Alaska Quakes Baseball Club: Clinics
On May 25 and 26th, 2003 internationally renowned pitching instructor Dr. Tom House visited Anchorage putting on a two day intensive pitching clinic. Dr. Tom House pitched professionally from 1967 through 1979 for the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners. Dr. House gained additional notoriety handling Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan as a pitching coach for the Texas Rangers. Dr. House holds a PhD in psychology and is recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on pitching. 
Members of the Alaska Quakes 12U and 13U teams taking advantage of this world class instruction included; Michael Wagner, Garrett Balen, Weston Haynes, Vince Partusch, Matt Sullivan, Tim McCollum and Jacob Brownlee. On day one, each of the boys was put through a series of drills designed to develop the foundation of good pitching mechanics. The towel drill was one of Dr. Houses favorites because it can be performed repetitiously with very little stress on the pitching arm. Dr. House gave personal instruction and tips to everyone in attendance. During the second day of the clinic, Dr. House demonstrated drills designed to improve the pitchers core strength and shoulder strength.Before leaving, Dr. House stressed that he sees skills as great as anywhere in the country right here in Alaska. He pointed up the need for continued work on core strength and urged everyone in attendance to spend the winter working on strength training drills taught during the clinic.
Dr. House now serves on the advisory board of the National Pitching Association along with pitching sensations Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Robb Nenn, Mark Prior and Manager Dusty Baker. If you missed this fine instruction you may still take advantage of Dr. Houses knowledge via a video series now available at. Learn more about Dr. House at www.tomhouse.com.The Alaska Quakes would like to thank Kevin Spink who was primarily responsible for arranging Dr. Houses trip. Everyone can look forward to a return visit from Dr. House in 2004.
An Interview with the Owners of the Strike Zone
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We are Ted and Ava Manolas, and we've lived in Chugiak for about 10 years. Ted is a retired Air Force pilot and now flies for Alaska Airlines. Ava is a Great Mom and an Office Administrator for the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska. The daily attendants are our Kids. TJ is a freshman at UAA, Laura is a Junior at Chugiak HS and Chris is a freshman at Chugiak HS.
How long have you been in business?
We opened for business on 1 July 2000. This is our 4th baseball season.
How many cages do you have and How fast are the cages?
We have 5 cages. Each of the cages pitches one speed of baseballs. In addition Cages 1 and 2 pitch slow pitch softball, and cages 4 and 5 pitch fast pitch softball. Our baseball cages are set for approximately 40, 50, 60, 72, 92 mph. We have slow-pitch softball pitching a 6-12 foot arc and fast pitch softball at 45 and 60 mph.
How far is it from home plate to the pitching machine?
Distance from the machines to the plate is 51 feet. So it is longer than major and minor pitching distances but shorter than junior, senior and big league distances.
What equipment do you provide for patrons?
We provide a batting helmet with a facemask and your choice of baseball or softball bat, which is included in the price. In addition we offer batting gloves for rent for $1.
How busy are you on typical day during Little League?
Typically we have between 30 and 50 customers a day during the season, sometimes more or less depending on the weather. We usually have a few more people on weekends. Our highest number was 116 on one day last year.
How often are the machines adjusted?
We adjust the strike zone on every machine at the beginning of each day. As the temperature changes, the balls will usually rise when it gets warm and drop when it gets cold, so we'll adjust them again. We have two complete sets of baseballs and softballs and we rotate the balls every week. On a monthly basis, we check the belts and grease all the bearings in the pitching machines and ball conveyor.
If Im having trouble with a machine can I get immediate help to adjust it?
Yes! If the machine isn't pitching the ball across the plate, please contact the attendant he/she will make an adjustment for you. When we set the levels, we can only anticipate an average height for a batter. So you may have to adjust where you stand in relation to the plate to make the ball come into your zone. IF the ball is over the plate and a little high for you, try moving back in the batters box. If it is low try moving forward in the batters box.
Should patrons use expensive bats in the cage?
Generally I'd say no. But if someone wants to use their own bat, we won't stop them. The major problem is that the bat won't be pretty anymore. What will happen is the bat will be covered with a black marks from the balls. The best way to remove the black marks is to use rubbing alcohol. Also, when the weather is cold, there is a chance of the bat breaking on the hard balls. When it is warm there is usually no problem.
What clothing should patrons wear in the cages?
This is a great question. Just about any kind of clothing is acceptable but make sure you can move freely in them. The big thing is to have shoes and socks. We will not allow anyone to bat with sandals. We have some spare shoes and socks in the office for anyone who shows up with sandals. Batting with sandals exposes the toes to the speeding balls directly from the machine or from a fouled ball. It can be very painful and cause injuries that could last weeks.
What are your hours of operation?
This year we have trimmed our hours. From now until school is out, we'll be open M-F 3-9. Sat 12-9. and Sun 1-5. Starting in June M-Sat 12-9, Sun 1-5. In August we usually taper off and open 3-8, simply because the demand tapers off. We plan our last of operation this year to be 29 Aug 2003.
When do you open each year? Close?
We open each year depending on the weather. If we can get the snow and ice off the slab and the temp is near 32, we'll open. We'll close this year just before Labor Day. (29 Aug 2003)
How do we get to your facility?
From the Glenn Highway (going north or south) take the North Eagle River exit and drive East (toward the mountains). At the stoplight turn right onto the Old Glenn Highway. We are 200 yards on the right side between the Car Wash and JPS Cars. Across the street is the Park and Save and the new Microtel. If you pass Riddell Street on the right, you've gone too far.
Is there anything else patrons should know about your facility?
We're a family owned, family oriented, non-smoking business. We won't tolerate loud or foul language. You can pay with cash, checks, some of our discount coupons, and this year with credit cards. WE WANT YOU TO HAVE FUN. Batter UP.
