some solid fielding. Mario made a fine catch in left field to squelch an early GI drive, and Gabe laid down a fine bunt to score a security run. Great job boys!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Official Babe Ruth Photo 2011
Obviously the photo cannot be complete without Coach Eric, but that pic is forthcoming, and I will print copies for all. Thanks, Bob
Ready for the Districts
The Hertel North Park 10u team is ready to go. Our first game is Friday night at Westwood Park in Lancaster. We face the winner of the Matthewson McCarthy versus Lou Gehrig game.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Green Machine Beat Central Niagara, 13-0
In a great display of pitching, defense, and hitting, the Green Machine played a great all around game that found them winning by a large margin over Central Niagara. Several home runs paced the offense that was also fueled by good base running and timely bunts and singles. Great game, and a good precursor to next weekend's District Tournament.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Great tips on outfield play
Outfield can be a difficult position for kids to play well for a number of reasons but if you can get your kids to accomplish the next 3 items, you'll see your outfielders play improve throughout the season.
"Expect the ball to be hit to me on every pitch". This basically means that they need to be ready and expect the ball. Easier said than done! Often kids who play in the outfield get bored because they may not get many balls hit to them, especially if there is a good pitcher on the mound. So how do you keep them in the game and ready?
Help them develop a pre-pitch routine that involves movement. As the pitcher starts his motion, they should be moving and getting into a position where they are ready to move as the ball crosses the plate.
Communication. Get your outfielders talking to each other. They should be saying how many outs, what's the count. Where to throw the ball on a base hit. Where to throw it on a fly ball.
Empower them and expect them to adjust where they play based on the hitter. How many times does a big hitter step up to the plate and the coaches are yelling to the outfield to get back or a bottom of the order hitter comes up and you move them in. Try your best to get them to make those adjustments. If you expect them to adjust based on the pitcher, where the opposing team is in the lineup, what the batter did last time up, then your are forcing them to focus and think. It keeps them in the game and gets them thinking about where the ball would most likely be hit by each batter.
Get Behind the Ball! This is true on fly balls as well as ground balls hit into the outfield. Keeping the ball in front of you is an important part of playing outfield effectively. On a fly ball hit directly to a player work with them on trying to catch it moving forward. This will not only help them in not having a fly ball drop behind them, it also helps them setup to make a good throw back to the infield. On a ball hit to the side try to get your players to circle the ball rather than taking a direct path. This will help prevent balls from making it to the fence because the outfielder misjudged the speed of the ball and took the wrong angle.
Backup Everything - Not only will this save your team from giving up extra bases on overthrows, it will be another thing to keep your outfielders moving and in the game. Almost every play in a game where the ball doesn't go to the outfield, can be backed up by the outfield. Ground ball to third, left fielder is backing up third in case the ball gets by him, right fielder should backup the throw to first, center fielder can move toward second in case there is an error and the runner tries to advance to second. If you want this to work you really need to set the expectation and then give a lot of praise for the kids that hustle and meet that expectation.
Playing outfield can be difficult for kids and difficult for a coach to keep kids involved. Hopefully you can use these tips and try to motivate your outfielders to be active and engaged throughout the game.
Don Edlin
QCBaseball.com
"Expect the ball to be hit to me on every pitch". This basically means that they need to be ready and expect the ball. Easier said than done! Often kids who play in the outfield get bored because they may not get many balls hit to them, especially if there is a good pitcher on the mound. So how do you keep them in the game and ready?
Help them develop a pre-pitch routine that involves movement. As the pitcher starts his motion, they should be moving and getting into a position where they are ready to move as the ball crosses the plate.
Communication. Get your outfielders talking to each other. They should be saying how many outs, what's the count. Where to throw the ball on a base hit. Where to throw it on a fly ball.
Empower them and expect them to adjust where they play based on the hitter. How many times does a big hitter step up to the plate and the coaches are yelling to the outfield to get back or a bottom of the order hitter comes up and you move them in. Try your best to get them to make those adjustments. If you expect them to adjust based on the pitcher, where the opposing team is in the lineup, what the batter did last time up, then your are forcing them to focus and think. It keeps them in the game and gets them thinking about where the ball would most likely be hit by each batter.
Get Behind the Ball! This is true on fly balls as well as ground balls hit into the outfield. Keeping the ball in front of you is an important part of playing outfield effectively. On a fly ball hit directly to a player work with them on trying to catch it moving forward. This will not only help them in not having a fly ball drop behind them, it also helps them setup to make a good throw back to the infield. On a ball hit to the side try to get your players to circle the ball rather than taking a direct path. This will help prevent balls from making it to the fence because the outfielder misjudged the speed of the ball and took the wrong angle.
Backup Everything - Not only will this save your team from giving up extra bases on overthrows, it will be another thing to keep your outfielders moving and in the game. Almost every play in a game where the ball doesn't go to the outfield, can be backed up by the outfield. Ground ball to third, left fielder is backing up third in case the ball gets by him, right fielder should backup the throw to first, center fielder can move toward second in case there is an error and the runner tries to advance to second. If you want this to work you really need to set the expectation and then give a lot of praise for the kids that hustle and meet that expectation.
Playing outfield can be difficult for kids and difficult for a coach to keep kids involved. Hopefully you can use these tips and try to motivate your outfielders to be active and engaged throughout the game.
Don Edlin
QCBaseball.com
Sunday, June 12, 2011
North Buffalo wins two similar shockers.
The "Green Machine" won two at home today both after falling behind by 6. Both games were 7-1 going into the 5th inning. The first game versus Clarence, the score was 7-1 in the bottom of the sixth. Behind huge hits and two home runs, the boys won 8-7 on good base running by Max F. who forced the error that caused the game winner to cross the plate. Rocco and Griffin each hit home runs.
In the second game versus Lancaster Blue, the boys tied it up in the fifth. With the score 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth, Luis walked and quickly stole second. Robert sacrifice him to third. Connor, in a great at bat went deep into the count before he smashed the ball through the third baseman and the winner scored.
A great day all around. The middle of the lineup was unbelievable at the plate all day.
In the second game versus Lancaster Blue, the boys tied it up in the fifth. With the score 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth, Luis walked and quickly stole second. Robert sacrifice him to third. Connor, in a great at bat went deep into the count before he smashed the ball through the third baseman and the winner scored.
A great day all around. The middle of the lineup was unbelievable at the plate all day.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Stats page is now down
I killed the stats page over concerns expressed from parents. The box scores and book are still available on that site, but the cumulative stats have been removed. I appreciate the open communication, and I hope if there are ever any other issues you will all come seek me out. If you see errors in the box score or game sheet, please do not hesitate to let me know. I can and will fix them ASAP.
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
A-Turf Tournament, Game 4, North Buffalo beats EMW in consolation game
In a game that saw four different pitchers and several new faces in the infield, North Buffalo beat EMW 10-9 in the final tournament game. We were off to a huge lead, and just had enough to hold off a big push at the end. It was a fun game in which many players had outstanding showings at the plate and in the field. The first four innings saw Teddy and Robert hold EMW to no runs and no hits with only one base runner.
A-Turf Tournament, Game3, North Buffalo loses playoff, 3-2 in seven innings
Southern Tier won in dramatic fashion on a walk off steal of home on a passed ball. The game as well played and tightly contested until Southern Tier's lead off hitter blasted a triple to right field in the bottom of the seventh. He then scored on the next pitch which was went to the backstop. What a heartbreaker!
A-Turf Tournament, Game 2, a huge win versus eventual #2 seed, Southern Tier
The North Buffalo team won a heart-stopper 5-4 to beat Southern Tier. This gave us the 5 seed in a tight knit tournament. We would go on to face this team again in the next round.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A-Turf Tournament, Game 1, North Buffalo loses tough one to Sandlot Stars
Teddy was dominant on his return to the mound and the North Buffalo "Green Machine" played a fine game, but ultimately lost to the Sandlot Stars, 7-3. North Buffalon was down and roared back to a 3-2 lead before a tough rally by Sandlot in the bottom of the 5th put the game out of reach. Several defensive snafus led to a 4 run onslaught that could not be held off. The 7-3 outcome was not an indication of the close game we witnessed on the field.
The pitching and hitting stood out with the NB team proving it can both manufacture runs with the bunt and hit for power as well. The pitching was excellent and on any other day the defense holds up behind it for a better outcome. This is pool play, so we did not go deep into our rotation. The next rounds will be a different story.
The pitching and hitting stood out with the NB team proving it can both manufacture runs with the bunt and hit for power as well. The pitching was excellent and on any other day the defense holds up behind it for a better outcome. This is pool play, so we did not go deep into our rotation. The next rounds will be a different story.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Words to live by...
Ten Commandments for Success in Baseball
by Joe McCarthy (1949)
1. Nobody ever became a ballplayer by walking after a ball.
2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
3. An outfielder who throws in back of a runner is locking the barn after the horse is stolen.
4. Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.
5. When you start to slide, slide. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.
6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anybody can field the good ones.
7. Always run them out. You never can tell.
8. Do not quit.
9. Do not fight too much with the umpires. You cannot expect them to be as perfect as you are.
10. A pitcher who hasn't control hasn't anything.
by Joe McCarthy (1949)
1. Nobody ever became a ballplayer by walking after a ball.
2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
3. An outfielder who throws in back of a runner is locking the barn after the horse is stolen.
4. Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.
5. When you start to slide, slide. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.
6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anybody can field the good ones.
7. Always run them out. You never can tell.
8. Do not quit.
9. Do not fight too much with the umpires. You cannot expect them to be as perfect as you are.
10. A pitcher who hasn't control hasn't anything.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Getting Back on Track
The boys ot back n track with a well earned 2-0 victory over Lancaster Black. Hopefully, a good lead up to next weekend's big tournament. Game "bisons" were awarded to Rocco, Gabe, Luis, and Max F. The outfielders especially played great.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Turf Tournament Schedule
The schedule can be found here.
http://www.aturftitans.com/LMS/league.php?cnt_id=21
We will need to keep the rest of Saturday and Sunday open. We will know more as Saturday morning unfolds.
http://www.aturftitans.com/LMS/league.php?cnt_id=21
We will need to keep the rest of Saturday and Sunday open. We will know more as Saturday morning unfolds.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New Hats Arrive!
I am sorry, but when you are follicly challenged, you get excited about hats. Here is a look at the new fitted hats from New Era. They are low profile, and I think they are just great. The patch on the side makes them okay for use in the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken tournaments, so we will be able to wear them with the alternate jerseys on days we have double headers in the tournaments. Thanks to Jim Daley for putting the order in.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sunday practice canceled
Hi Everyone:
We are going to cancel for tomorrow, too rainy. Enjoy the day!
Also, game next Sunday is at noon, 5/22. Thanks!
Bob
We are going to cancel for tomorrow, too rainy. Enjoy the day!
Also, game next Sunday is at noon, 5/22. Thanks!
Bob
Sunday, May 8, 2011
North Buffalo Suffers First Loss of the Season
The "Green Machine" lost a heart breaker to Lou Gehrig Blue, 2-1 on the road. The boys fought hard and came very close to tying the game up in the top of the 6th. Several close calls could have been the deciding factors in an extremely exciting game. The team moms in the crowd were given a special Mother's Day rose courtesy of the Lou Gehrig squad, and despite the loss, the day was a great success. We thank them for their hospitality.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
North Buffalo Extends Record to 2-0
The "Green Machine" won its second of the season by beating Lancaster 4-1 at Shoshone Park today. We saw six pitchers share the work load, and each was equally impressive. The team played strong defense and the bats were a little more productive than last week. Ray returned to the lineup and immediately started an offensive surge. Great game boys! Having not pitched any of our usual rotation, I would say this win was a huge success. Tomorrow, we face a tough Lou Gehrig team on the road. Hopefully the boys will win one for the moms (if they don't kill us first for playing on Mother's Day!).
Friday, May 6, 2011
Saturday
Saturday practice now a game versus Lancaster. Please arrive before noon for warmups. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Practice tonight canceled
Practice tonight is canceled due to cold and wet weather. Hopefully,
workouts return Thursday.
workouts return Thursday.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
10u Wins Season Opener 4-1
The 10u "Green Machine" got things rolling with a 4-1 victory over Cayuga in Niagara Falls. Smart base running and hard throwing pitching won the game for us. We had 5 hits and gave up only 2. Connor got the win. Rob (2), Nick, and Luis scored our four runs. Pitchers combined for 16 K's.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wilson A1000 for sale
$50. Two weeks old, conditioned once and used for catch a little. Like new. Paid $59 plus tax less than two weeks ago.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Training gloves....
Picked up four of these from homerunmonkey.com. Rob and I used them after practice yesterday. They are great training tools that teach you to really get down and use two hands. I think everyone could benefit from having one in their bag. They are about thirty bucks apiece.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Running program
Four Weeks to Fitness
Please check this article out. We are going to be using its principles to help train us over the next few weeks.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Breaking in a Glove
Some people have asked recently about the best way to break in a new glove. I would recommend more than anything that you try to use little or no oil or glove conditioner on the glove, simply break the glove in by playing catch or using a glove mallet. Find a hard throwing partner and play catch a lot. When you sit on the couch, pound the glove mallet or your fist into the glove. Take the glove to the park and have someone feed the pitching machine at a higher speed while you catch the balls it throws.
Never leave your glove to sit without putting a ball in the pocket. I like the softball sized wiffle balls myself. I keep one in every glove we own, and I wrap the glove around it using a velcro strap used for securing hockey shin guards. It works like a charm.
If the glove gets dirty, it is okay to use a little conditioner to clean it. Personally, I like the Nokona brand glove treatment that is available at Dick's Sporting Goods. I am told it is simply petroleum jelly, so that can be used as well. Another good conditioner is gel shaving creme with lanolin. The lanolin softens the glove and also kills microbial nasties on and in the glove. Whatever you decide to use (Nokona, petroleum jelly, or the lanoline shave gel), use it sparingly. Too much oil will weigh down the glove. Put one tiny drop in the middle of the palm and work it in hard. Don't smother it in goop. When finished, wrap the glove up with a ball in the pocket. Good luck.
Never leave your glove to sit without putting a ball in the pocket. I like the softball sized wiffle balls myself. I keep one in every glove we own, and I wrap the glove around it using a velcro strap used for securing hockey shin guards. It works like a charm.
If the glove gets dirty, it is okay to use a little conditioner to clean it. Personally, I like the Nokona brand glove treatment that is available at Dick's Sporting Goods. I am told it is simply petroleum jelly, so that can be used as well. Another good conditioner is gel shaving creme with lanolin. The lanolin softens the glove and also kills microbial nasties on and in the glove. Whatever you decide to use (Nokona, petroleum jelly, or the lanoline shave gel), use it sparingly. Too much oil will weigh down the glove. Put one tiny drop in the middle of the palm and work it in hard. Don't smother it in goop. When finished, wrap the glove up with a ball in the pocket. Good luck.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Rawlings Pro Tapered Gloves
These gloves mentioned earlier in my post on gloves are now on sale for great prices at Home Run Monkey player. The small finger stalls and nice leather should be perfect for a travel player age 10-12. The page is here.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Priority on Fly Balls
Our system has been working pretty well for us since we started teaching it last year. When a ball is in the air in the infield, there are some simple rules we follow:
1. Every infielder has precedence over the pitcher.
2. Generally, the deeper the infielder plays, the more we want them to call off the other players. So, 3b and 1b have precedence over the catcher. SS and second have precedence over 3b and 1b.
3. SS has precedence over all infielders.
4. Outfielders coming in have precedence over all infielders.
5. CF has precedence over all fielders: infielders and outfielders.
So, if we were to rank the fielders in order of precedence, they would be"
1. Center field
2. Left field or right field (depends on whose side the ball is hit to)
3. Shortstop
4. Second base
5. Third or first base (depends on whose side the ball is hit to)
6. Catcher
7. Pitcher
Lastly, players need to communicate. There is no worse feeling than thinking that someone else is going to run into you when a fly ball is hit. The player who has the ball in his sights and has the precedence calls out "get out, get out" and the players who defer to him call back "you, you, you" to let him know they are not coming to get the ball.
1. Every infielder has precedence over the pitcher.
2. Generally, the deeper the infielder plays, the more we want them to call off the other players. So, 3b and 1b have precedence over the catcher. SS and second have precedence over 3b and 1b.
3. SS has precedence over all infielders.
4. Outfielders coming in have precedence over all infielders.
5. CF has precedence over all fielders: infielders and outfielders.
So, if we were to rank the fielders in order of precedence, they would be"
1. Center field
2. Left field or right field (depends on whose side the ball is hit to)
3. Shortstop
4. Second base
5. Third or first base (depends on whose side the ball is hit to)
6. Catcher
7. Pitcher
Lastly, players need to communicate. There is no worse feeling than thinking that someone else is going to run into you when a fly ball is hit. The player who has the ball in his sights and has the precedence calls out "get out, get out" and the players who defer to him call back "you, you, you" to let him know they are not coming to get the ball.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Choosing a baseball glove.
One of the most important but least understood decisions a parent can make is in choosing the right glove for their baseball player. I find that there are really two important considerations to the choice:
1. What quality of glove am I looking for? The price of a good glove is hard to determine nowadays due to the fancy labels and dyed leather that imported gloves have. Depending on the level of play, the thickness and stiffness of the glove factor big into the decision. The $39 glove is okay for a house player, but last year our 9u team played 45 games if we included house ball, tournaments, and the PAL summer league. An elite youth player needs a glove that will last and remain stiff enough to catch anything that is hit or thrown at it. I would say that bare minimum, these gloves will run upwards of $79. Luckily there are many good choices out their. the Mizuno MVP series is a solid glove with good leather at around $89. The TPX H2SL is one of my favorites because it offers several sizes, but is made to fit a smaller hand. The Rawlings Pro Taper models are also meant to fit a smaller hand. They possess smaller finger stalls that allow the youth player to more comfortably open and close the glove. Lastly, an even nicer alternative is the Rolin Kid's glove. At $139 shipped, they are a great value with great quality leather. The finger stalls are sized for a smaller hand.
2. What size glove am I looking for? This is an important consideration, and I see way too many kids playing with gloves better used on a softball diamond. For middle infield (SS or 2nd), I would recommend a 10.5" or 11" glove at most. This will help the player get the ball out quickly. I would recommend an 11.5" glove for the corners and the outfield. Some models like the TPX H2SL have a nice 11.75" model that is able to be handled by a ten year old. Too much glove lengthwise is a bad call for our kids. When in doubt, the smaller glove and good technique will always trump a glove the size of a fishing net.
I have bought gloves from both http://www.ballglovewarehouse.com and http://www.gloveguy.us/ with good service and price. If you are in the market for a new glove, let me know, and I will be glad to help you in your search.
1. What quality of glove am I looking for? The price of a good glove is hard to determine nowadays due to the fancy labels and dyed leather that imported gloves have. Depending on the level of play, the thickness and stiffness of the glove factor big into the decision. The $39 glove is okay for a house player, but last year our 9u team played 45 games if we included house ball, tournaments, and the PAL summer league. An elite youth player needs a glove that will last and remain stiff enough to catch anything that is hit or thrown at it. I would say that bare minimum, these gloves will run upwards of $79. Luckily there are many good choices out their. the Mizuno MVP series is a solid glove with good leather at around $89. The TPX H2SL is one of my favorites because it offers several sizes, but is made to fit a smaller hand. The Rawlings Pro Taper models are also meant to fit a smaller hand. They possess smaller finger stalls that allow the youth player to more comfortably open and close the glove. Lastly, an even nicer alternative is the Rolin Kid's glove. At $139 shipped, they are a great value with great quality leather. The finger stalls are sized for a smaller hand.
2. What size glove am I looking for? This is an important consideration, and I see way too many kids playing with gloves better used on a softball diamond. For middle infield (SS or 2nd), I would recommend a 10.5" or 11" glove at most. This will help the player get the ball out quickly. I would recommend an 11.5" glove for the corners and the outfield. Some models like the TPX H2SL have a nice 11.75" model that is able to be handled by a ten year old. Too much glove lengthwise is a bad call for our kids. When in doubt, the smaller glove and good technique will always trump a glove the size of a fishing net.
I have bought gloves from both http://www.ballglovewarehouse.com and http://www.gloveguy.us/ with good service and price. If you are in the market for a new glove, let me know, and I will be glad to help you in your search.
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