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Saturday, February 14
Let's go Fire Hawks!!!
The 2009 NJ Fire Hawks season commences Sunday March 29th. I want to thank each player for participating on this year’s team. Let’s have some fun this season. This is your season in the sun, a time to play hard, a time to enjoy!
Coach Maloney
Friday, May 23
NJ Fire Hawks 18u Baseball TeamTeam Message:
As our Spring Season draws to a close I cannot express the great respect and enthusiasm you have shown your coaches this year. Memorial Day weekend's Sunday game vs. Mt Olive is upon us so let’s finish the regular season like we started with a win. Stay loose and play hard and most importantly have fun.I look forward to seeing you all at the game. Team Manager: Rich Maloney
Opening Day Sunday March 30th 2008 - PTHS JV Field
Fire Hawks! Let's Rock this season... Start me up!!!
Hot, hot, hot.... Yeeessss, these are your glory days. Let's make every moment count. I and your coaches believe in your ability to play baseball. Believe in yourself and trust your baseball instincts.
You have an opportunity to play baseball. YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!!!
Take advantage of this opportunity and use it to pursue your dreams.
Take the field....
This is your Yard,,, Let's be the Big Dog on the field....
Play Ball!!! What's that? I can't hear you... Yah... What?... Play ball...
Go Fire Hawks...
Friday, November 2
The Perfectionist Player
Extract from the November 2007“Tips from the coach” news letter by Bruce Lambin
How about some advice for those kids who are perfectionist and get frustrated playing the game and the parents and coaches who get frustrated with them.
I received this inquiry recently. What he and the coaches and parents must understand is that baseball is a game of failure. It is how you deal with the failures not the success that will determine how long you get to play the game. The hard working, competitive player will enjoy a lot of success but even the best youth league player will fail at least 4 of 10 times at the plate. He will walk batters. He will give up hits. He will boot‘em. As he gets older and moves up to the big field, the frequency of failure increases. A stud HS player will fail 6 of ten times at the plate. He may be All State but can he deal with failing 50% more than he used to?
THE KID played with a stud his first year in pro ball. This player was 6’3 215 lbs, could run like the wind, had a cannon for an arm and could hit it way into the trees but he told THE KID that to him “baseball was two hours of anger management.” He was released the next year! If THE KID had his physical tools, he would be a perennial All Star. But he was released not because he couldn’t play but because he couldn’t deal with the failure.
Often stud players never have had to deal with adversity. They had always started. They always batted in the 3 hole. When they finally get to a level at which everyone is a stud they freak because they never had to deal with the prospect of failure. They are out of the game not because they couldn’t play but because they are a HEADCASE!
The mental part of the game is the biggest challenge. It is what separates those that go on from those that get released. This is where coaches and parents must provide guidance. He must work to develop his physical skills but those in charge of his development must help him to develop the ability to deal with the failure and compete to overcome adversity.
Saturday, October 27
"Inner Arrogance" at the Plate
Excerpts from “TIPS FROM THE COACH” Newsletter
"Inner Arrogance" at the Plate
By Coach Bruce Lambin Oct 27, 2007
“Some players put pressure on themselves. I put pressure on the pitcher." Mark Texeria
This is the best definition of "inner arrogance" I have encountered. It is crucial for success in baseball.
How does one get "inner arrogance"? First, it must be EARNED. A player must practice, practice and practice. He should watch the Videos of himself to make sure he is executing the fundamentals of the game correctly. He must take1000's of cuts (swings) off a baseball Tee to hone his mechanics. He must also take 1000's of cuts at Pickle Balls in the yard to learn to adapt to all pitches and pitch locations. He must take 1000’s of reps practicing to keep his Hands Back to make sure he doesn’t blend his stride and swing, stays back and on balance and executes proper rotational swing mechanics. Then, he must enjoy success.
Many folks contact me asking if their son should play up. "He did very well last year but I fear he will dominate this year if he plays another year at the same level and not be challenged." And that's a bad thing? If he enjoys a season of domination, he will be most likely to develop that "inner arrogance." At certain ages it is a good idea to let them just enjoy a year of "domination." Usually this is the last year in a division or age group. It won't retard their development. They will get to see some rewards for all the hard work and understand there is a correlation and get the opportunity to gain some 'inner arrogance".
By The Way, the pros often do this with a high draft pick by placing him in say, Short Season Rookie ball his first year so that he can dominate before challenging him with the failures of the upper levels.
Yours in Baseball
Coach Bruce Lambin
Wednesday, October 3
Fall Ball, Scouts and College Recruiters
from "TIPS FROM THE COACH" newsletter by Bruce Lambin
Fall ball is the prime time for pro scouts and college recruiters to observe prospects. I, for years, coached the Lone Star Baseball Club team. I had a panel of pro scouts that selected the top prospects in the Texas Gulf Coast to play for me and I tried to not screw them up too much. From off this team 16 players have made it to the Majors, 60 or more to pro ball and over 250 got the opportunity to play in college. Every time we stepped on the field, you could expect the more than a few pro scouts and college recruiters to be watching. One of my primary responsibilities was to educate the players in what the scout were looking for and how best to showcase their talents to leave a positive impression. I was dealing with pro and college "prospects" but this TIP will apply to all levels of play.
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I spoke to them about how you can turn a negative into a positive and conversely a positive in to a negative. One player hit a line shot into the gap, a positive. But then lolligagged to first taking no turn although the left fielder had to make an extraordinary play to keep the ball from going to the wall. I pointed out that getting a good hit always impresses the recruiters but they expect him to be able to hit some or they wouldn’t be looking at him. When he dogged it to first he did far more damage to his chances than if he had K’d 3 times. Now the notation they will enter in their book is “ don’t like the way he plays the game”. On the other hand one of the players hit a pop up to the pitcher but sprinted to first. What players must understand is every time they swing, someone punched a stopwatch. On the pop up he was timed in a 4.2 to first, an excellent time but you better believe that a note was made that that 4.2 was recorded on a pop up!
Heck, Babe Ruth popped up on occasion. Does a player think that they are impressing anyone by a show of disgust when they don’t hit the ball solidly as if that had never happened to them before. How many times have you seen players thrown out by a step on a routine ground ball to short after showing disgust for an instant after contact? To act out after less than hoped for results, shows a lack of respect for the game! One has no control of what happens after the ball is contacted. That part of the play is over but the play is still ongoing. RUN. Take an aggressive turn at first. The play is not over until the umpire signals the batter out. SOMEONE MAY BE WATCHING that will decide the rest of your career.
One player popped up and helped himself . Another ripped a shot and seriously hurt his chances in the eyes of those there that day of playing beyond HS. Watch Biggio and Eckstein play the game and emulate them. Respect the game and let your ability be the determining factor in whether someone wants you to play for them not your approach to the game.
Play hard from your friends at www.tipsfromthecoach.com. .
Yours in Baseball,
Bruce Lambin
THE COACH
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Team Message - Everything Counts!
Each Game, Player, Play, and Pitch Counts! Games are Won Play-by-Play, Pitch by Pitch! Who Starts, Who Sits, Who Subs, every Player and every play that is made (or not made) is important to the team as a whole. Each of you contributes to the game in your own special way. Emphasis this year is being placed on your ability to play baseball, your attitude toward the game, attitude toward other players, respect shown to your coaches and your performance at practice and during past and present baseball games.
Some players have expressed the need to have more playtime. Realistically we attempt to balance your playtime based on the number of players that show up for the game. Plans are made in advance of the game. However it is very seldom these plans are carried out due to players not showing up for the games, players that are hurt and players who express a need to rest an inning. Players tend to slack off mid way through the season, no mater the season of play spring or fall. It is up to the coaches to encourage better baseball play. Our advice is to “Stay Alert” during key situations. Who plays what positions and at what part of the game is determined at game time and situation-by-situation. We learn as a team and need to play like a team. Toward one goal. This is not an individual sport it is a Team sport.
Your ability to know your strengths and weaknesses is something which needs to be realized and overcome by each player. Instead of an I cannot do it. Adopted a “Consider it Done” attitude and Do it!. Do not be afraid to fail, or take risks. You make your own fortune in life. Go ahead give it a try. You may surprise yourself and play at the ability your coaches know you are capable of playing.
Some of you will be asked to play under extreme conditions, Heat, Rain, Cold and wind. It is not easy playing under those conditions, but it must be done. Don't just think about yourself. You need to play and contribute as a team player. Excuse the expression but you must “SUCK-IT-UP” and Get Tough! We use the expression the Boys of Summer. We call you boys but you are young men. Lets act like it.
Pitchers you will be pulled from the mound when we see fatigue setting in or your teammates Do-Not-Support You and Do Not field the ball! This may not be a reflection of your pitching ability. It is just a case of events or circumstances. Do not be upset. Pitching changes and field position swapping are part of baseball. We are a team, support each other and encourage each other to do well. Sometime changes are required to refocus a team.
You must show Sportsman like conduct at all times. Respect others and they will respect you. Respect the team and they will back you 100%. Do not throw your equipment or team equipment around, I need you and your head in the game. We do not want the umpire to throw you out of the game. Same goes for talking back to the umpires. Let your coaches handle it and bring it to our attention. If you need further clarification ask your coaches. Lets strive to make this a Win Win for both the team and each player.
I trust we will have a playoff game this weekend an the above message serves as a reminder to stay focused and have fun no matter what the outcome. Play Ball!
Coach Maloney
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Friday, May 18
Lead by Example, The Pride of the Fire Hawks
The will to win. The desire to be the best are goals we each set each season. I am proud of each player and the contributions you have made to the team. But your task is not over. Let us all pull together, to win this weekends baseball game.
I ask that you give 110% each game. Stay loose, hustle and play each game to the best of your ability. Stick with it on each play. Never give up, or let up on your opponent. I want you to play hard from start to finish. Shake it off if something doesn't go our way, get your head back in the game. Remember the spirit, the will to win, and the will to stand out and endure. These qualities are more important than the events of the game.
Outfielders circle under and catch the baseball. Field the baseball cleanly and make good throws to the baseman or cutoffs. At the plate, stay back on your swings and hit the baseball firmly for line drives (let the ball come to you) and most importantly load your hands back (pull your hands back) during the pitch delivery. Hit the ball and finish your swing.
Whether fielding, pitching or batting have confidence in your playing ability. Make whatever field we play on your house, your rules and most importantly lets play our game of baseball.
Remember baseball games are won by the team with the least amount of errors and the most runs. Now lets go to Rip City on the team and win each game one inning at a time. Take the field. No Excuses, play ball!
Coach Maloney
Friday, March 2
Welcome players - NJ Fire Hawks 2007 Spring Season
Welcome players and parents soon the snow will melt and our team will be playing baseball in the Sunday Cerbo baseball league. However, when you hear the crack of the bat hitting the baseball it should bring back memories of glory days. Yes, genuine Babe Ruth type stuff, authentic wooden bat baseball. Our Sunday Cerbo High School division is now a wood bat league.
So what can I expect as a player? Will the competition be good? Chances are if we see some of the kids that play in senior legion baseball from Morris County you will have good completion. The reason is in Morris County all senior American legion baseball teams use wooden bats.
Chances are you will see less Texas League blooper hits. These are caused mainly by hitting the baseball off the shank or thin part of an aluminum bat. Wooden bats produce less Texas League blooper hits and more infield pop outs. You can expect to see more ground outs and more pop outs this season.
The good news is if you hit well with aluminum chances are good you will hit well with wood. The balance of the bat is the only difference. Wood bats are all top heavy which causes a new player to drop the bat head slightly as it is snapped and swung through the strike zone. Players must resist this tendency to dip the bat head and fight the bat to produce an even swing through the strike zone. Most players catch on quickly. Some new players however pray to god for the game to end and let them get back to aluminum baseball bat games. If you love baseball get use to the wood bat, it is genuine baseball.
I should have more information to share with you on the weekend of 3/25 after I attend the Cerbo Leagues coaches meeting. Opening day is scheduled for Sunday April 1st.
Coach Maloney
Thursday, October 12
Fire Hawks – Team Manager Speech
I am proud of each player and the contributions you have made to the team. But your task is not over. Let us team together, to win this weekends baseball games.
I ask that you give 110% each game. Just relax, stay loose, hustle and play each game to the best of your ability. Never give up, or let up on your opponent, play the game hard from start to finish. If something doesn't go our way, shake it off and get your head back into the game. Remember the spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.
Field the baseball cleanly and make good throws to the baseman. At the plate, stay back on your swings and hit the baseball firmly for line drives (let the ball come to you) and most importantly load your hands back (pull your hands back) during the pitch delivery. Hit the ball and finish your swing.
Whether fielding, pitching or batting have confidence in your playing ability. Remember baseball games are won by the team with the least amount of errors and the most runs. Now lets go to Rip City on this team and win each game one inning at a time. Take the field.
Coach Maloney 10.12.2006
Monday, September 25
Fall Midseason Madness
As we quickly approach the middle of our regular fall baseball schedule, I feel an obligation to the team to inform you to be at your best during these games. We have three weekends to go, 6 scheduled games remain with 1 makeup game to be rescheduled. If we do well and win many of these games there is a chance we will play on the October 21st weekend. Lets all pull together and make a difference in these remaining games. Whether that is improving your fielding, hitting or running it is essential that you make the best of these games.
I trust and believe in each of your ability to play the game of baseball. If our coaches seem to be shouting at you during the games it is because we know you are not playing at full potential and can do better. We want nothing more then each of you to be the best at the sport of baseball. Use this time wisely and have some fun and take a chance at hitting that fastball over the fence or catching that pop fly ball. We see some small improvements each week and we also shutter at the miss plays, shake them off and get your head back in the game.
Always remember if you “Practice hard and play hard we will win baseball games. Coach Maloney”
Friday, May 12
How do I measure a quality at bat?
I was asked recently by one of my former players how my Sunday team was performing based on the player stats. To which I replied. Stats don't win baseball games, players do. Coach Maloney he asked you don't keep stats? Yes, I replied I keep stats on all my players, however, stats don't always tell the true story of a player. Stats only become meaningful if you are a seasoned player with over 30 games behind you, then you can use them to gauge a players value. I now prefer to show players there stats at the end of the season and coach players through there slumps.
Don't get me wrong, stats are an integral part of the game but if used as a measure of how well A player is performing can be a heavy burden and not a valid indicator of how well one is performing during the season. I have seen stats go to a players head and the good player became a bragger that cared only about themselves and never progressed to be a team player. None of the players liked the guy because he was full of himself. As a result the player was just an average player who became overated. The next season everything caught up to him and he was alienated by his teammates for being a jerk.
A more valid and helpful measurement of a players batting ability is Quality At Bats.
I define a quality at bat as:
1. The batter goes to the plate with a plan. He should know what pitch he can hit with expectation of having the highest degree of success. Ted Williams knew that he hit .135 on back door sliders down and away but over .500 on fast balls belt high, down the middle. We would never have heard of Ted Williams if he swung at many down and away sliders!
2. The batter swings only at high success expectation pitches early in the count. For most young hitters that means not swinging at breaking balls early in the count. With no strikes he will swing at fast balls “zoned” say middle- in and thigh to waist high. The batter’s hitting zone as opposed to strike zone is not static but changes with each count. Great “hitter’s counts” are 2-0 and 3-1. The pitcher must challenge the batter and the odds of him getting a pitch that he can expect to hit with a high degree of success are much higher. Undisciplined hitters often never get to 3-1 because they won’t lay off that pitch that is in the strike zone but not a quality hitter’s pitch. They all ready made an out not because they aren’t a good hitter but because they weren’t disciplined enough to wait for a good pitch.
3. Several other good thing occur because a hitter is disciplined. The pitcher must throw more pitches. The batter “sees” more of the pitcher’s stuff. The pitcher will tire sooner and when he tires he will make more mistakes and then he is more hittable.
4. The batter must take pitches to ever draw a walk. All walks are “quality at bats”.
5. A strike out can be a quality at bat! If the batter makes the pitcher throw an inordinate number of pitches, he has helped his team much more than the hitter that swung at the first pitch and made an out.
It is vital that a hitter learn that the only thing he has control of at the plate is at which particular pitch he chooses to swing.!!! If he swings at a quality pitch, hits the ball sharply, and it is caught by a fielder, he has had a quality at bat!!!!
If he can at the end of a game know he had 3 of 4 quality AB’s, even if he was 0 fer, he must realize he had a good game at the plate. A byproduct of this emphasis on quality AB’s will be that he will find not only his BA rising but his slugging pct. as he gets more balls that he can drive. His mental well being will improve and if the whole team adopts this approach, they will WIN more games. Practice hard, play hard and you will win games.
Coach Maloney
Thursday, March 9
Fire Hawks Baseball 2006
Like the Phonix emerging from the flames of extinction the Fire Hawks emerge to play in their third spring Cerbo baseball season. Yes, another great season of baseball. Lets all practice hard, play hard and win games. We will have two practices this spring then go right into playing Sunday games. I know each of you have a good work ethic so staying in shape should not be a problem. I look forward to our first full practice Sunday March 19th at 11 am, Pequannock Township High School. See you then, watch for emails. Coach Maloney
Team Message
I am proud of each player and the contributions you have made to the team and for the success of our baseball club. But your task is not over. I call on you once again to team together and win one more game, the championship game. Play this game just like the others you have won this season. Field the baseball cleanly and make good throws to your baseman. Always remember if you play hard, hit the baseball hard, you will win baseball games. Now lets go to Rip City on this team and win the game one inning at a time. Take the field. Coach Maloney
Just Do IT!
Just Do IT!
You play your best baseball when you trust yours instincts, not thinking. Just react. Thinking tightens your muscles up in knots, distracts your focus from the task at hand and kills every part of your game. Baseball skills happen too quickly for your thoughts to be able to keep up with your actions. Thinking slows your reflexes and reaction times way down. Not to mention, making them uncoordinated. This applies to fielding and hitting.
You cannot play good baseball by thinking about it. Thinking gets you trying too hard and pressing. Trying too hard is the “game of diminishing returns in baseball.” That is, the harder you try, the worse you play. To be at your best, you have to be relaxed and on automatic in what we call a “let it happen” mode. Just do it, get there and get it done.
Remember back to the 98 season when Big Mac and Sammy were chasing each other and Maris’ single season record for home runs. Talk about an awesome display of mental toughness and concentration! How do you think you can keep hitting home runs when you are in a fishbowl and the whole world is hanging on every at-bat you take? Both McGuire and Sosa did not go up to the plate thinking about hitting home runs, Maris’s record or how the other was hitting. They stepped up to the plate with an empty mind, stayed loose and focused on just one pitch at a time and making good contact. Nothing more!
Best Hitting advice “Step up to the plate with an empty mind, staying loose and focusing on just one pitch at a time and making good contact. Nothing more!
BASEBALL, sports psychology
AND PEAK PERFORMANCE
click on the Just do it! title link for the full article.
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"Shake it Upl" Fire Hawks!
You are ready to win it all. You need to stay hungry to win games. When the chips are down Fire Hawks always manage to Shake things up. If it were not for the true spirit of the game of baseball we would not be playing. “Rattle the Cages” this week in batting practice (batting cages) and bullpen work. We have two tournaments ahead of us and one remaining game against the Bronx. Our team as a whole has developed well through the Season our record does not actually represent your accomplishments as a Spring HS Team. Lets work together to achieve more consistency in our game both batting and fielding.
Our pitching rotation has developed nicely. I saw more consistency in less fielding errors this past weekend, good job! Now lets work a little harder on some basic wood bat batting skills. Lets get back on track and “Shake it up” with our bats and Roll on through into the Memorial weekend Lightening Invitational. Go for the Win...GO FIRE HAWKS!!!
" Hitting is timing. Pitching is destroying timing"
Hall Of Fame pitcher, Whitey Ford coined the phrase to "pull the string". By that he meant that when he threw a 'change up', he felt as if he had a string on the batter and pulled his weight forward onto his front foot at which time he had destroyed the hitter's timing and owned him.
The key to being a good hitter is to be able to keep your weight back long enough to be able to identify the pitch and react to the velocity and break. How does one master this skill? First the hitter must have correct swing mechanics. He must learn to not blend his stride and swing. He must learn the stride is merely a timing device not a means of generating power in the swing.
Blending the stride and swing, will result in diminished power as the hips and upper body turn simultaneously.
Bat speed and power are a result of a lag in the rotation of the upper and lower body creating torque. The hitter must learn to take a short stride on the ball of the foot, keeping the weight back.
The Coach
Hit the ball where it is pitched
Hit the ball where it is pitched - I believe that over 65% of all fastballs are thrown on the outside fourth of the plate. Most of the remaining pitches are thrown on the inside of the plate. Very few pitches are thrown down the middle of the plate. This tells me that at least 50% of my team's practice swings should be at pitches on the outside half of the plate.
It is a great idea to have "location specific" batting practice at whatever level you coach. The first 10 pitches are thrown away and are hit to the opposite field. The next 5 are down the middle and are hit to centerfield. The last 5 are on the inside and are pulled.
Here are several important teaching points that should be considered when we teach hitters to hit the outside or away pitch to the opposite field.
The hitter must stay tall, keep the hands up, and keep the hands back.
The head and front shoulder must be "kept in and down". The eyes must track the ball all the way to the bat.
The back foot must turn up quickly to free the hips and to allow proper hip rotation.
The upper body and hips should not rotate until full bat extension or bat to ball contact is made. Rotation before contact will cause the hitter to pull off the ball causing the hitter to miss or pop the ball up.
The hitter must keep the hands inside the ball. The hands always should come forward on a downward plane staying inside the ball to hit it to the opposite field.
The hitter's top hand and arm must be "strong" in the swing to keep the bat barrel up and on a level line through the ball.
“Fire Hawks” Be prepared
Be prepared
We play in rain, cold, wind, snow and hot weather conditions. GET USE to THEM! For those of you who are new to the team this Spring our Fire Hawks team motto is; “No Excuses, Play Ball !” and all your coaches mean it! To borrow an expression from my fellow coaches it is time to “Suck it Up and get Tough.” Life gets gritty at times, not fun at all. It is time to brake the mold and become the great baseball player you are and person you are. Let that magnificent personality shine through your baseball skills and positive “Can Do” attitude that you express each week in practice and at the batting cages.
I mentioned briefly that we play in a variety of weather conditions including snow flurries. These conditions require each player to perform at the same level and ability as they do under good weather conditions. Having jackets and gloves handy as well as a small towel to dry off the inside of your baseball glove before you go on the field or to dry off the barrel of the bat before you bat on rainy days. If you are afraid to get your hair wet, get real, you will not melt. Put your baseball cap back on and get back in the game. Lets play good baseball and have fun this season. Coach
The LEGEND !
TIPS FROM THE COACH - Newsletter
He's the STUD! The LEGEND! 5"7' 160 lbs. He throws 70+ with 4 pitches he can spot. He batted over .600 last year, drops bombs effortlessly and he is yours! He is on your team. All you have to do is get the other doofusses to play half way decently in support and you will win the league!
Focus your energies on the lesser skilled players and you will be neglecting the Stud. Here is reality. He is also probably an August baby so he's a year older and more developed than his peers. He's going through puberty and may be shaving twice a day. He is literally a man among boys. But all that will change. They will all become men. They will all grow and get stronger. Because he is an August baby, in many states that have a September 1 cutoff for school age, he will revert to being the youngest in his class in HS. I have known many 12 year old Legends. The vast, vast majority fall by the wayside. I coached arguably the finest 12 yr old team ever placed on a field, the first select team from Houston. Can you imagine how good a team you can assemble when you are the only team from Houston and have your pick of the local Legends? From that team 4 of the starters played HS baseball! 3 college, 2 pro and 1 (my no. 5 pitcher) made the Majors.
So what happens? Other than the rest of the players and world catching up maturitywise, it has all come sooo easy for the Legend. His Dad and friends fill him with expectations of scholarships and signing bonuses. He has always dominated. He has never failed. He has never had to develop a work ethic. He thinks he was born on third and hit a triple. While he coasted and basked in his glory those less gifted, less mature players, ALL WORKED. They Developed Mental Toughness. By 16 they had passed the Legend and he can't deal with his diminished stature. Legends don't work. Legends don't sweat. He finds an excuse to quit and enter another activity.
So what do you do? The first thing you are probably going to have to do is burst 'Delusional Dad's balloon.' At worst get him to butt out. Then you are going to have to get control of the Legend. Use the 'One Minute Manager" method. He must understand you respect him and have his best interest at heart. Then you must get him to understand ' how good he ain't' and challenge him to work to improve his deficiencies. Then point out to him how much he is going to improve, how valuable he will be and how much better off he will be for the effort. The bar must be set higher. He must be taught and challenged on a higher level. He must learn to work and fail and work some more.
This doesn't mean you neglect the lesser skilled players but that means your job just got a whole lot tougher. Good luck Coaches...
Pass this on to your team. Almost every ball club has a Legend or Two...
Baseball Wisdom
Extract from an article by Bill Wiser
Life is a continuum of victory and defeat, of success and failure. When we are too high up to see our teammates or too low down to even care if they exist, we need someone to go head-to-head with us and open our eyes.
Two forms of this deadly disease crop up again and again: one that bloats the ego into a super hero and the other that deflates it into an enervated mass of worthlessness. The latter is simply the flip side of the former and both make a person completely useless to the team. Which brings me back to baseball.
"That’s life. And life is all baseball. And baseball’s a team sport. Don’t ever forget it."
My love for the game combined following the greats of the day (Sandy Kaufax, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Micky Mantle) with reading the books of sportswriter John R. Tunis. Tunis, who died in 1975, had the remarkable gift of meshing all the excitement and drama of the game with fundamental issues of racial discrimination, anti-Semitism, teamwork and character.
“You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there.” Yogi Berra
In the first of three extracts from the book, The Kid from Tomkinsville,¹ Brooklyn Dodgers rookie Roy Tucker is sitting in the dark of his hotel room, despondent and discouraged. Team manager Dave Leonard has entered the room. Though it isn’t welcome at first, Roy gradually understands Dave’s message.
Here he was, sitting in the dark, feeling sorry for himself and thinking about Grandma and the farm, when all the time he ought to be forgetting what had happened and getting ready for another day. Now he began to have an appreciation of the game, of what it was all about, of how players made themselves stars despite physical handicaps, some weakness in the field or at bat, despite drawbacks of various sorts….
“Listen, boy, I’ve been through all this the same as you. Sure I’ve been through it; I remember when I broke in there was never anyone to tell me these things, though. No one ever told me my faults. I sat alone in a hotel room in the dark one night and saw myself with Utica on my shirt, the same as you. I had plenty of stumbles and tumbles.
Only I kep’ on a-plugging. I didn’t quit, see; I didn’t stop fighting. Look here, has a kid got it; that’s all I wanna know. No scout can crack open a kid’s head and find out, has he got guts. If he could, baseball would be a cinch. Every team would be the Yanks. So buck up, son. Forget this afternoon. Tomorrow’s another day; get out there and play ball.
“Oh, yeah, I thought I was hot stuff, but they soon showed me I didn’t have an idea what it was all about. Just when I got convinced I was a flop and waiting for that pink slip in the mail box, this old fella took me aside in the lobby of the hotel one night. Old George Conners, I never forgot. So I pass it along to you and don’t you forget it either. ‘Courage,’ says this old-timer, ‘courage is all life. Courage is all baseball. And baseball is all life; that’s why it gets under your skin.’”
At another critical juncture, Dave is at it again. This time Roy had actually packed his bags.
“They got under your skin today, the fans out there, didn’t they? You can’t take it, hey? Trouble with you is, you’re use to being Mr. Big. Had some luck, you did; lotta luck considering you had just a pretty fair country assortment. But you aren’t used to the tough side. You were gonna whang that pineapple out of the park in the ninth, and what happened? You struck out. Then you go to pieces… Can’t take it…
He pointed round the room at the suitcases, at the piles of clothes, at the half-opened drawers. “Cut and run this way; why, you can’t take it. ‘Course it was okay when things were going well, when you were a flash and a star and in every headline and the boys were giving you interviews and write-ups, all this Kid-from-Tomkinsville stuff, it was fine back in June pitching shut-out ball. We were all fresh in June, yes, and good, too. Not now. You can’t take it. There’s a saying down my way, Roy; maybe you heard it. I come from a great fishing country, and this is how they put it down there: Only the game fish swim upstream. Remember that, Roy, when you get back home… Well” – he rose – “too bad you can’t take it.”
Now he was really mad. Now he was fighting mad. He was mad at old Dave for the first time. “Can’t I? Says who?”
“I do. Otherwise you’d stay right here and help out a losing ball club.”
The kid stayed. When an injury ended his pitching career, that did not stop him from becoming a hitter – and a darn good one at that. But then he hit a slump.
When he got there he found a worried Dave, and for the first time he noticed new lines over the manager’s forehead. The strain was telling on him like everyone else. “Roy, sit down, boy. I’m sorry about the slump; you’ve been choking up, but it won’t last forever.”
“I can’t figure it out, Dave. I’ve changed my stance and it didn’t do a bit of good. Tried everything, been out swinging every morning…”
“Maybe you tried too much. Let me tell you what I think your trouble is. You haven’t been playing for Brooklyn the last month.”
“Not playing for Brooklyn?”
“Nope. You were playing for Roy Tucker… I’ll explain what I mean. Those sixteen – seventeen – how many was it – those home runs you made were about the worst thing that ever happened to you. Point is, when you began to close in on old Masterson you saw yourself in a flash leading this-here League in homers. The Kid from Tomkinsville. Another Joe DiMag, hey? Thought you were anyhow. You got homers on the brain….
“You didn’t even know it, didn’t realize it maybe, but it’s true. You forgot that you were playing for Brooklyn and stared playing for Tucker. You became – now what was it the sportswriters called you… oh, yes, ‘Bad News Tucker!’ I saw you that afternoon last month at home when the cameramen all gathered round the plate as you came over with your sixteenth home run, and I saw those kids chasing you for your autograph after the game. Why, the answer’s easy. You just forgot the team, Roy. That’s why I had to bench you.”
“Oh, I know, I’ve had it happen to me, more than once. The pitcher you always thought you owned can make a monkey of you. Stop thinking about it; don’t let it get under your skin. Next, remember that in this-here game they pay off not on homers, not even on your batting average either, but on one thing: your ability to bat in runs. Baseball’s a team game and don’t ever forget it.
“Here’s something practical. About your hitting, I mean. Trouble is you’ve tightened up, and every time you step in there you’re as tight as a steel rod. Lemme give you a tip. When you walk to the plate start whistling. What? Oh, anything at all… whistle ‘Yankee Doodle’ and it will loosen you up. Then wade in and smack the first good one. Try it and see. Now, boy, go downstairs and have a couple of beers, and then get on up to bed and forget it. Good night.”
I hope there is a Dave Leonard in your life; I’ve needed plenty in mine, and I’ve not always made it easy for them. But that’s life. And life is all baseball. And baseball’s a team sport. Don’t ever forget it.
¹ Originally published in 1940 and reprinted in 1987 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. An author’s note reads: “All the characters in this book were drawn from real life.”
Why pitchers should work fast
We teach pitchers to work fast for many reasons. One reason is that a player may play 45 games a season saving time is important. However, the best reasons for working fast are: (also read the last Paragraph)
I have had the displeasure of watching some pitchers that worked at a "cripple snail's pace" for no real apparent reason. They were going to pitch well if they worked slow and they were going to pitch well if they worked fast. They chose to pace around the mound or take a hike toward second after close calls. They get the sign, check their "checks" and then seem to wait for ever to start their motion. Some of them mean no harm. Some of them want to put on a "show".
I believe there is no place in the game for this behavior and they should know that they are making everybody unhappy including the players behind them, the officials working the game, and even their own coaches. Teach them to use no more time than is absolutely necessary.
I must say that pitchers are not the only people that want to be seen at times! Many hitters in today's game want to go through a "planned and rehearsed long ritual" between pitches. This ritual often seems to serve no other purpose than for the batter to prove to the world that he can make it wait on him!
Do not misunderstand me on this one. I am all about hitting. Hitting success means the world to me, my team. I also value great pitching. I am going to teach and say what I know is right for the game. I believe there is a difference between taking only the time you need rather than putting on a show!
I want every pitcher on my staff to send the message to the the batter that he is ready. He came to pitch. He came to play! He is not here to play "mind games" and "mind games" do not affect his concentration. My pitcher knows his job is to make the batter swing the bat. And the faster he gets that job done the sooner we get to sprint off the field and score a few ourselves!
Hitters often step out of the box to slow our pitchers pace. We expect batters to do this. We feel that a hitter that calls "time", time after time, does not hurt us, but rather may have a tendency to irritate the plate umpire.
Our pitchers do not get upset when a hitter steps out. We feel that he is in fact disrupting his own rhythm rather than ours. Our pitchers work fast but they are also very patient. They are taught to show absolutely no emotion until the inning is over. We want no smiling, no frowns, no head shakes in disgust, or nothing else that can be perceived as emotion by the opposition. We want opponents to know our pitchers have ice water in their veins.
Our defensive players appreciate a fast paced game. A fast paced game keeps the defenders on their toes. They stay more alert and do not have time to "relax or wander" mentally. Plus, players like to play defense but they all "LIVE TO HIT"! So when we have a quick defensive half to an inning, they are very happy!
Umpires like a fast paced game because they are not getting paid by the hour! If a pitcher has a tendency to work slow and waste time often a umpire will award the batter the close call. A faster working pitcher often gets calls on the corner when a slow working pitcher does not. We want it to be obvious that the party slowing the pace is the hitter. We will stand ready and wait for him everytime if it takes it.
I often get the impression that some slow working pitchers are more about being "seen" than they are about "team"! Train them all to work fast. Teach them to hustle on and off the field.
Teaching a pitcher to work fast is not teaching them to "hurry". We teach pitchers not to waste time. We teach them to be prompt and efficient. Our pitchers will do everything they should without wasting time. They will take the sign, check the runner, check their fielders, and communicate with fielders and coaches as they should. They do not work too fast to perform their duty. They simply do not waste a lot of time between pitches. They simply work fast!
There is one exception to this rule. If a pitcher is working fast and seems to be struggling, we encourage them to step back and gather themselves regardless of how long it takes. Composure and poise can be maintained at a fast pace. But sometimes we must take a moment to relax when we need it. The pitcher controls the pace of our defensive half and we expect him to do what is best for the team.
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There is no "I" in TEAM
The object of playing baseball is for the TEAM to make its best effort to WIN. To do this the manger places his players into positions that will allow the TEAM the best opportunity to WIN. This may mean that a player that in the past has played SS on another team may be placed at 3B on this team because the team has a better SS or because the TEAM is stronger with him at 3B. Kids quite frankly don't care and shouldn't care where they play because there is no "I" in TEAM. But parents care. Parents care because they are not members of the TEAM. They have only one interest, their son. They have the misguided idea that there are "premium" positions on the field. They are wrong! Parents get their egos involved because they feel that if their son is playing 3B instead of SS, THEY lose status!
My son was the SS most of the time when he was in youth league. Yes, there were times that he didn't play SS but was moved all over the field to fill the spot vacated by a son of a coach that was pitching. In HS he played every inning at SS. But before he went to the Jr. TEAM USA trials, we worked at 2B and 3B because I (correctly) figured there would be the top 6 SS's in the country there and if he wanted to make the team he had better be able to play someplace else because he wasn't going to be the best SS there. In Juco, he played 3B because the TEAM was strongest with him at 3B. At the University of Texas he started his first game at 1B. The next year at U of Louisiana/ Lafayette, he was back at SS. He was drafted as a SS but when he got to Brooklyn there was a 19 yr old bonus baby SS and there were 500,000 reasons he was going to play SS. My son played 3B. The next year he was back at SS but was moved to 2B half way through the season where he played this year. Because of his versatility, the organization wants him to work on his OF skills because they think that his quickest way to the Majors is as a utility player.
I went through this personal baseball history to show you the importance of learning to play multiple positions.
As I have said many times before, it is crucial that a player learn to not concern himself with things over which he has no control. The same can be said for parents. A player or parent has NO control over the coach's decisions about the lineup so it is useless and counterproductive to concern yourself with where the player is playing. It is a terrible example for parents to rant in the car on the way home that, "you should be playing SS. You're better than Billy." Hey, the team won, your son is happy for the TEAM'S success and you are teaching him that HE is more important than the team and further that he should concern himself with something over which he has no control.
This write-up is from the "Tips from the Coach" Weekly newsletter by
Bruce Lambin
"He is a HEADCASE". How often have you heard a player...
TIPS FROM THE COACH.... Newsletter
" He is a HEADCASE". How often have you heard a player described with that dreaded term? I know at least 3 players that were not drafted by professional teams largely because they were thought to be " headcases". What is a headcase? If a player hits a shot that is caught by an opponent making a great play and throws a fit, he is a headcase. If a player loses it because he thinks an umpire has made a bad call, he is a headcase. If a player pops up in the infield and slings his bat while screaming an obscenity and loafing to first, he is a headcase. If a pitcher loses composure because a fielder makes an error, he is a headcase. But as a coach or parent how do we change this behavior?
The player must be taught to realize that he must only concern himself with that over which he has control!
Once the ball leaves the bat, he has no control over whether the defensive player catches it. The only things as a hitter over which he has control are whether he has prepared such that he can execute a proper swing and at which pitch he chooses to swing. He has no control over human errors on the umpire's part and may just have a difference of opinion as too what is the strike zone and the opinion of the umpire is the only one that counts. The irony is that hitters swing at many more pitches out of the strike zone than umpires call out of the strike zone. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
A pitcher can only execute a quality delivery of the ball. From the moment it leaves his fingertips, he has no control over whether the batter smacks it out of the yard, the umpire calls it a ball, or a defensive player boots it. At some point someone will throw him another ball and he must focus on making the adjustments necessary to throw another quality. Any other thoughts and he is a "headcase".
Baseball is a game of failure. Fielders will on occasion make errors. It's done! Its over! If the player can't make a mental note about any adjustment that must be made to successfully execute the play the next time and put the error behind him he is doomed to make more not because he can not make the play but is a "headcase".
Players have no control over the decisions of coaches. How often have you seen a player moved from what he deems to be "his" place in the batting order, hit miserably, and blame the coach!
Unless and until a player learns that he can concern himself only with those things over which he has control, he is doomed to never reach his full potential but will fall short because he is a "headcase"!
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Winning state of Mind...
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Hero of the Day
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Hero’s are not as magical as they seem. They are just players following through on a routine or sometimes not so routine play or hit. Some say it is luck others say it is magic. If you don't feel as though you've found your true calling, then what are you waiting for? Take that chance or opportunity as I like to call them. Only you can make it happen. Do something you've always dreamed of in a game. Stay focused and alert at all times. Rely on your player instincts to guide you (react). All the practice in the world will not prepare you as much as staying physically fit and ready for the opportunity. Go for it! Make the difference.
Some folks say I talk to much strategy in practice. Why is this done one player asked me this season. The player didn’t think of it as strategy they thought they were being lectured to. Coaches like to think all the players are coachable, however, some players choose not to be coachable. Some players need more guidance than others. Coaches go over time and time again the fundamentals of baseball because many little errors lose baseball games. Through repetitive strategy talks and practice the routines are later recalled as reflexes or as player tendency in a game. There is very little time for a fielder or a hitter to think in a game. Much of what they do comes in the form of reaction. How you react to a play is governed by what basic skills your are taught through repetitive practice. How well you perform them depends on your physical ability and reaction. This is sometimes referred to as player instincts.
Hero of the day or just another opportunity made, avoided, or taken. Try your best to make that hit or play this is all a coach asks for. If you don’t try your best you let the team and yourself down. Much of what you want depends on “how much you want it” and that depends on “how well you have prepared” for the situation. Practice hard, play hard and take advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to you
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5/4/2004 - Fire Hawks Number ONE in Cerbo Northern Division
Keep swinging your bats and get to the cages. It makes the difference. Practice hard and at game speed. Grip It, Rip It and Run... Remember Fire Hawks, you want to win, you have to work hard for it... The easy way is not the right way...
Our Quest for the Championship is real. Your Attitude and Determination will determine our success. Dream Big! has been touted as a Pequannock expression for some years. Lets keep our spirits and goals high down the home stretch. The Title of this article is " 5/4/2004 - Fire Hawks Number ONE in Cerbo Northern Division" this was true as of late 5/4/2004, However, not all scores are in We are 5 and 3 with one win by forfeit, our Cerbo record shows 4 and 3. We need to keep things in perspective. IT IS NOT OVER TILL IT IS OVER!!! LETS GET IT IN GEAR. I want you guys to SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL!!! Into the Playoffs. Go Fire Hawks!!!
Thursday, May 13
Playing with Confidence and Consistency
As we enter into the final stretch of the season we must play with confidence and consistency. Games are not won on skill alone, it is an attitude; a will to win that makes the difference. Overcoming the odds on a play that went bad. To right a recent wrong or achieve the goal you set. Whatever it is takes do it. Weather it’s a come from behind situation or a slam the door shut big win we must play for keeps.
“A baseball game is not won by a single player, it is an entire team effort. Everyone and I do mean everyone counts and must play their position to the best of their ability.”
A pitcher that throws in the 30’s and with consistency can cripple a team if they are unprepared for this, just as well as a pitcher who throws in the 80’s. We are fortunate that our team hits both pitching styles equally well. Like I keep telling you “Hitting a ball is just a mater of getting the bat to the ball and following through on your swing.” Time the pitch using the count method. While the pitcher is warming, get on the fence and count to yourself (1,2,3,4) until the pitch comes to the plate where you will hit it. You may find the pitcher has one or two speeds at which he regularly pitches. When you are on deck warming up try to simulate hitting the ball using the count method. This will help your timing. Always remember to get a good read for the pitch as it comes off the pitchers hand, e.g. hand angle, grip, release point of the ball.
To recap your attitude and confidence in your playing ability and consistency of play will be a major factor in your game. Approach each game with the proper mindset and game face, play ball!
See you at the game. Go Fire Hawks!!!
Fire Hawks team motto is; “No Excuses, Play Ball !”
April 12, 2004 - For those of you who are new to the team this year our Fire Hawks team motto is; “No Excuses, Play Ball !” and all your coaches mean it! To borrow an expression from my fellow little league coaches “It is time to Grow Up and “Suck it Up and get Tough.” Gone are the days when an error doesn’t matter. All errors mater. If you make them shake it off, let it go and get back in the game.
Error’s - Team Player Payback: If you make an error in the game it costs you 10 push-ups in practice that week, skip practice it goes up to 20 the next and you drop in the batting order. If you adopt an “I do not care Attitude,” consider yourself on “Warning” and you will be subject to Sub the next game instead of EH (Extra Hitter.) Sub’s play limited time, when you are put in the game you play, once you are pulled out of the inning you are out of the game. Do Not Let This Happen to you! You are all good baseball players, if you were not you wouldn’t be here.
Why institute strict rules? Constant Errors Lose Baseball Games. The little things that don’t get done!, cause the other team to take advantage of your game. Mind games. I know it for fact because we use the same tactics against other teams. It is one of the “Do one to others principal” and it happens in every baseball game from little league to MLB baseball.
Fire Hawks Top Ten
Use our Website - Use our Website for Practices, Game Dates & Times and field directions. WWW.ETEAMZ.COM/FIREHAWKS
1. Game Day - Be at the games 30 to 45 min ahead of game start to stretch & warm up. If you show up after the other coach and I exchange batting order information you will be placed on bottom of the batting order (Not by choice.) Check with the scorekeeper doing the books for the correct line up. The clipboard batting order may not be correct.
2. Infield and Outfield - BACK UP all Positions Each time the ball is hit, as the play Unfolds. All players move in concert (together) to make good plays.
3. First and Third – Keep it together. Ask your coach. Pitchers and catchers work together. Don’t pickle runners between Home and Third or Second and Third, Run them back to the bag and Call for Time to get back in position. We need to save runs.
4. Catcher Savvy – If you have a guy on first stay on your toes be alert. Work a pitch-out with the pitchers to throw down the runner at second. Setup on the outside of the plate.
Set up inside and outside if you call the pitch this will help our pitchers. Pitch better
5. Steeling Home – Catchers run or look the player back to third base, Call for Time, so You and the Pitcher can get back in position.
6. Stay Pitcher Savvy - Look for hand and arm angles to get a read on the pitch thrown. Know that the 1 through-6 batters are pitched more skillfully then the 7 through 15 batter. Batters 1-6 look for first or second pitch fastballs the first time through the line- up, your third or forth pitch possible slider, curve or change up. Batters 6-7 look for more fastballs and sliders. Your Eye will tell you to hit the ball, trust your instincts.
Pticher’s hold your runners on base. Use pick off moves, tell your
Infielders what to do (between innings).
Pitchers watch your catchers for signs. Catchers watch me or the designated coach for signs.
7. Stay Focused - Move whenever the ball is hit into a backup position or just to refocus.
Fielders (IF/OF) make sure you see the batter (hit the ball,) then setup for the play.
8. Walks – Base on balls. There is no defense to avoid this. Less is More. Limit them.
9. Fielding Errors - Avoid them at all costs. Get to the ball give up the base. Clear your thoughts, LET GO, take a few deep breathes and Get back in the game.
10. Be prepared for anything – Weather related as well as physical and mental preparation.
Have a warm jacket and gloves with you or near by in spring and fall. Stay in shape. Get to practice and the batting cages at minimum once a week.
Stay Focused
date: 3/28/2004
As we begin our quest for the 2004 Season championship we must stay focused on the events of the day. We make things happen on a Pitch-by-Pitch, Play-by-Play basis. Lets work toward making each play and at bat as error free as possible. Do not be afraid to experiment a little. Be smart and play clever not fancy. This is the season to sharpen and fine-tune your baseball skills. Practice your baseball skills at home with a friend or family member. Take advantage by using every opportunity you can to improve your baseball skills.
As you approach the start of your local town opening day you can rest assured that you have already performed and accomplished winning our Fire Hawks Season Opener. We have come a long way working as a team. Each and every player has their own special ability to contribute to the team. Sometimes we may be a little hesitant to perform at game time. Actors call this condition stage fright. I ask each of you to remember that the other team is just as hesitant as you are. Relax by practicing your breathing techniques (take a deep breath and exhale through your mouth, once or twice,) clear your head and get back in the game. Be confident. Act confidant and “Let it all hangout” this season. This is your team. Your glory days. Go for it!
“BASEBALL IS A SIMPLE GAME”
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Baseball is a simple game. You throw the ball, you ...
Make the Cut! Baseball Tryout Tips
Tips on how you should approach your upcoming baseball tryouts. Things to know on how to catch the coaches' eye. The obvious answer is to play well. Here are few pointers to insure an eye-catching performance.
1.Understand that a tryout is not a social event. You are there to take someone's job.
2. Dress like a ball player. Wear baseball pants, cleats and a hat. You will get major deduction if you show up in baggy jeans and the latest skater dude apparel. Wearing your hat backward or sideways is a major no no.
3. When you arrive, place your equipment away from everyone else's. Run, preferably by yourself, to get warm. Stretch away from everyone else in the outfield. Coaches will notice that this is a serious, disciplined,
knowledgeable ball player.
4. Throw sufficiently to be completely warm. There may be a lengthy wait while waiting to perform at your position. Be sure to keep throwing if necessary to stay loose and warm.
5. Many think that hustling and trying to aggressively make plays is the way to impress coaches. Understand that it is early season and your game is not in midseason form. When it comes time to show your defensive skills you will be much better taking it slow and smooth, focusing on proper mechanics. Get your feet under you and focus on making an accurate throw. The odds are if you try too hard, rush it and throw it as hard as you can, you will boot it and throw it into the stands.
6. When hitting, take a pitch to get a feel for the timing of the pitch. Be selective and only swing at pitches that you can expect to hit with a high degree of success. Here again it is early season so your stroke is not in midseason form. Don't over swing but just swing smoothly and try to hit line drives and hard ground balls.
7. Be ready and prepared. Get your game in shape in the weeks before the tryout. Watch some videos on Baseball Skills and Drills. Work off a batting tee. Do some practice hitting in the batting cages or hit some Pickleballs in the front yard. Throw regularly to get your arm in shape
8. Dads, stay away from the coaches. Lobbying will not help.
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Wednesday, November 26
“Baseball the option of greatness”
For I walk this earth for only a short time in the grand scheme of life, I wish to play the sport I have grown to love, baseball. I take the fundamentals of my coaches, father and friends and I apply them repeatedly over and over in thought and practice, in batting cages, throwing and catching a baseball. I go to ballparks and watch the game. I view clips of players and watch movies of baseball. I prepare for the day when I step to the plate or play in the field, infield or outfield. The position does not matter to me. For I love the game of baseball and know that I have to be in it to play the game.
At bat it is just me, the pitcher, and my ability to see the ball and react to it that matters at that moment. In the field I make or do not make the play based on my training. I react to the situation. Thinking does not come into play. I am a performer. I am a player. Look in the mirror after practice and tell your self, I am in the game. If you want something bad enough, you need to work toward it. If you love it you will stay hungry for it forever. It is the player that stays hungry forever that becomes great. However, If you ask them they will say I am only a player, for it is you who think I am great, not I. For me my work will never be done. I will watch, I will listen, I will learn, an I will play baseball. Who am I? I am for the love of the game, Baseball.
Dare to dream, for it is only you who can decide to live your dream into reality. Go for it!
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