The Blues are based in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Our team offers local youths the opportunity to play competitive baseball against the best players and teams from around the country. We plan on playing in a local league as well as several local tournaments. Indoor practices will begin in January, and the spring/summer season typically ends in Late July.

It is the goal of this team to create an environment that will allow the players to realize their capabilities as baseball players; to develop confidence, self esteem and poise as athletes; to understand that their achievements are a direct result of their efforts; to cultivate lifelong friends among their teammates, and to support each other in all situations; and to understand that sportsmanship, not showmanship, is the major ingredient in playing with class.

While it is apparent that the Blues are a competitive team, winning alone is NOT our primary objective. Kids are selected to the team based upon playing skills and strength of character. We do not want great players, we want great kids with good athletic skills. We teach positive TEAM skills in a tough but fair environment. Kids respond well to this approach and the result is a competitive group with mutual support and good team chemistry. The same expectations are placed upon the parents. Mutual respect for all players, umpires, coaches and opponents at all times. The true purpose of our team is to provide a supportive and competitive environment so that the kids can improve as athletes on the field and young adults of good character off the field. While we try to divide playing time fairly amongst the kids, the stronger position players and top pitchers will always receive more innings. This allows for healthy competition between teammates and serves as a just reward for personal improvement. We encourage the kids to stay focused and work hard. They learn that most things in life are competitive and that they need to put forth a strong, committed effort if they are to succeed.

BLUES MOTTOS:

"The name on the front of our baseball jersey is more important than the name on the back!"

"Play Hard, Have Fun & Never Let Up!"



THE BLUES NINE PRINCIPLES OF BASEBALL
These guidelines will not only take you a long way on the ballfield but also in your everyday life.

1. NO EXCUSES
Do not blame teammates, umpires, coaches, fans, or the position of the moon for your performance. Take responsibility for what happens on the field. Stand up, make no excuses, and refuse the excuses others might offer you. Excuses get in the way of learning because mistakes are denied. Be accountable. Remember you are not expected to be a perfect performer. No one is. Baseball is not an easy game to play.

2. PLAY WITH HONOR
Always hustle, run out every ground ball and pop up, encourage your teammates, especially after an error, bad pitch, or a strike out, carry yourself with pride and dignity. Do not in frustration throw equipment. Do not ridicule another team or an opposing player's name, physical appearance, skill. Do not taunt. Do not distract an opposing player with low-level antics. Be positive with teammates. Never ridicule or criticize your teammates. They need your encouragement the most after they have made a mistake. Show your teammates, your opponents, the entire world the values you hold dear by how you play.

3. BE RELENTLESS
Never Yield. Never Yield. Regardless of what the scoreboard says, you are never defeated unless you give up, unless you go belly up. No opponent can make you do this. Giving up is something you do. Regardless of what the scoreboard says, no opponent can extinguish the flame in your heart or crush the intensity of your will without your consent. Play hard and never let up.

4. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE THINGS YOU CAN'T CONTROL
Ignore those things outside your control: the judgements of umpires, the conduct and ability of other teams, the weather, your amount of playing time, the final score (this is a tough one). Do not show frustration or disappointment. Do not allow your opponents to gain joy from your inability to cope with self-pity. Do not throw equipment or whine in anger or slump your shoulders. Such behavior impresses no one. Maintain your poise. Learn, prepare, and focus on the next event. We cannot change the past. Instead, we should focus on the next action with determination, joy, and resolve.

5. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THOSE THINGS UNDER YOUR CONTROL
Your effort, your attitude, your commitment, and your approach to the game are under your control. Be enthusiastic, play with great effort, conduct yourself appropriately, meet this opportunity with great joy. Listen to your coaches. Be alert, play smartly, know the signs. You are always accountable. How you react to situations and circumstances reveals the person you are and the person you might become.

6. PLAY THE GAME ONE PITCH AT A TIME
Focus on the current pitch. If you are a pitcher, what are you throwing and where? If you are a fielder, what are you going to do if the ball is hit to you? If you are a base runner, what are you going to do on a fly ball, line drive, ground ball, to the right side, to the left side? If you are a batter, what are you trying to accomplish on this pitch? If you are on the bench, how are you helping your team be successful?

7. FOCUS ON BEHAVIOR, NOT OUTCOMES
The results of your performance are not fully under your control. The other team may be very good, or very bad. The bounces may go your way, or not. But your behavior and approach are under your control. At the end of the game, you, and perhaps only you, know whether you gave 100%, whether you did all you could to help your team. Those players who did are winners; those players who did not are losers, regardless of what the scoreboard says. Winners take care of the things within their control, enjoy their participation, and are justifiable proud of their effort. Losers make excuses, lose their poise readily, wallow in self-pity, and surrender at the slightest sign of adversity.

8. THE BEST PLAYERS ARE THE BEST LEARNERS
Players who are coachable are always trying to help learn more about being successful ballplayers and people. They listen and apply what their coaches and teachers suggest. Are you coachable? If you are, you are a winner. If you are not, you are a loser, regardless of what the scoreboard says.

9. BE A JOYOUS WARRIOR!
Be enthusiastic, positive, give 100%, and understand that relentless effort in the pursuit of excellence is its own reward. The joyous warrior exemplifies the slogan "No Retreat & No Surrender." Win with humility and lose with dignity.