Category: Coaching
Type: Philosophy
GARY ADAMS' TIP OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2000
Too often, good defense goes unnoticed and without reward. This begins early in the life of a baseball player. He comes home from his Little League game and mom or dad asks, "How many hits did you get today, son?" The boy who got some hits is eager in his reply, while the boy who went hitless is reluctant to answer. Rarely does a parent ask, "How was your defense today, son?"
Even if a player made only one defensive play without a flaw, it would brighten his day to have something substantial and positive to answer about his game. Because fielding has historically been emphasized less than hitting, we try to reward good defense at UCLA with the "Blue Ball Award". The award is given out as follows:
The players actually vote if a defensive situation is, or is not "blue ball material," by giving the infield coach a thumbs up or thumbs down. If a truly great or clutch play is made, the player mostly responsible for making the play is tossed the blue ball (we paint it blue) as he comes running off the field. When the blue ball is tossed to a player, it is not only that player's reward, but also an accomplishment of the entire team. If a pitcher, catcher, or infielder wins the blue ball, he carries it with him to the field at the end of the team's inning of hitting and it becomes the first baseman's warm up ball for the infielders. This way, almost every position gets a chance to touch the blue ball and it becomes a reminder that each player contributes to the defense of the team. The potential to win the blue ball also inspires each player to keep on his toes and be ready to make an outstanding play.
At UCLA, we keep track of the number of blue ball winners. At the end of a year, the player who has won the most blue balls receives the respective trophy, which is a golden glove bearing a blue ball. In the case of UCLA Baseball, the "Blue Ball Award" replaces what would be considered the "Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award."
There is a lot of respect among our team for the Blue Ball Award. It is an honor to receive it and I take pride in giving it. It is an excellent way of rewarding a player who might have otherwise gone unrecognized. The "Blue Ball" has been a valuable tool for me as a coach because it is a tangible way to show all our players that defensive skills are just as important as offensive ones. I believe every parent or coach should try it. Your defensive and offensive players will prosper.
Submitted by: UCLA Head Coach Gary Adams
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