Mountain House Rockies: Welcome

Let’s go Rockies!!! 

Parents,           

              The essence of sport is striving to win; without that attempt, the activity is of a different nature. For example, if two soldiers of dramatically different skill levels are training, often the superior soldier will begin to teach the less skilled soldier. While admirable, teaching is not sport. Two individuals on a fishing boat who are more interested in being together as friends change the situation from competitive sport to a social interaction. I as a coach realize that while winning is an essential part of this sport, Little League has many other, complementary goals. A key point I acknowledge is that while winning is an important part of sport, it must be kept in perspective with the other valuable aspects of Little League such as safety, social development, fun, and fitness.           

              In my opinion a crucial ingredient in our league is HOW YOU WIN as opposed to whether you win. Winning within the boundaries of the rules and emphasis on winning without distorting the basic sporting values which I would like to see our children learn and I hope you as parents agree. In fact, a strong argument can be made for the fact that true sportsmanship cannot exist unless there is an honest desire to win. The Rockies do show the desire to win as we can plainly see on the field. Playing fairly when one has no concern about the outcome of the game is not the same level of ethics as playing fairly when one wants strongly to win. This something I really think about when we are on the field of play. This is when tact and discipline for us as parents and coaches comes into the picture and defines us as a team and as people in our community.           

              Case in point The Rockies have earned a solid win last night even though predictability as we know changed the final outcome of the game. I am so proud to be the coach of such an inspiring and motivating team of individuals and we will look back these on times and know that there is often the belief that all those who are successful were successful throughout their careers. Actually, champions are often those who coped with their difficulties, set-backs, or losses better than their opponents. We are The Rockies and no matter what we are winners through all this adversity. Thank you parents for all your support and see you Saturday at 3:00 pm to do it again. I would also like thank all the parents for their tactfulness through this season and knowing what our children see and hear is what they will learn on and off the field of play.

Let's Go Rockies!!!! 

Parents,                

             Please be aware of this week's schedule. Please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns at any time about anything. I have been really proud of our team on the field and how far they have come since that first practice at Wicklund. I have really enjoyed watching the way our kids have learned through experience and how they have dived in head first against challenges on the field and making their own choices when playing. This is something to be really proud of as parents, and also for me as a coach it makes it all worth it. I would really once again like to thank all of you for your support this season. Please keep up the good work with your kids off the field and we will see you at practice. Let’s try to win some games and continue this second half of this season strong! Please also feel free to bring The Rockies some snacks such as fruit. They love the snack part of the game! 

Let's Go Rockies!!!  

5/7/2008          Wednesday      4:30pm             Practice            Rockies             W4

5/8/2008          Thursday          5:30pm             Rockies            Cardinals          B1

5/10/2008        Saturday           3:30am             Rockies           Cardinals           B1 

My Rockies Coaching Philosophy as of today

I must be positive 

The Rockies need a patient, supportive coach that can teach and motivate in a positive way. Knowing how to be positive and having the ability to communicate with our players is more important to a successful season than knowing many aspects of the game. It’s not about winning or losing just yet. Its about being safe learning and having fun the rest will come in time. 

I must show The Rockies I care 

Each player needs to know that I care for them as an individuals and that I believe they are all an important part of the team. We as coaches must take time to talk to all the players individually. We must always have safety as one of our greatest priorities.  

We must always have fun! 

Fun is essential for kids of all ages even mine. I have been trying to develop practices that let them do the things they enjoy. It's also important for all of us to have fun. I have tried to create an environment that is structured and varied enough for The Rockies to enjoy what their doing. If we all are having fun, chances are The Rockies will be having fun also.

Emphasizing paying attention and improvement 

As you can plainly see The Rockies want to improve and gain new skills. I try to make sure that I challenge all of our players at an appropriate level to bring about improvement. This requires that our players focus on their skills on the field than what other players are doing during practice. We must all as Rockies Pay Attention! That way nobody gets hurt.

Parents,

          The Rockies have been doing such a great job as a team and we should be very proud of how far they have come since that first practice. I would also like to extend out a warm thank you for all our coaches and parents for your support while I was ill. I am now back with a renewed vigor and enthusiasm to get on the field and play baseball! So let’s go Rockies!!

            Today I ask myself the question once again. What makes a good coach? Being a coach is easy. But being a good coach is another matter entirely. This job requires a lot of certain characteristics which I am beginning to learn this first year in Little League. If  I am going to succeed as a coach, I simply have to follow so simple traits that I have been learning and apply them. I have listed them for you so you can see the Rockies direction this first year.   

1. I know the discipline I am coaching 

It's trivial, but we as coaches need to know ins and outs of the game – the local rules, the history, and the tactics. For the Rockies it is keeping safe, fun and a great life learning experience. Keeping it simple! That is the bottom line for our team.  

2. Motivating our players 

This is probably the single most important trait in my opinion of being a good coach. Without proper motivation, everything comes apart I have learned this from the Marine Corps. Remember that we as coaches will need to lead a team of small individuals, everyone with different personal characteristics on to the field of play. My job is give the Rockies enough motivation to make them start doing things as good as they are able to. And even as a step further we even start to see of some our gifted players come to light with the proper motivation. I try my best to turn their attention from their private matters to the ball, the pitch and the bat. We are all there to have fun! Right? 

3. I need to only talk to get results 

As a coach I never speak without a good cause. If I talk too much, I will never actually be listened to, so as a coach I only should talk only when necessary – this will gives my words extra weight on the field when it counts. 4. I am always able to listen. Being calmer than usual means also that I should be a good listener. If we are to become good coaches, we need to become fathers for our team and listening is the single most important trait that can make it possible. The Rockies are little people who need our attention and help so listening is very important. 

5. Knowing our Rockies 

Another important matter knows our team. And it is not only about matching their numbers with the names. I try to know all our Rockies on a one on one personal level and keep in tune with what are children are doing on the field.

6. Leading by example 

The last, but not least I will do everything I ask our Rockies to do on the field. Our children should always be taught to set the example. Coaches are some of the most formative people in a child's life and will instill children with values they will carry throughout their lives. I will always remember this all about the kids.

Let’s got Rockies!!!!!

And now a word from League President.

    Hey all!   The season is off and running and I wanted to thank you all again for all your dedication to making this a huge success!! Right now as always we are in need of volunteers to fill small rolls as we continue to grow. We have brought on board a young lady by the name of Lupe who will be contacting the managers of each team in hope that each of you can provide two volunteers from your team parents to help out when MHLL has a need. It'll be everything from snack bar to field work. Thanks so much and keep an eye out for her email  

Eric Payne

ericsweb1@yahoo.com

Parents,

We as coaches are so proud to announce that The Rockies have won their first game! It was great to see the Rockies playing The Cardinals competitively and skillfully.  We had a good game and there has been a tremendous amount of progress since our very first practice. The kids were so excited to win their first game and it was very emotional and priceless to experience that with them as their coach. And as we know most of the players on The Rockies have never played on a baseball team so this first win will sit with them forever in their hearts and minds. Without prompting, The Rockies started to play their own game against The Cardinals and were working together as a team on the field to bring about this first victory. The game also identified what skills have been achieved through our practices and also points out what we need to work on in the weeks to come. As a coach I always reiterate to The Rockies when start practice or a game to remember their first practice and to be proud of how far they have come. They have achieved so much in so little time. Great job Rockies!!!

         We as parents love to watch our children succeed in anything they do. We often commit much of our free time to the pursuit of the development of our children via faith, sports and family time so we as parents have a vested interest. Let us as parents and coaches never lose sight of the bottom line, which is to give our children the opportunity to learn about teamwork, respect and sportsmanship, not to mention good old-fashioned fun. That is what the Rockies are all about this first season. 

          I am a strong believer that Little League’s mission is about more than just winning. I for one require that safety, fun and friendship as being the important ingredients to the healthy development of our children and our team. After all, isn’t that what we really want for our children? And this 100-percent volunteer organization (Little League) believes that “through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being”. We as coaches are helping bring about these virtues of character, courage and loyalty. Lastly it is my opinion that the Little League Baseball program is designed to develop good relationships with people rather than just superior athletes.

I would really want to thank the all the parents of The Rockies for all their support this season. To watch the “Let’s Go Rockies!” banner rollout while pitching was very moving experience. Thank you again for the honor and opportunity to coach The Rockies. Our next game will be on Thursday April 3  at 5:30PM against the Mariners lets show them what we have accomplished!

        Also Please check out The Rockies Photo Album section!  Thanks to Alma Camarillo for the pictures. Please feel free to upload your own pictures to our site if you wish. I am sure we would all like to see them.  

Let’s Go Rockies!!!!

Parents,             

           Please go over the rules I have enclosed in our most recent email carefully. So we as coaches as well as parents we will be on the same page concerning which local rules are in effect in our league. For the complete set of rules that go along with the local rules please go to http://www.littleleague.org/index.asp or just ask on of our coaches to reference the rule book which The Rockies keep on hand at all times during game time. This will now hopefully clarify any confusion or negative misinterpretation of rulings during the game. Our coaching staff for the Rockies will be adhering to these rules to the best of our ability so your cooperation as parents is greatly needed and appreciated. The Rockies as a team will conduct themselves as required by the board and MHLL so a solid foundation can be established for years to come here in Mountain House. If any questioning about rulings and calls do arise during games please direct them to one of our coaches and we will make note or bring it to the attention of opposing coach for review if warranted. But as always we remember it is about the kids and we do want to keep it safe, fun and simple for all involved.  Thank you once again for all your support. Special thanks goes to Alma Camarillo (Devin's Mom) for our new pictures currently being added to our albums section. 

Rafael Arrizano

Let’s go Rockies!!!!

Parents,

       Opening day was a big success! All the teams were out in full uniform and parents were out in full support of their children. This is a very special time in Mountain House history and it is great that we are all motivated to get involved. The Rockies were looking their best yet and to see them in full uniform just confirms all the fun yet to come. I really would like to thank all the Coaches for their help in keeping the Rockies focused and attentive during the course of the ceremonies and picture taking session. Our upcoming practice will be our last one before the season starts on Saturday so let’s give our kids our support. This first game we will focus on FUNdamentals as I have promised. In addition this will also give us a chance to get some feedback from out team coaches on what field positions are going to be assigned to the players. We have a long schedule ahead of us and this will be plenty of time to watch our kids grow into a team with motivation to do their best. Let’s always remember this is for them.

         In addition I would like to welcome our newest member of our team by then name of Jared Kamauu. So when he comes to practice let’s make him feel at home among The Rockies. In conclusion please take a look at some of our team photos from opening day in our album section.

Parents and Coaches!

 1) Please make sure you have all picture money in hand before Saturday remember it is a minimum of $5.75 per player and they'll recieve 2 3x5's and a team portrait. If you need to order other packages with differnet size I provided the ordering package during our last practice.   

2) We need volunteers. Have volunteers contact Kristine Pedroza @ kristinepedroza@sbcglobal.net ask your wives or husbands or team parents to lend a hand as we really need more volunteers. Volunteers will need to check in at the Wicklund Field at 7:30AM to begin setting up.  

3) All kids are to be dropped off at the Wicklund Multi-Purpose Room at 8:15 and coaches are to remain with them however parents are to head over to the field to grab a seat!  Please let me know if you have any questions and really try hard to work on item #2 above as we are in desparate need!! 

Eric Payne

Parents,                              

          The Rockies conducted their second practice game and it we are continuing to have so much fun! We have the most motivated players on our team in all aspects. The point of this practice was to start using some of the fundamentals we have learned of the game of baseball. Such as catching throwing and batting. Our coaches have now had a chance to see where our team is and we are now assigning some field positions. I would like to let you know the the purpose of the Rockies this year is to learn teamwork skills and motivation towards learning new things.  Let’s always remember all of this is for them. We are setting the pace for the future in our children so lets give them all our support. 

            The Rockies have more great news to forward as well…..Last week we  received our coaches equipment and shirts!!! The field equipment includes bases!!! Batting tee bats, helmets and catchers equipment. In addition we have acquired more baseballs and bats for practice. If you are looking for a great deal on some baseball pants and other Little League equipment please call or email our League President: Eric Payne  ericsweb1@yahoo.com  925-337-1885. He has a large inventory and it is going fast!

             I would also like to inform the Rockies and their parents that opening day is March 1^st and pictures will be taken that day and also there will be opening ceremonies taking place on that date. Please make it a point to make it on this date since this will be our Team picture day and a time to reflect on what this is all about. (Our Kids) I currently have the picture prices and option packages for your review so please feel free to drop by my house and pick it up or I will be handing them out on Wednesday’s practice. In my opinion this first team picture is one that counts the most in all the years to come for both child and parent as cherished memory to look back upon.

           The league is still waiting on baseball caps so the Rockies do not have theirs at this time. I would also like to emphasize how important it is to pick up your Childs uniform and have it ready by March 1^st for picture day. I have enclosed once again all the information needed and where to pick their uniforms up. One last item of importance is the use of baseball shoes or cleats. I would recommend investing in a pair for your child for safety and to complete their uniform.  

$29 Uniform Package includes:

• Purple Long sleeve shirt
• Grey Pants
• Black Socks
• Black Belt
• League Name: Mountain House Little League
• Division: FARM
• Team: Rockies  

All these items are available and in stock in these two locations.

Total Sports www.totalsportsstore.com

2100 Portola Ave

Livermore, CA 94551 (925) 443-8326

2085 San Ramon Valley Blvd
San Ramon, CA 94583 (925) 743-8326

                Once again and as always I would like to thank all the parents and especially the Mountain House little league Staff for all their support, hard work and dedication.

Let’s go Rockies!!!!