Collegiate The Voice Of Amateur Baseball

Started In 1958 At The Request Of Our Nation’s Baseball Coaches Vol. 63, No. 13 Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 $4.00 Cause Nightmares For Your Opponents Here is an ingenious At every step, he has studied the game “Another important factor is the as few have to find how to stop runs step in our system. We use it with plan to limit runs by from scoring. a runner on first and also with man on your adversary that will His plan of action is intriguing. second so they can’t get a big secondary reduce team ERA. “ not only have to slow lead. We also slide step with runners on down the running game of opponents third in case the batter wants to safety By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. by keeping runners close to bases and squeeze. We are trying to create the Editor/Collegiate Baseball picking them off. But your longest possible for their offense. (First Of A 2-Part ) and must limit runners to “If we can create the longest run for one base at a time. a base runner and can close distance TILLWATER, Okla. — The goal “Whether the third base makes from our fielders, we are forcing our of every coach is to shut down the decision to hold a runner or send opponents to go one base at a time except the opponent’s offense so no runs him home will be dictated on when the for obvious extra base hits. S defender in the is touching the “We also play ‘do or die’ outfield score. Rob Walton, one of the elite pitching ball and where he is. With good scouting from the first on. The slide step coaches in college baseball at information, our infielders can for pitchers is incredibly important in our State, has made this subject his life’s more ground balls up the middle and system. With our pick moves, runners work. in the holes. Then we are more likely to are cautious. Many runners at first base He pitched at Oklahoma State in the have the third base coach stop the runner are in that 10-11 foot lead area instead of mid-1980s and also in the Baltimore at third instead of sending him home. 12 foot. With a slide step by our pitchers, Orioles’ organization. Then he became “One year when I was at Oral Roberts, they aren’t really expanding leads. area supervisor for the Cleveland we had 16 more assists than the year “It then allows us to have more Indians and assistant coach and head before, and our ERA dropped 1.5 runs. plays. On base hits, runners at first trying coach at Oral Roberts from 1999-2012 However, the pitching numbers as far to go to third and are getting thrown out before becoming the pitching coach as to walk ratio and hits to left and right. pitched were virtually identical

Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU at Oklahoma State for the past eight Oklahoma St. Pitching Coach Rob Walton years. to the year before. See SHUTTING DOWN, Page 6

Summer Leagues Face Gigantic Hurdles To Play Dealing With Coronavirus forced into 7 pods due to varied state regulations but were on pace to draw over 200,000 fans. By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. Editor/Collegiate Baseball

OCHESTER, Minn. — Nearly half of all summer college baseball leagues didn’t Rplay this summer because of COVID-19 concerns. The leagues that did play faced substantial health obstacles. Collegiate Baseball contacted Commissioner Joe Paolucci of the Futures League and Chairman Dick Radatz of the Northwoods League to find out how they were able to field teams and play games in the COVID-19 shut down numerous leagues. midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have a team in Bismarck, N.D., and the The largest college baseball league in the world Dakotas didn’t have as big a problem as some states is the Northwoods League comprised of 22 teams did with COVID-19. So we were able to get started in the northern area of the USA and one in , in Bismarck June 15. But they needed somebody to Canada for 23 total ball clubs. play. The closest state was which wasn’t Now in its 27th year, the Northwoods League open at the time. started in 1994. “We decided to put three teams into Bismarck One of its co-founders is Dick Radatz who is and create what we called a pod. Our currently league chairman. ball club from Ontario, Canada couldn’t play. So the “Our league is located in seven states, and we also majority of their players were put in the Bismarck have a team in Canada as well,” said Radatz. pod. We had a problem where American teams “There were different governors who had couldn’t cross the Canadian border. And that is still — The NCAA Baseball different rules when it came to COVID-19 in these the case. So this solved that issue. NEW FOREIGN SUBSTANCE RULE states. Some were progressing with the virus more Rules Committee has proposed pitchers be immediately ejected than others. See SUMMER LEAGUES, Page 2 if they are found using an illegal substance on balls. It is one of 18 proposed rules. To read the story, go to page 10. Inside Collegiate Baseball Web Site: www.baseballnews.com Importance Of Brain Waves Grand Master At Stealing Home Unique Hidden Ball Plays Gary Ward explains why you Nobody taught this exciting play Rich Marazzi explains tactics can become better teacher by better than the late Mike Gillespie of this play pulled off by MLB learning these concepts/Page 12 who made bold moves/Page 13 players over the years/Page 14 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Summer Leagues That Played Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Faced Rigid State Regulations Amateur Baseball Continued From Page 1

“We also had a problem with Collegiate Baseball (ISSN 0530-9751) is published twice a month our Duluth, Minn. team. The local January-May and once in June, July, September and October jurisdiction would not allow their (14 total issues) by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc., 2515 stadium open. Kokomo, Ind. was N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. Periodicals postage paid at also not able to play. Another very Tucson, AZ. liberal area was Madison, Wisc. where we had a team that couldn’t Postmaster: Send address changes to: play. So we took their coaches Collegiate Baseball and players and put them in the P.O. Box 50566 Kenosha, Wisc. pod. Eau Claire, Tucson, AZ 85703 Wisc. was the final team that wasn’t able to play.” Overnight Mail: 2515 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 Radatz said that the vast majority of players from these teams were Past Publishers: Abe Chanin, Lou Pavlovich, Sr. $28 for 14 issues. relocated so they could play in the 1-Year Subscription Rate: Single 1-Year First Class U.S. Subscription: $45 Northwoods League. Single 1-Year Foreign Air Mail Subscription: $50 “Ultimately, we had 22 different Special Team Subscriptions: 11 papers each issue sent to one teams involved in the different address — $110 ( $198 off the single subscription price), and seven pods in the Northwoods 21 papers each issue sent to one address — $189 (save $399). League this summer. Other Multiple Subscription Offers: Please inquire with sub- “We believe we were the first scription department at (520) 623-4530. college league to play baseball this COVID-19 CHALLENGE MET — Chairman Dick Radatz of summer and certainly the first with the Northwoods League (left) and the owners of teams did a Directory fans in the stands. marvelous job of making sure games were played this summer “The regulations in North under extremely trying conditions. Dakota were more loose than the Area Code (520) test positive. We actually had this summer in . He Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530) other states who fielded teams Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530 to report stories) to shut that team down for the laid the groundwork for us, and our Editor: this summer. We self imposed the Advertising Director: Diane Pavlovich (Call 623-4530) maximum attendance we could season in the interest of safety for teams ran with it. Subscription Department: (Call 623-4530) have at each game so they could everyone. We initially had three “We asked coaches to wear Fax Machine: (Call 624-5501) properly social distance. We limited teams in that pod which became masks. But the players weren’t E-Mail: [email protected] it to 500 on weekdays. During the only two after Northern required to do so. Our home plate Web Site: www.baseballnews.com weekend, we went up to 850. was shut down. had to wear a mask. We “We typically sell out games in “They only were able to play tried to eliminate players touching Bismarck which in a normal year two games before their summer one another. So the high five were 2020 Publication Schedule would be close to 2,000 fans per was cut short.” done away with along with close Radatz said that the reason for contact celebrations. January 3 March 6 May 1 September 4 night.” January 24 March 20 May 15 October 2 Radatz said the seven pods were the pod system in the Northwoods “We did not allow both teams to February 7 April 3 June 12 set up in the following manner. League was because the states were shake hands at the end of games. February 21 April 17 July 10 “In addition to the Bismarck, opening at different times. We attempted to eliminate all N.D. pod, we had the Minnesota- “In addition, we needed to limit scenarios where close contact could pod, - East the amount of travel. By putting take place.” Moving? pod, Wisconsin-Illinois West pod three teams in one location, teams Host families were another and another in Kenosha, Wisc. didn’t have to jump on charter concern for the Northwoods Make Sure CB Moves Along With You! which didn’t get started until July buses. The close quarters on buses League. To change your address, please write us 30 days in advance if 15. They had two teams in that was eliminated by doing away with “We were very concerned about you can. Mail to: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper pod. Then we had a pod in Traverse long trips. the safety of our host families,” Dept. Address Change “We actually issued fines to said Radatz. P.O. Box 50566 City, Mich. and one in Kalamazoo, Tucson, Ariz. 85703 Mich. teams that did not practice good “Their safety was one of the main “One of the problems we ran into social distancing on the field. reasons we had everyone tested 1. Please print OLD address here. was that in the state of Michigan, We took all of this very seriously when they got to their teams. The NAME because we didn’t want public host family knew the kid coming we had different rules in different STREET APT. # parts of the state. In Kalamazoo, health officials to shut us down. If into their place was not positive for Mich. we might be able to draw 100 you are a coach visiting on COVID-19 at that time.” CITY STATE ZIP people for a game. But in Traverse the mound, you can’t get on the dirt Radatz said it was important DATE OF City, Mich. we could draw 500 fans and were required to wear a mask. that the Northwoods League play MOVE: a game. “I was watching a replay of the games in front of fans this summer “We were restricted to 250 ’ game, and I was with proper social distancing taking 2. Please print NEW address here. fans per game in Minnesota. We surprised at how close the pitching place. NAME could bring in a few more fans in coach and pitcher were standing on “I was surprised Major League Wisconsin as well as Illinois.” the mound when the coach came Baseball teams played this summer STREET APT. # Radatz said this unique summer out for a visit. without fans. If you work on the CITY STATE ZIP brought other challenges since host “The coach had a mask on. But premise it will be for the families were in short supply. that doesn’t mean the distancing players, why wouldn’t it be safe “Outside of home teams in the shouldn’t be observed. for the fans to attend? What’s the turned to as an answer for COVID- “Early on, we were going to do seven pods, the other teams in those “All of our teams and coaches difference here. 19 worked extremely well. everything in our power to play this pods had to stay in hotels for the observed social distancing “We had fans at our level, “Our pod system brought about summer. If it came down to having summer. everywhere they went. That and there was not an issue. You some interesting discussion. We to cancel because the stay at home “Interestingly, it worked out including the National Anthem obviously can’t pack the stadium. found that we could maximize order was still in place or it didn’t OK for us because the hotels have as they were lined up from home With social distancing, you can get the use of a facility with possibly seem that our government officials been empty during this COVID- plate to the foul poles. We also had 25-50 percent of regular crowds at more than one team. Andy Appleby, would allow it, then we would 19 pandemic. A number of hotels protocols for the fans, coaches and games and still be safe.” the owner of the United Shore cancel at that point. worked with us, and we were able trainers. Employees who worked Radatz applauds everyone in the Professional League, operates “But we just kept operating to secure pricing that wouldn’t kill the concessions had plastic put Northwoods League who has made four teams out of one venue in like we would play. Four of our us. In reality, it worked great for up to protect them, and they wore this unique summer take place. Michigan. teams are in Massachusetts. When isolating these players instead of gloves and masks. We eliminated “Everyone in the league has been “Because of the success of Governor Charlie Baker came out having them at host families. buffet lines and all the types of so nimble with this pandemic. Just the pod system we utilized this with his reopening plan, it looked “It was a mutually beneficial things that states and public health getting started this summer was a summer, we are looking at the like around phase three we would thing that helped our league and the offices requested we do.” monumental effort. feasibility of having two teams in have an opportunity to play. And one city at different Northwoods that’s what happened. hotels we contracted with.” Secret Weapon “I’m not sure how it will end up, League stadiums. So this could “We delayed the start of the Radatz said the league’s secret but I do think we will draw more Players Test Positive evolve out of this darkness.” season from May 27 to July 7. We Radatz said there were isolated weapon was ’ fans to our games than anyone eventually settled on a 39-game incidents of players coming General John Bollinger. playing baseball in North America Futures League season for teams. down with COVID-19 during the The governor’s office in North in 2020. That would be a unique, The Futures League is in the “We utilized protocols that have summer. Dakota asked local leaders to historical achievement when you northeast and faced plenty of really worked. Everyone who enters “We tested everyone when they come up with suggestions to battle look back on this wild year. We challenges this summer to get one of our ballparks, whether it is a got in to try to avoid that. We had COVID-19, and Bollinger was normally draw anywhere from 1.3 started. player, coach, member of the media, about a dozen who contracted this one of those key people to suggest - 1.5 million each summer. “When it became a full blown scout or fan, had their temperature virus, and it caused us some hiccups guidelines. “When everything is done this pandemic last March, the owners taken. If any of them had higher as a league especially with the local “He is on the state task force summer, our total attendance is of our seven teams and I talked than normal temperatures, they health department where they took for COVID-19, and he helped projected to be between 200,000 frequently to formulate our plans could not enter. place. set the standard for our league. - 250,000 amongst our teams.” for this summer,” said Joe Paolucci “We also asked them if they “In Traverse City, the virus The governor of North Dakota Pod System Worked who is in his second year as the had any symptoms. In a few cases, impacted the Northern Michigan mentioned him personally in a Radatz said the innovative pod commissioner of the Futures Dune Bears which had six players speech twice prior to us opening system the Northwoods League League. See PANDEMIC, Page 3 Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Santa Barbara Wins 8th NBC Title WICHITA, Kan. — The Santa the best record in the Cotton States Player of the Year and Palomar Barbara Foresters won their eighth Baseball League with a 14-4 College’s Jack O’Brien as JUCO National Baseball Congress title record. Pitcher of the Year. with a 12-3 win over the Cheney The Dealers hit .316 with 12 Heller, who committed to the Diamond Dawgs. homers and 27 doubles over 18 University of Alabama, batted .404 Santa Barbara roared through games. (21-for-52) with four doubles, one the unbeaten with Florida Collegiate League , three home runs, a league- four straight wins and outscored The Sanford River Rats beat the leading 21 RBI, and 12 runs scored opponents 33-4. Leesburg Lightning, 6-3 to win its in 15 games with the Wild. The Foresters utilized incredible fifth Florida Collegiate Summer O’Brien went 3-0 with a 2.46 pitching that didn’t give up a run League title. ERA in eight appearances, all in for the first 25 innings of the 86th Jarrod Cande (Florida Southern) relief, for the Warriors. He logged NBC World Series and only one run belted the go-ahead 2-run homer. 26 in 22.0 innings of during a 34-inning stretch. Grayson Moore (Vanderbilt) work and only walked three. The staff struck out 42 batters. threw six innings of 1-run baseball Southern Collegiate League During a game against the Liberal and was named the ’Series MVP. The Piedmont Pride captured the Huntley III, Peyton Pallette and Bee Jays, Santa Barbara utilized NBC World Series titles in 2006, Southern Collegiate League title Elijah Trest. Maryland Collegiate League four pitchers to throw a no hitter. 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 with a 5-1 win over the Carolina The offense scored 33 runs The Putty Hill Panthers won their Sean Johnson threw six perfect and in 2020. Vipers. on 35 hits over four games, and fourth Maryland Collegiate Baseball innings in that game and was named In the title game against the It was Piedmont’s third the defense only committed two League title by defeating Digin MVP of the NBC World Series. Cheney Diamond Dawgs, the championship in the last four errors. Baseball, 11-2 in the tournament Three other pitchers each threw Foresters’ top four batters in the years. one inning, including Coleman Santa Barbara has now won order went 7-for-19 with 7 RBI and championship game. a pair of homers. It was Putty Hill’s second title St. Louis Metro League The McLain brothers were in a row and third in the last four The Metro Knights won the St. Pandemic Allowed Leagues a particularly powerful pair, years. Louis Metro League championship accounting for half of the Foresters Putty Hill jumped out to a 5-1 with an 11-6 overall record. To Think Outside The Box runs. lead and was able to weather several South Florida Collegiate Matthew had two hits including threats as Digin loaded the bases in The West Boca Snappers Continued From Page 2 In some cases, players had already the fifth and sixth innings. But key been together. We haven’t been a homer and scored three runs. Sean captured their third straight South had three hits to go with his three hits eluded them. Florida Collegiate Baseball League players had temperatures, and we great at it to be honest. But we Digin Baseball made league immediately quarantined them kept reminding everyone about the runs and also stole two bases. title by beating the Florida Pokers Jace Jung also had a homer and history by being the first No. 7 seed in the finals. and had them tested. Fortunately importance of social distancing to reach the finals. the COVID-19 tests came back when they forgot. We tried to space 3 RBI, while 2020 RBI leader The Snappers finished the regular negative.” them out as far as possible in the Christian Encarnacion continued Rocky Mountain League season as the No. 1 seed after the Paolucci said the league had dugouts. None of this was an exact his hot hitting with a pair of RBI. The Hays Larks captured the regular season. up to 35-man rosters with its six science as you can imagine. As Hunter Cullen belted his second Rocky Mountain Collegiate League In the title game, the Snappers teams this summer which typically long as we tried hard to enforce homer of the tournament. title with a 20-8 overall record. rolled to a 9-3 win. Head Coach Bill Pintard, who saw 25 players attend each game. this protocol, that was all we could League Zach Dodson (Palm Beach State) So 150-200 players were involved do.” has coached Santa Barbara for struck out six batters while allowing 26 years, didn’t know if the NBC The San Diego League named this summer. Paolucci said he was not aware San Diego State University’s Matt only one run on two hits for West “In order for our league to play of any cases of coronavirus with World Series would be held and Boca. initially made plans to play in Rudick as 2020 Player of the games, we had to submit a COVID- players in his league this summer. Year. Derek Cartaya (Florida 19 plan to the local board of health “But keep in mind we weren’t another tournament in California. International) went 3-for-5 with 2 When that event was cancelled, Rudick won the San Diego or mayor’s office in the cities we testing players every day like they League title with a .419 RBI and a run scored. Cartaya was had teams playing in. do at the Major League level. The and the NBC World Series was named MVP of the finals. scheduled to be played, Pintard average (26-for-62). “So they had to sign off on our only thing we could do was monitor He collected four doubles, three Collegiate League plans. It was varied as well. In for symptoms, which I know we asked his team if they wanted to play in the NBC World Series triples, three home runs, 18 RBI, The Brazos Valley Bombers beat some cities, we weren’t allowed to did a very good job of, and take and 22 runs scored in 16 regular- the , 13-2 to capture have fans in the stands where the temperatures. despite the risk of COVID-19. They voted to go and flew to season games with the Warriors. their third straight Texas Collegiate pandemic hit a little harder. But in “It may be controversial that our University of San Diego signee League title. other towns, we were able to have league played this summer. But we Wichita, Kan. to play in the event. Once there, all players and Kyle Carr is the league’s Incoming This is the seventh time in eight up to 25 percent capacity with fans didn’t do anything we shouldn’t Freshman Player of the Year and years that Brazos Valley has won with proper social distancing. have been doing. We followed coaches minimized contact with anybody else as they stayed in Cal – Berkeley signee Paulshawn the championship. “It is unfortunate that all of our every guideline put in front of us Pasqualotto is Incoming Freshman teams will lose money. But all of us so everyone in our league could their hotel rooms or went to play Tidewater Summer League Pitcher of the Year. University of Tennessee-Martin knew that going into this unusual stay safe. in games. Carr, who graduated from San OF Houston Wright won MVP summer. One of our teams, the “The biggest challenge for us Arizona Collegiate Wood Marcos (CA) High School in June, honors in the Tidwater Summer Pittsfield Suns, was unable to get was finding host families. We had The Twisters captured the batted .415 (22-for-53) with six League. approval by their local government to get more local players because Arizona Collegiate Wood Bat doubles, one triple, three home He led the league in batting to play baseball this summer. So of that hurdle. In many cases, a League regular season with a runs, 10 RBI, and 16 runs scored in average (.473), home runs (14), they sat out this summer. We had local family may have had their 19-3-1 record and tournament as 13 games with the Brewers. RBI (51) and runs scored (43). six teams playing this summer in son playing and might have hosted well with a 14-1 win over Sandlot Pasqualotto, who played his He led the Edenton Steamers to the Futures League.” a couple of additional players. Host 2021. high school baseball at Palo Verde a 21-5 record, the top seed in the families separated kids if they had COVID-19 Protocol Carolina Virginia Collegiate in Las Vegas, went 2-0 with a 1.80 TSL playoffs. Paolucci explained the protocol a guest house or in a different part The Tarboro River Bandits had ERA in four games (three starts) in his league for face coverings, of the home. No host families were the best record of any team in the with the Jets. whether it be masks, respirators or involved this summer who weren’t Carolina Virginia Collegiate League He allowed just eight hits and face gaiters. completely comfortable bringing in with a 29-11 overall record. struck out 16 in 15.0 innings of “All players in the or these players.” Fuquay-Varina posted the best work. who weren’t on the actual Travel was another hurdle the record in league competition with The San Diego League also playing field were required to wear league had to deal with. a 19-11 mark. named South Mountain Community a face covering. They also had to “Because of COVID-19 con- College’s Davis Heller as JUCO cerns, many players decided to Corn Belt Collegiate League social distance properly. With the The Filthballers won the league stadiums where there were no fans, drive themselves to games. When teams did use a bus, they took only tournament with a 7-3 win over the it was easier. They could simply sit Royal Blue Dogs. CheapBats.com in the stands at a proper distance enough players to social distance properly in the bus or take two The Red Raiders posted a 22-7 away from each other. overall record. 1-800-589-HITS “Umpires were required to wear buses. It varied. The longest trip Order today face masks at all times. But the was Nashua, N.H. to Westfield, participating players on the field Mass. or New Britain, Conn. which The North Delta Dealers had have it tomorrow were not required to wear face is about 150 miles. The commercial coverings. buses that were used were sterilized “Social distancing with players at the beginning and end of each was one of our biggest challenges. trip.”

Follow Us: @CBNewspaper

[email protected] Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Amateur Baseball Name 20 Different Game Stoppages HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Former among those 20 special game Juniata College Head Coach Bill stoppages. Berrier has been involved in more Around The Horn “It really has been amazing unique baseball game cancellations the number of times games have or postponements than anyone in With been cancelled or postponed in my OPINION the history of the game. coaching career,” said Berrier. He has witnessed 20 different “I was bragging one day that I Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. scenarios for games being called could probably make it in Ripley’s Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. in his career. Lou Pavlovich Believe It Or Not. I bet most coaches and players “Probably the most unusual can’t mention 10 ways a game can cancellation took place during the The Topic: be stopped let alone 20. Three Mile Island nuclear disaster. Berrier, who also managed You could say we were nuked Faster Baseball Games 12 seasons in the Los Angeles out that day. I am only aware of Each issue, Collegiate Baseball explores a major Dodgers’ system prior to coming 12. Lightning Storm three college programs in baseball development in the world of baseball. This issue’s to Juniata, has seen it all. 13. Hailed Out (heavy sleet) history which have ever been nuked editorial explains why the full should Without further adieu, let’s list 14. Cold Weather (second game out, and I was the coach of one of always be called by home plate umpires. Berrier’s 20 different ways to have 16 degrees) those teams. The other two were a game cancelled or postponed 15. Hurricaned Out (Florida St. Elizabethtown College and York which all have occurred during a League) College.” distinguished coaching career: 16. Nuked Out (Three-Mile An equally strange situation Full Strike Zone Will 1. Rain Out Island) took place in a game when he was 2. Snow Out 17. Sprinkler System Trouble managing a team in the Los Angeles Help Game Prosper 3. Flooded Out (broken sprinkler head in CF caused Dodgers’ minor league system. Possibly the most important NCAA baseball rule change in 4. June Bugged Out Near Missi- huge spray of water which nobody “It was either at Clinton, history was approved one year ago by the NCAA ssippi River could shut off) Davenport or Dubuque, Iowa in Committee. 5. Bus Breakdown 200 Miles 18. Rocking Light Towers 1967 when I was managing in the During the past season, a 20-second action rule was utilized From Town (umpires called gamed due to heavy . with men on base for the first time in the 111-year-history of the 6. Smoked Out (fire in dump) winds which rocked light towers to “During this particular game, Association. 7. Toxic Fumed Out (power edge of breaking. Also, there was thousands and thousands of June The hope was that games would be shorter in time. plant) concern about possible tornado). bugs flew in from the This historic rule has the potential of shaving off 20 minutes for 8. Toxic Fumed Out (fertilization 19. No umpires River and swarmed over the field all NCAA baseball games and possibly more in the future when plant) 20. Fogged Out and in the lights that evening. players become comfortable with it. 9. Tornadoed Out Berrier, who had over 400 “These June bugs had six-inch Since NAIA, NJCAA and other junior college schools use 10. Light Failure coaching victories in his collegiate wing spans and were absolutely NCAA baseball rules, games on those levels should see this same 11. D u s t S t o r m ( Te x a s tenure, was asked what his most time reduction in games. League) memorable moments have been See BERRIER, Page 5 Even more time can be eliminated if home plate umpires call the full strike zone. More strikes means batters swinging at more pitches. They will either miss or put the ball in play which results in more action. So we encourage umpires to call the full strike zone as defined Letters To The Editor in the NCAA Rule Book. John Smith A strike in the NCAA Baseball Rule is: “The area over home Protocol To Keep Game Safe U.S. Great job on compiling information for a 17 Mockingbird Lane Mail plate from the bottom of the kneecaps to the midpoint between the Pullman, WA 99164 protocol to keep baseball safe (July 10, 2020 top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants. The strike edition). zone shall be determined from the batter’s stance as the batter is No baseball publication outside of Collegiate Collegiate Baseball prepared to swing at a pitched ball.” Baseball has put together a list like this to help P.O. Box 50566 Collegiate Baseball has always felt one more line should be everyone stay safe. added to a rule book strike: Tucson, AZ 85703 Hopefully everyone in baseball will read it “If any part of the ball touches the outside or inside edges of carefully and utilize the information to keep the strike zone and is within the high the low points of the strike players and coaches safe during practices and zone, it must be called a strike.” games. You can also This would effectively add the width of the ball for a strike on FAX letters to Of particular interest to me is how to sterilize the inner and outer edges of the plate. the editor or with special machines in hospitals that Many umpires call these pitches strikes. But too many don’t. E-Mail them: have UV-C light. The bottom line is that more strikes equals shorter games. Baseballs are a breeding ground for bacteria FAX: E-Mail: The 9-inning game time average for the 2019 NCAA Division (520) 624-5501 [email protected] with so many players touching baseballs during I season was 3:03. practice, pre-game batting practice, Collegiate Baseball welcomes letters from Because of COVID-19 and the abrupt stop of the 2020 college and other baseball related activities. Up to now, readers. Letters must include the writer’s baseball season after only a few weeks, there is no way to gauge there simply has not been a good way to sterilize name, address and telephone number. We whether game times are lower across all levels of college baseball. baseballs because of the risk of damaging the reserve the right to condense or reject any If so, by how much? leather. letter and to limit frequent writers. We can’t wait to see the numbers once all teams are comfortable Many teams might now be able to work with with the 20 second action rule next season. hospitals to have their balls sterilized in this Or what about a consumer purchasing hand Back in 1990 and 1991, the Missouri Valley Conference utilized fashion. sanitizer which is listed as 70% ethyl alcohol when a 20-second time clock. One part of the article really got me upset in fact it has less than 60 percent? At this dose, it The year prior to implementing the 2-year experiment, Missouri concerning hand sanitizers. is not effective in battling COVID-19. It must be Valley Conference games averaged 2:52 for 9-inning games. The Food and Drug Administration has now 70% or higher. It makes you wonder how many The following year, MVC games averaged 2:38 for 9-inning recalled over 100 hand sanitizers because of two people have tested positive when using an illegal games. serious issues. hand sanitizer which has been recalled. The 1991 average game times were even shorter at 2:32 because A large number of hand sanitizers were made at People who run companies that purposely try players, coaches and umpires were now experienced with the time a plant in Mexico which has substituted methanol to make products that are dangerous to consumers clock and were ready to play the game at a consistently quick instead of ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. should be locked up in jail.. pace. Consumers who have been exposed to a hand Rich Graham The game duration numbers we are also anxious to see are during sanitizer containing methanol have been warned Phoenix, Ariz. the . to seek immediate medical treatment which is In the 73-year-history of the CWS, two of the top three longest critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of CWS average game times took place from 2017-2019. Remarkable Pitching Coach methanol poisoning. The 2017 College World Series saw an average game time of Absolutely superb article on San Jacinto Substantial methanol exposure can result 3:25 over 16 games, third highest in history. (Houston, Tex.) College pitching coach Woody in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, The average game time for the 2018 CWS was 3:33 over 16 Williams (July 10, 2020 edition). permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent games, second highest in history. He obviously has talented pitchers to work with. damage to the nervous system and even death. The 2019 CWS had an average game time of 3:19 over 15 games, But he has helped many improve tremendously. Recently, unscrupulous hand sanitizer eighth highest in history. Luke Little is a prime example. This southpaw companies have also been selling products that showed up two years ago at San Jacinto as a raw contain less than the required amount of ethyl 6-foot-8 pitcher with a 92 mph . alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or benzalkonium Incredibly his fastball improved to the point that UOTE chloride which has caused the FDA to recall those it hit 105 mph with improvement in his command products as well. Unquote” on his fastball and other pitches. “Q Can you imagine being a consumer and Molding these pitchers into great men is “The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit purchasing a product that has the active ingredient something Woody Williams continually does with of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore listed on the back of the hand sanitizer as being his pitchers. All of us who know Woody Williams will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced ethyl alcohol when it actually has dangerous are extremely proud of his accomplishments as a that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you methanol? It has happened, and several people coach. to fulfilling your dreams.” are dead in Arizona as a result. Who knows how Nate Walters — Og Mandino many more have been impacted. Houston, Tex. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Berrier Experiences More Game Retires At North Stoppages Than Any Coach Ever Carolina Ending Superb Continued From Page 4 Overall Coaching Career CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Mike active coaches in 2020. huge. The swarm was so thick, the Fox, the winningest active coach “Serving as the head baseball home plate umpire couldn’t see the in NCAA Division I baseball coach at my alma mater for the balls coming to the and had and the first to lead an Atlantic past 22 seasons has been one to stop the game. Coast Conference team to four of the greatest blessings of my “From what I have been told, consecutive College World Series, professional life,” says Fox. these bugs only live 24 hours as retired after 22 seasons at the helm “I have been in love with the they have sexual activities and at the University of University of North Carolina since die. and 37 years as a collegiate head I was a young boy. To see my dream “When one would hit one of coach. of becoming a Tar Heel student, the hot lamps in the light tower, UNC Director of Athletics Bubba player and coach is hard for me to they would drop to the ground like Cunningham named as even comprehend.” dead bats. The next day, there were the Tar Heels’ new head coach. Fox became the head coach at

thousands and thousands of dead Athletics Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Forbes, who will be the 25th head his alma mater prior to the 1999 bugs on the field. It was really NUKED OUT — The Three Mile Island Unit 2 reactor partially coach in Carolina Baseball history, season. bizarre to say the least.” melted down on March 28, 1979. It was the most serious just completed his 19th season on the His Tar Heel teams went 948- accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant operating Crazy Setting For Baseball UNC coaching staff. He becomes 406-1, won ACC championships in history, although its small radioactive releases had no detectable In Dubuque, Iowa where his just the fifth head coach of the 2007, 2013 and 2018, and advanced health effects on plant workers or the public. Bill Berrier had minor league team played games, he Tar Heel baseball program since to the College World Series in 2006, one of his games cancelled because of this situation which was had the unique problem of having 1931. 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 and among 20 cancellations or postponed games in his career. a fertilizer plant past right field, an Fox, a 1978 UNC graduate, 2018. The 2006 and 2007 teams electrical generating power plant second game was about to start, it of it.” concluded his 37-year head coaching reached the championship round which was powered by burning dropped all the way to 16 degrees. Berrier said he has enjoyed every career with a 1,487-547-5 record, a in Omaha. coal beyond left field and a dump It was just too cold. Our guys were minute of his baseball career as a winning percentage of .731. He is He is the winningest coach in located behind home plate. The so cold they just wanted to strike player and a coach. seventh all-time in wins and 15th in Carolina Baseball history and one-two-three punch was not the out to get back to a place that was “It has been a great deal of fun. If winning percentage. He was No. 1 led UNC to seven of its 11 CWS ideal baseball setting. semi-warm.” you have ever seen the movie Bull in wins and win percentage among appearances. “I told key people in management Once during the 1968 Florida Durham, it is amazing how true with the that State League, a number of that movie is. You have wild things this particular stadium was not games were called because of a happen all the time in baseball and conducive to the development of hurricane. especially the minor leagues. I minor league players. Every time “We lost 15 playing days in a always had a rule in pro ball when we practiced or played games, row because of the hurricane. We I managed that if players got to the your eyes would water. Once we went down to Miami and were field before I did, then they were were smoked out from a fire from supposed to play there but were safe. If a player was late, it cost him the dump behind home plate. rained out nine straight days from a dollar a minute. When a fire broke out in the dump, the hurricane. Then we went back “One time a player missed the the smoke became so thick you home, and the storm followed us team bus. Along our trip, a highway couldn’t see second base. to Daytona. We then played 15 patrolman stopped the bus and told “Another time a game was straight doubleheaders.” me that such and such player was not allowed to continue because Berrier, who was a wrestling being rushed to the bus if we could of toxic fumes coming from the coach for a number of years as well wait a little bit. I told the officer that fertilizer manufacturing plant. as an assistant football coach, said I picked up all the players who were And still another time, the fumes once a light failure stopped a game ready to go, and that was that.” from the electric generating plant, in its tracks. which was powered by burning Huge Influence For Players “But because the facility was a Berrier has been named coal, stopped a game.” municipally owned, we couldn’t Berrier said one time a tornado Manager of The Year three times get it fixed quickly, and the game in pro baseball and has been a huge interfered with a game. was called.” “I was managing Cedar Rapids, influence in the careers of many On another occasion, a dust rising minor league players. Iowa, and the last ground rule storm in El Paso, Tex. lasted a day exchanged was that if a special “Pitcher Dave Stuart played for Mike Fox (right) led North Carolina for 22 memorable years. and a half that led to a game being me in the minors at Bellingham, siren went off, the game was to stopped. be suspended immediately. That Wash. along with . was a tornado warning. About Bus Runs Out Of Gas “I have had the pleasure of the third inning of this game, the On a trip from Bellingham, working with some great baseball The Hitting Aid siren went off, and the game was Wash. to Boise, Idaho, the team people in my life such as Davey stopped. It was pretty scary because bus chugged to a halt because the Lopes, Mike Socia and Dave Stuart. it was night, and you couldn’t see vehicle ran out of gas. When I played in the Los Angeles ™ anything around you but knew a “The driver was my assistant Dodgers’ system in 1961, they had coach who was also paid to drive. coaches such as Danny Ozark, RADAR TEE tornado was possibly in the area.” One time Berrier witnessed Unfortunately, he forgot to check Preston Gomez, Roy Hartsfield and “Best Of Show” dime-sized hail deluge his baseball his mileage as we went up and . I took information Award Winner field as the game was stopped. Hail down the mountains. The gas gauge from each of those great coaches at 2016 American blanketed the field to a thickness of sometimes gave false readings when and became a combination of Baseball Coaches about 1 ½ inches. we went up or down mountains. It those four coaching philosophies. Association Convention “That was pretty strange as took about five hours to get help, I was very fortunate to have that well,” laughed Berrier. and we missed a game because experience.” “Another time we had a game called due to cold weather. It was the second game of a double-header in the Midwest League just outside of Green Bay, Wisc. “We played the first game in 32- • Location Apps (Available In App Store) 33 degree weather. But when the • Digital/Non-Digital Accountability CUSTOMIZED: Lineup Cards/Dugout Charts and MORE Purke Named www.gamegrade.com • Phone: (903) 910-8488 TCU Assistant E-Mail: [email protected] Official Chart FORT WORTH – TCU Head Company Texas Optimize your swing efficiency to maximize ball FAX: (903) 498-8372 H.S. Baseball Coach announced Address: P.O. Box 117, Kemp, TX 75143 Coaches Assn. exit velocity. Measure both with the RADAR TEE! the return of to the • Maximize ball exit velocity by optimizing swing speed program. and efficient energy transfer to the ball. The former Horned Frog will • Train to hit hard line drives. serve as a student assistant on the BULLPEN SECRETS • Develop bat control and directivity to hit balls into gaps. coaching staff as he completes his The Underground • Swing in an optimum plane for best hard contact probability. undergraduate degree. Playbook For Creating A • Proudly made in the USA. In just two seasons in the Purple Mass Movement Of Pitching and White, Purke put up stellar Coaches Who Will numbers on the mound. In 31 Change The Game… appearances, he started 29 games and posted an impressive 21- OVER 19 CRUCIAL 1 record. That mark includes a nation-leading 16-0 record as a SECRETS REVEALED! (888) 542-9246 freshman. The 16 wins remain a www.sportssensors.com school record. www.BullpenSecrets.com Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Shutting Down Opponents Oklahoma State’s Rob Walton Explains His Intriguing Philosophy Continued From Page 1 rule has contradicted itself within different passages. Every “The second thing that happens year, I have asked different umpires is that runners from second base for interpretations on what a balk can’t score on a base hit with our really is,” said Walton. outfield positioning. They usually “The honest truth is that every If we can create the longest run for stop at third. We will either throw pick a pitcher makes in a game is a base runner and can close distance them out at home or the third base a balk relative to how the rules are “ coach will stop them because the interpreted. from our fielders, we are forcing our is too close to the plate. “When a righthanded pitcher “By slide stepping and playing makes a quick pick to first base, opponents to go one base at a time fast in the outfield, it completely he is literally balking every time changed our dynamic. Our pitchers he picks. You essentially have to except for obvious extra base hits. We really bought into it because they flex your left knee as a righthander saw runners stop at third often. before you throw to first base. If also play ‘do or die’ outfield from the Then they would strike out the next you are flexing that left knee, by first inning on. guy, and the inning was over. They rule book definition it is a balk. should have given up a run, and “What pitching coaches have — Rob Walton, Pitching Coach they didn’t. done is teach righthanders to come “This is our plan for preventing to the set position with a runner at Oklahoma State University opponents from scoring. first. Righthanders put their weight “Teams that give up a lot of runs on the back side and keep their front have pitchers with tendencies that leg locked out. The first thing you Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU runners take advantage of. I had do whether you throw to home or rules when I was the head coach pick to first is flex that front leg. produces slow feet and a long shouldn’t be a balk on the fourth. have firm, accurate throws to bases at Oral Roberts that if an opposing So you are balking literally every arm. “If they had called a balk on the which results in outs. pitcher picked twice in a row, our time. “What happens is that the long first one, I wouldn’t have had an “RHP Jensen Elliott, who was runner had an automatic green light “It’s impossible not to. I don’t ” arm slows down the ball getting issue with it because he actually the ace of our staff in 2019, threw to steal. Most of the time pitchers teach this, but it has been taught to first, and the throw becomes was balking by rule definition. But five or six runners out at third will not pick three times in a row. by many pitching coaches over the inaccurate because the arm is not if the umpire is allowing a base in his 3-years at Oklahoma “Most pitchers to three years. I try to have a discussion with on time to throw. to be legal in the first, second and State, and he was 6-foot-6 and 231 before throwing home in the stretch some umpires on this illegal pick. “You don’t want the feet too third innings by Thomas, it sure pounds.” position. So that has given our The typical answer is that umpires close so the pitcher trips. should be legal after that.” runners an edge when we find have been allowing pitchers to do Future Of Picks “The righthanded pitchers up to Walton said inevitably you will this tendency. While the pitcher is this move and will continue letting Walton feels fewer pickoffs by now who had heavy flex in their have certain pitchers who can’t pick counting to three before pitching, them. righthanders will take place in the back leg and no flex in their front with their hands chest high in the our runner waits for the pitcher to “I still think you can create good future because of the NCAA balk leg in the set position had a big set position. come set and counts one, two and pick moves even if you have to step rules now in place. flinch in their front leg before the “There are some pitchers who takes off for the next base. Our off. Pitchers now must be more “The really athletic pitcher will right leg ever moved as the pick have to start with their hands at runners stole a lot of bases with this precise in their timing to home not have many issues. But the began. If the front leg moves first, their belly button. Unfortunately, simple technique.” plate. How long they hold the ball, righthander who is a fringe athlete the base runner at first sees an initial they will never have that real fast The quest for preventing runs varying their time to home plate. could struggle picking to first move going toward home plate, and move. For that particular guy, the by opponents takes many different All of those things become more now or hold runners effectively. that is a balk. pitch is more important than the avenues. important. What you will see now are more “But a lot of pitchers have gotten pick. I won’t change him if he is Walton will explain keys to “It may create issues for guys pitchouts, pitchers stepping off the away with this move in the past. extremely uncomfortable throwing teaching the best righthanded who are tempo oriented pitchers or mound and things of that nature to “You can’t do this now with the from the chest. pickoff move at first and also pitchers who don’t like to hold the control the running game more than NCAA balk rule. If you have been “He might be a low three quarters discusses the multi-faceted NCAA ball very long or guys who have a the actual pick moves themselves. taught to be heavy on the back guy or guy. You have to balk rule and why it can be so little bit of anxiety. If they can get “As far as lefthanded picks at leg and try to step off the rubber, be flexible as a coach. It is more difficult to enforce for umpires. the ball and throw quickly, it is no first base, there is an imaginary 45 you may fall down or trip over the important for him to vary his In addition, he discusses creative problem. But as soon as they have degree line. The lefty must step on rubber. holds to home plate and hold the pickoffs he has used over the to get a little bit of mound presence the first base side of this imaginary “Having one foot under each ball and pick as many times as he years and his ingenious modified and composure to be able to slow line when picking to first. shoulder is where pitchers are more needs to. Those are his two key . down the running game, you will “We have markings on the field athletic. When I pitched, I had quick fundamentals. see them have problems. for foul lines, batter’s boxes and What Is A Balk? feet and was a small guy. “Shortening the arm action is “Some of those guys have gotten coaching boxes. Why not physically One of Walton’s biggest pet “Some righthanders are quicker priority No. 1 when it comes to the away with locking out the front mark that 45 degree mark on the peeves is the numerous passages with their picks to first with their best pickoff move by righthanders. knee as they utilize this balk move mound? If the lefthander steps on within the NCAA balk rule. feet slightly inside their shoulders. It is also helpful to learn a short which can be successful at picking the wrong side of the line, it is a The NCAA Baseball Rules It also allows for some knee flex. arm action because of multiple runners. That type of pitcher will balk. This would help umpires as Committee made it a balk in the Some guys can buckle that knee a throws pitchers must make to have to hold the ball and change his well as pitchers.” 2019/2020 NCAA Baseball Rule little bit more and get the runner to different bases. time to home plate now. Runners book by stating: “While touching jump at first. “In addition, any time a pitcher Creative Picks To Bases will take advantage of some of the pitcher’s plate, any feinting Walton said quick hands are also has fast feet and a long arm motion Prior to the last two years, those guys.” motion without completing the essential in great pickoff moves. (goes down, back and up as if he is Walton’s pitchers have utilized the throw toward the batter or toward Keys To RHP Pickoffs “The righthander should come pitching) when a bunt is hit, it is a fake pick to third and throw to first first or third (is a balk). Walton, who just finished his set with his hands chest high. For recipe for disaster. When pitchers move in addition to the fake pick “I am a proponent of these rules’ 22nd year as a college baseball the quickest move, the pitcher field bunts as they fire balls to to third and back pick at second changes,” said Walton, who has coach, feels that the longer simultaneously takes the ball to first with long arm action, balls play. Another was the fake pick to coached 23 All-Big 12 Conference righthanded pitchers hold the ball his right ear and turns his feet and will be thrown away down the first third, fake pick to first and pick to pitchers, three All-Americans, two with a runner at first, the better. throws to first. Many times pitchers base line. I have seen this happen third which nabbed a runner from Big-12 Pitchers of The Year and a Once he does pick to first with feel they must throw the ball hard numerous times with pitchers. an opposing team during an NCAA first round draft pick in eight years his best move, it must be lightning on a pick. But they don’t need to “When a pitcher’s feet are Regional game. with the Cowboys. quick. max out a throw. The simply need to moving that fast and the adrenalin Walton had a terrific righthanded “The intent of the rules now To make the foot movement throw it accurately at the belt of the is pumping, they can’t let the arm pitcher from Cypress College one is that deceiving the runner by a quicker on picks to first, his pitchers and not at his knees. If be late. That is why pitchers must year who had a remarkable slide pitcher is a balk. However, the train with a speed and agility ladder you throw it at his belt, and it ends have short arm action (ball hand step pickoff move to third base. reality is that there has never been which can be purchased at sporting up at his knees, fine. Or if it ends to same side ear after fielding the “He picked off three runners a pickoff move ever made in the goods stores or on the internet. up at his chest, fine. ball) as they throw balls to first on at third base during that season,” that didn’t “We want the pitchers to work on “But we don’t want to aim for bunts. laughed Walton. deceive the runner. their first base pickoffs as their feet the knees and then throw one in the “In our system, we teach pitchers “The first time he did it during a “If you look at the inside turn stay inside one square of the ladder. dirt. We want to emphasize that the this short arm action during pickoff Regional game that year, a balk was pick at second base, it is the most The left foot is essentially under the pitcher is not picking the runner off. sessions the first week of fall called on him even though it was deceiving move in baseball. The left armpit while the right foot is The runner is picking himself off. practice. Then when we begin a perfectly legitimate move as he pitcher has lifted his front leg up under the right armpit. Just make sure you put the ball on working on defensive throws on stepped more toward third base. and then doesn’t throw it home. In “Then they quickly move their the first baseman’s belt.” bunts, they are familiar with the arm “Coaches on that team made one motion, he picks his lead leg feet in and out of the square. You Walton said balk calls during action that we want for accuracy. So umpires aware that he had this up, turns inside and throws a pick want to get the feel of replacing games can be frustrating at times. many of the throws pitchers make move because they saw it on film. at second. You have lifted your your feet to throw the ball on a pick “We played TCU during the to bases are awkward. Having the Nobody had a righthanded slide front leg and that isn’t considered to first for righthanders. It teaches 2016 season, and RHP Thomas ability to throw with a short arm step pick move to third in the a deceiving move?” you how to push, turn and do those Hatch picked off three guys in the action is so vital for pitchers. country except my guy. After the Yet, the rule book also states that types of things which allows a first three innings. TCU’s coaches “With runners on first and runner was initially ruled out, the the pitcher may not prematurely quick throw to first. felt he was using a balk move and second, we aren’t afraid to have coaches from the other team come flex either leg before stepping “The wider your feet are when let the umpires know about it. The our righthanded pitchers try to get out to argue the play. Suddenly directly and throwing to first base. you turn to pick, the longer your next time he picked to first, the the lead runner at third on bunt the umpire reverses the call as a “So there is this interesting arm action gets. Now you have umpire called a balk. If it wasn’t plays because they have learned dynamic that has developed as the elements that aren’t efficient which a balk the first three pickoffs, it short arm action. They are able to See MODIFIED, Page 8 Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Collegiate Baseball Catch All The Exciting Action For less than the cost of a handful of baseballs, you can read about all aspects of college and high school baseball starting with pre-season editions, moving to in-season coverage and culminating in post-season championships. From All-American teams to important news that is fit to print, we take pride in running the best human interest stories of any publication covering the game. Plus, we delve into unique teaching methods from the best baseball coaches in the business along with in-depth reports on the best new baseball products available. Subscribe today and pick 1 of 8 special E-books below for FREE!

Subscribe Any Time Day Or Night Go to our web site www.baseballnews.com and click SUBSCRIBE on the menu bar.

Collegiate Baseball News Subscription Form Individual Subscriptions: Name $28 for 1 year (14 issues) Company/School $48 for 2 years (28 issues) Address Foreign Air Mail City State Country ($50 for one year in U.S. funds only) Bonus Rate Team Subscriptions: Zip E-Mail (All papers must go to same address): Payment Method: Credit Card Options Check enclosed (payable to Collegiate Baseball) Call (520) 623-4530 M-F Coaches’ Bundle — 4 copies each issue $56 Money Order (payable to Collegiate Baseball) 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (MT) or 11 papers each issue — $110 (Save $198) Credit Card FAX to: (520) 624-5501 21 papers each issue — $189 (Save $399) Charge My: Mastercard VISA Discover American Express Credit Card # Mail Orders To: Collegiate Baseball Expiration Date Security Code P.O. Box 50566 Signature (if paying by credit card) Tucson, AZ 85703 Daytime Phone Number: With A 1-Year Subscription To Collegiate Baseball, you receive 1 FREE E-Book below. Check 1 from the 8 E-Books that are offered: SECRETS OF BASE STEALING (NEW!): Seven elite coaches explain how to have a high octane offense which allows teams to score more runs. They include (Vanderbilt), Dan McDonnell (Louisville), Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina), Matt Talarico (Wright St.), Selwyn Young (Benedict College), Mike Gillespie (former U.C. Irvine coach) and Mike Knight (former Nicholls St. coach). SECRETS OF PITCHING: The greatest pick-off move ever devised from Mike Maack, mastering command with pitching legend , why sniper focus is crucial in pitching, why resilience is a must with Ken Ravizza, plus much more. SECRETS OF GREAT COACHES: Jerry Stitt explains highly successful coaching techniques that master coaches have utilized for decades. Ed Cheff, who led Lewis-Clark State to 16 NAIA national titles, explains how valuable team chemistry is, plus much more. SECRETS OF GREAT HITTERS: Angels’ Hitting Coach John Mallee taps into wealth of data which vividly shows how hitters are most efficient in launch angles for production. Tulane skipper delves into his hitting system, plus much more. SECRETS OF AMAZING PLAY SECRETS OF OUTFIELD PLAY BEST INFIELD DRAG AND TAMP DESIGNS BASEBALL’S GREATEST TRICK PLAYS Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Modified Pitchout With Back Pick Works Wonders Continued From Page 6 the first and third lines with throws “With this philosophy, you will to the different bases along with see a novice base stealer with balk was called. It was a move the turn pick to second, long holds, talent become great. He may get the umpires don’t see, and I feel it holds and picks. Within this, we thrown out in the beginning. All of surprised them.” also have footwork stations.” a sudden, he is 20-for-20 because he Walton said it is virtually What 1B Runner Looks For has learned all the nuances of reads, impossible for umpires to get balk Walton said that good base how far he can get off the base and calls right with the subtle knee runners typically look at the left hip good jumps as well as making it movements a righthander pitcher of the righthanded pitcher as a key back safely on pick attempts by has. to stealing second base. pitchers.” “There is no umpire who is really “The first move will be the left Closing Thoughts good enough to see this movement hip coming toward first base. If on Walton said the game of baseball because it is happening so fast. You the righthander’s first move you on the Major League level is hard are asking an umpire to do way too don’t see the left hip come toward to watch at times. much. It is easier for an umpire to you, then you are off to second. The “The best players are still playing call a balk on a lefthander than a runner can get back on an average in the Big Leagues. But I don’t feel righthander.” move. But he won’t be able to get the game is necessarily played More Pitchouts back on a plus move if he is too far correctly. Right now, somebody Walton does not like standard off the bag. either hits a or strikes out. pitchouts. “Base stealers have good eyes, I truly believe people like seeing “I used to finish bullpens with good timing and good instincts. base hits and doubles as well as two pitchouts. By the time we The other thing good ones have runners steal. started the season, our pitchers had is no fear. If they get picked, it “They like runners going first probably thrown 30-50 pitchouts doesn’t bother them. They will keep to third on hits and all that kind of each. Runners are smart. If they stealing. I think most good base stuff. As a baseball purest, I love it peek in and see the catcher jumping stealers have gotten picked a bunch when a runner at second is moved up for a pitchout, they will go back of times until they figured it out. over to third on a ground ball to to the bag, and all we have to show “On many occasions, once a second. I am much more entertained is a ball. runner gets picked, the coach shuts by this type of baseball instead of “With our modified pitchout the running game down. He doesn’t strikeouts and home runs. and a runner on first, our catcher want to run himself out of innings. “Isn’t it more enjoyable to watch subtly moves into the other batter’s In intersquad games if a good a catcher throwing to second on a box in the squat position, and our runner is out or safe at a base, he is steal attempt? There is a tag and pitcher blasts a fastball to him. Our sent back to first base and tries to possibly the ball gets away from catcher receives the ball and throws steal again. the fielder as the runner hustles to in rhythm as he guns the runner out “We might have three or four third. There is action and things at second. guys who have the ability to steal happening. bases and give them numerous “When you see a pitcher going

“If we know a runner is going, Athletics Photo by Bruce Waterfield/OSU we use this modified pitchout so the Oklahoma State Pitching Coach Rob Walton chances like this to get more refined 1.7 seconds to home plate and batter can’t do anything about it. He at their skills. runners at first don’t steal, I just can’t block the catcher’s vision by and then Colin would throw the pitchout has been a big advantage “Once we had four guys who had don’t get it. At my advanced age, I swinging his bat or faking a bunt runner out.” for us more than the regular 75 attempts during a fall. That year, could probably steal second in that as the runner steals. None of that Walton said the problem you pitchout. our centerfielder was 49-for-50 in scenario. They don’t want to take comes into play because our catcher have with many pitchers is that they “With the new rules in place, we stolen bases. the bat out of the hitter’s hands. isn’t behind home plate. He is in the tend to slow down their velocity may have to show a regular pitchout “But you can only get good at “Yeah, that guy hit 30 home runs opposite batter’s box. when they throw a pitchout because at times. Then when we utilize our stealing if you work on it a lot. If last year. That’s great. But he hit “Since our catcher is in a squat, they are uneasy throwing it because modified pitchout, it may be even you get picked, it’s OK. You stay .220 in 600 at-bats. That means he the runner at first base can’t really of lack of practice. more effective. until you figure it out. didn’t hit a home run in 570 at-bats. tell if he is behind home plate “We emphasize to our pitchers “We have a couple of for “I have heard some of the greatest You aren’t taking the bat out of his or not. Then as I mentioned, our to throw their best fastball as they next season who can really throw. base stealers in history say that hands as some would argue. pitcher barrels one to the catcher slide step home to cut down on I’m looking forward to seeing them when they were thrown out in the “But I digress from the subject as he throws the runner out trying time. throw runners out.” minor leagues, their coaches told of . to steal. “If the runner goes, our catcher 4 Corner Drills For Pitchers them to keep going and learn from “I feel there should be more “Catcher Colin Simpson threw has a great chance to throw him Walton said his pitchers work on the experience. It’s a good lesson absolutes when it comes to what out six runners in a row trying to out. If the runner stays, it is an their pickoffs in a square about 20 to learn. balks really are that are black and steal at one point at Oklahoma automatic back pick by the catcher yards apart. “I have had guys who have white for umpires. State, and he is a below average to first. Either way, our catcher will “They work on throwing picks, stolen four bases in one at-bat “They need to know what is and thrower. But he maximized his be throwing on that pitch. fielding bunts and things like this during intersquad games. The last what isn’t a balk. It will make their abilities. He would cheat a little bit “If our opponents know we will so they can work on every single thing you want is for a runner to life a lot easier. You definitely won’t and stay in his squat. The pitcher back pick, it keeps the runner close situation possible. steal one base in practice, and that’s have coaches barking at umpires as would slide step with a fastball, to the bag at first. The modified “They will work on bunts down all the work he gets for the day. often when balk calls come up.” College Prospects Face Many Recruiting Obstacles During Pandemic By TOM KOVKIC recruiting and update college prohibits momentum in the climb and face the challenge head- Special To Collegiate Baseball coaches with key information. recruiting process. Reaching out on and with confidence. Accept The Challenge to say hello to a college coach will CHADDS FORD, Pa. — True Most prospects are experiencing not help your cause. Tom Kovic is a former Division champions are not quantified during various levels of turbulence in their Updating coaches on the core I college coach and Principal peak performance. lives and for a good reason. conditioning and speed training Advisor at Victory Collegiate On the contrary, they are At any rate, the prudent approach program, you developed and Consulting, where he provides measured by how they respond to college recruiting is to accept the currently execute at home will, on personal advisement for prospects when their backs are in the corner. current situation at face value, pull the other hand, make an impact. and families on college recruiting. Worldwide, we face seemingly up your bootstraps and advance. Remember, college coaches are For further information, visit insurmountable challenges Junior prospects should be recruiting on three levels. https://victoryrecruiting.com. considering the coronavirus especially diligent with organizing They are looking for strong pandemic. personal recruiting plans and students, impact athletes and future College prospects, especially The Search For College targeting “impact” communication leaders of their teams. Barney Joins high school juniors, face steeper with college coaches. Prospects are still permitted mountains to climb, considering the Although a dead period restricts Above all, avoid reaching out to e-mail, text and call college Beavers’ Staff shorter recruiting timeline ahead. college coaches and prospects and to coaches to say hello. You want coaches. CORVALLIS, Ore. – Former This article offers hope and families from engaging in direct, to impress the coaches and make Reach out to the college coaches Oregon State Darwin clarity to prospects and families to face to face contact, it allows for every contact count. on your college list and share your Barney has joined the coaching staff advance college recruiting during passive communication. personal story and your dedication as the program’s camp coordinator adverse times. Below is the definition of a dead Skill Transfer to excellence. and volunteer assistant coach. Student-athletes are strong- period: Student-athletes are built by their Prospects should always look for He is three years removed willed, tough kids at the core. “A dead period is that period of daily routines. School is structured, ways to separate themselves from from a Major League career that Their personal training to date time when it is not permissible to as is their sports training regimen. the pack! saw him play in 814 games over has helped them shape a deliberate make in-person recruiting contacts Consequently, the all-around best We are all in unchartered eight seasons, seeing action for and robust physical, mental, and or evaluations on or off the member prospects are those who embrace waters. the , Los Angeles emotional approach to their sport. institution’s campus or to permit peak performance. The core aim for prospects is Dodgers and . official or unofficial visits by Therefore, those prospective to advance their college recruiting He played in 191 games over three Realize The Stakes student-athletes who commit to re- Recently, the NCAA has placed prospective student-athletes to the during adverse times. seasons for Oregon State, helping institution’s campus.” wiring themselves and transferring You have two choices: guide the Beavers to College World a temporary halt to recruiting and these structured routines to enacted a recruiting dead period for Prospects can (with exceptions) 1) Allow everything remotely Series titles in 2006 and 2007 and telephone, text, e-mail and maximize college recruiting will negative to fill your minds and a trip to Omaha in 2005. He was all sports. be served best. As a result, the entire college videoconference college coaches. crush your hopes and dreams. selected All-Pac-10 First-Team recruiting process may appear to Therefore, you can continue Communicate 2) Accept the fact that you are twice and was the conference’s be on hold, but the opposite is true. building momentum with college Avoid communication that confronted with a steep mountain to Freshman of the Year in 2005. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  2020 College Baseball Hall Of Fame Class Chosen LUBBOCK, Tex. — One of the • Gary Gentry of Phoenix College went 36-2 in his final two years. inductee to be selected from the winningest college coaches and and Arizona State, a first-team All- Gideon tallied 36 wins in 1974 contributors section of the ballot, one of baseball’s most decorated American pitcher at both schools and 1975 and led the nation in wins which was established in 2019 to players highlight the 2020 National while leading both to national each year. honor important figures in college College Baseball Hall of Fame championships. He was twice a first-team All- baseball from off the field. induction class. Gentry was named National American and led the Longhorns Barnes was an important figure This year’s class is headlined Player of the Year in 1967 by virtue to the 1975 national championship in the creation of the College World by three-time Georgia Tech. All- of his 17 wins for the national with a stellar 17-0 record and 1.80 Series. American and former champion Arizona State Sun Devils. ERA. Barnes was a player, coach and Miami (Fla.) coach , In 1965, he led Phoenix College to • Roy Lee Jackson of Tuskegee administrator at Colgate, but his who led 13 teams to the College the NJCAA national title. At both Institute, a three-time all-conference most lasting contribution was his World Series and won two national levels he was named to the World performer who won 26 games. work helping to organize college championships. Series All-Tournament team and • Two-time All-American coaches in the post-World War The only unanimous three-time paired that with first-team All- shortstop from II era which led to the first All- All-American in NCAA Division American honors each season. Minnesota. American teams and, ultimately, I history, Georgia Tech’s Varitek • , a two-time All- • Everett “Eppy” Barnes the NCAA playoffs and College was the 1994 National Player of JOHN SCOLINOS American pitcher at Texas who rounds out the class as the second World Series. the Year. He posted a .384 career batting average with 57 home runs and 251 RBI. Morris retired as one of only 12 coaches from all levels of college baseball with more than 1,500 wins. In addition to leading the Miami Hurricanes to the 1999 and 2001 national championships, he made a remarkable 32 consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament from 1985 to 2016, including his time at Georgia Tech. Also comprising the 2020 class are: • Legendary former Cal Poly Coach John Scolinos, who was the third skipper in history to reach 1,000 wins. Scolinos led Cal Poly Pomona to three NCAA Division II national championships and six conference titles. • Doug Ault, a two-time, first- team NJCAA All-American at Panola Junior College and first- team All-American at Texas Tech. Ault led Panola to the NJCAA World Series in 1969 and 1970. In ’69, he was named MVP of the NJCAA World Series for the national champs on the strength of three wins on the mound and 12 RBIs at the plate. He won 25 games as a pitcher and batted .400 in his two years at Panola, earning back-to-back first- team All-American honors. He later attended Texas Tech and was the Red Raiders’ inaugural first-team All-American on the strength of a .475 batting average. Big League Chew was invented by Rob Nelson, a former Cornell • Southern University’s Pete Barnes, who was a two-time NAIA University lefthander who was pitching in Oregon in 1977 for the All-American outfielder. Barnes was a four-time All- fabled Portland Mavericks when he came up with the idea for a new Southwest Athletic Conference outfielder at Southern University. type of bubble gum. He received first-team NAIA All- American honors in 1966 and 1967 and led the Jaguars to the 1966 NAIA World Series, where Rob was literally sitting in the Portland bullpen, watching his team- he garnered All-Tournament team mates chewing other less salubrious stuff, when he thought that honors. A 1965 draft choice of the Los shredded bubble gum would be a much more fun option. Angeles Dodgers, he instead chose professional football and excelled in an 11-year professional career, spending three years in the AFL Rob shared the idea with Mav teammate who liked the with Houston and San Diego and eight in the NFL with San Diego, concept so much he spent the next two years searching for a gum St. Louis and . • of Seton Hall led company to manufacture and distribute Big League Chew. He the Pirates to the College World Series in 1974 and 1975 and was a succeeded, and BLC quickly became the must-have bubble gum for first-team All-American catcher in 1975. He was named to the College ballplayers in the littlest leagues to the Big Leagues. World Series All-Tournament team in ’75 on the strength of a .462 batting average with two homers and five RBIs. Today, over 40 years later, Big League Chew is the #1-selling • Montclair State’s John Deutsch, shredded bubble gum in the world — with over 800 million pouches a three-time All-American and 1989 Division III National Player sold. It is manufactured in the USA by Ford Gum of Akron, New York. of the Year. Deutsch was the Division III National Player of the Year in 1989 ™ and was a three-time first-team All-American at Montclair State. BIG LEAGUE CHEW® AMERICA’S BUBBLE GUM He was the World Series MVP as he led the Red Hawks to the 1987 NCAA Division III national Coaches Discount now available at bigleaguechew.com championship. Page 10 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Immediate Ejection Proposed NCAA Baseball Rules Committee Cracks Down On Foreign Substances By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. pitchers had a great technique when my glove. After throwing a pitch, Editor/Collegiate Baseball using rosin, which was perfectly I would receive the ball back from legal. They rubbed their hands the catcher and take my glove off. INDIANAPOLIS — The vigorously, and the rosin would get I had the tip of the middle finger NCAA Baseball Rules Committee sticky. It was great for throwing hand brush against the recommended 18 major changes pitchers. pine tar. This made the tip of the for the 2021-22 NCAA Baseball “Balls in those days were not finger tacky. I didn’t want too Rule Book. as tight as they are today and were much…just enough to give me a Headlining the list is an hand sewn. Some of the big, strong good grip with my middle finger on immediate ejection for a pitcher pitchers would rub the ball real hard the ball to throw my curve. I could using a foreign substance to the and loosen the cover a bit. When a always snap my fingers extremely ball. batter did hit the ball, it wouldn’t well when I had the right amount of Currently a pitcher caught adding go anywhere. Today, it would be pine tar on my middle finger. Then I a foreign substance is warned almost impossible to do this.” would put my glove on, step on the rubber, get my sign and throw the first and then ejected on a second Pine Tar Use offense. Pine tar is a substance that has next pitch. All of this would happen As Collegiate Baseball went to been used since the beginning of very quickly in a very normal, press, the proposed rule stated: baseball mainly for hitters. But routine fashion.” “The pitcher shall not have on pitchers also like to use it to get a This well known pitcher said his their person or possession any better grip on pitches even though curve had tremendous break which foreign substance. The pitcher or it is illegal to do so. caused hitters fits. defensive player(s) shall not apply It is a substance that has been “I threw a 12-6 curve. When I any foreign substance or moisture used for centuries by sailors to didn’t use pine tar on my middle to the ball or to the pitching hand preserve wood and rigging. It came finger, it wasn’t nearly as effective. or fingers or do anything to deface originally from Sweden and other I was never caught by an umpire. the ball. The pitcher may use bare northern climates such as Finland No umpire ever asked to check my hands to rub up the ball. and Russia. glove or body for foreign objects. “Penalty: Eject the pitcher from Although rosin is legally allowed The only close call came during a the game. by pitchers, there is something game at USC (Southern California). “Note: If the pitcher spits on his about the stickiness with pine tar I had loaded up pine tar under hand, ball or glove or rubs the ball which makes it more appealing to the laces at the heel of my glove. on his glove, person, or clothing, pitchers. But the lights were high pressure and, in the judgment of the umpire, As a result, pitchers have been sodium which caused this area of the pitcher did not intend to alter ejected over the years after umpires my glove to almost glow. the characteristics of the baseball, have discovered them using it. “During this game, the umpire then the umpire may at the umpire’s During the 2005 Major League came out and tossed several balls discretion, warn the pitcher in season, Anaheim Angels’ pitcher in my glove and asked me which lieu of ejecting the pitcher from Brendan Donnelly was ejected one I would like to use. I quickly the game. If the pitcher persists from the game for having pine tar grabbed one and returned the other in violating this rule, the umpire two without the umpire getting a TOUGH NEW RULE — Pitchers have used illegal substances on his glove. shall then eject the pitcher from In the top of the seventh with good look at my ‘glowing mitt.’ ” the game.” such as pine tar for many years along with a host of other items. The pitcher said the key to his The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee recently proposed that a runner on first and the Angels While the new rule specifically leading 3-1, ’ success at using pine tar was being says that the pitcher or defensive pitchers will be immediately ejected in a game if it is discovered normal on the mound and not they are using any illegal substance. Manager called player(s) shall not apply any foreign on Carlos Baerga to pinch hit for telling many people about his use substance or moisture to the ball, pine tar, spit, tobacco juice, emery have used over the years to gain an shortstop Cristian Guzman. of pine tar. the rule states the pitcher will be the paper, slippery elm (routinely advantage.” That sent Angels’ Manager Mike “Very few people knew I used only person immediately ejected. chewed by pitchers prior After the 1920 season, Major Scioscia to the mound to get starter pine tar when I pitched, and that There is no penalty at this point to 1920 to help keep up a good League Baseball banned the use Erwin Santana. Donnelly entered to was important. The more people for a defensive player if he is level of saliva), licorice, alum, of foreign substances by pitchers. face Baerga. you tell, the better chance someone caught such as a catcher having Metamucil, hair tonic, Vaseline, The rule prohibited the pitcher After Donnelly warmed up, will tell the wrong person which pine tar on his for the vaginal creams, mud, beeswax, fine from having in his possession any Robinson indicated to home plate includes opposing players and express purpose of wiping it with cinders, baby oil, turpentine, resin, slippery substance or anything umpire Tim Tschida that he wanted coaches. his ball hand, catching the ball with sandpaper, belt buckles, tacks, steel which could scuff or gouge the Donnelly’s glove checked — before “I attempted to make everything his glove and then throwing the phonograph needles, and on and on surface of the ball. However, the he threw a pitch to Baerga. Tschida look natural when I took my glove doctored ball back to the pitcher. the list goes. pitcher was allowed to rub the ball took Donnelly’s glove, and all four off between pitches. I threw the “After the comment period, the According to The Cultural between his bare hands and also umpires converged in front of the curve about 40 percent of the time. NCAA Baseball Rules Committee Encyclopedia Of Baseball written utilize a rosin bag. mound. I also threw a and fastball. will discuss comments about the by Jonathan Fraser Light, Russell A former Major League pitcher “There was a foreign substance But for those pitches, I didn’t need proposed rules and possibly make Ford of the 1909-1913 Yankees, contacted by Collegiate Baseball, on the heel of the glove,” crew chief the pine tar on my finger. adjustments,” said NCAA Rules among others, glued an emery who wished to remain anonymous, Dale Scott told a pool reporter. “I also had a which I Committee secretary/editor Randy board to the heel of his glove. was signed in 1949 by the A’s and “It was definitely pine tar. It applied pine tar to my middle finger Bruns. Ryne Duren of the Angels spread played in the 1950s. He said not was obvious. There was quite a as well. I didn’t turn my wrist very “For the vast majority of white soap flakes on his uniform many pitchers during his playing bit of it.” much. I had late break which ran proposed rules, no additional action and then applied them to balls. career utilized foreign substances. about six inches.” is taken. Pitchers years ago threw the “Most of the pitchers who Pitcher Explains His System This hurler also had another Is there a perfect system for “A defensive player being shine ball which was thrown with used illegal substances were very system to receive pine tar if hiding a foreign substance without immediately ejected for applying licorice, alum, tobacco juice or discrete about it. Umpires always needed. being caught? a foreign substance or moisture to slippery elm saliva by the pitcher. watched pitchers closely. One relief “Our catcher had pine tar on his Collegiate Baseball interviewed the ball is something we should It wasn’t unusual for a pitcher to pitcher I knew threw a spitter. He shin guard. He simply rubbed his a well known who probably look at during our next scrape the cover of the ball with his was a master at getting saliva on his throwing hand fingers against the was known for his remarkable meeting.” spikes to give it grooves and cause fingers and not much on the ball. It shin guard where the pine tar was curveball and forkball during his If the NCAA Baseball Rules it to wobble through the air. was just enough to keep his fingers located, caught the ball and tossed collegiate career at a prominent Committee adds an ejection for According to the late John moist but not enough to attract the ball back to me. NCAA Division I program. a defensive player such as this, it Herbold, Hall of Fame baseball attention by the umpire. Umpires “It was that simple. In the From the time he was in eighth would be the first time in NCAA coach at Cal. St. Los Angeles and really didn’t know he threw a spitter bullpen, the batter who would stand grade until he graduated from history such a rule would be in Lakewood High School in Long mainly because his didn’t break in the batter’s box would bring a bat college (9 years), his secret place, according to veteran coaches Beach, Calif. who talked to many that much. covered with pine tar. I could load of utilizing pine tar was never Collegiate Baseball contacted. old time pitchers over the years, “But the pitchers who had real up my glove in the laces prior to discovered. In fact, no umpire ever Once the Rules Committee some hurlers even jammed BB good spitters at the time were warming up for an appearance.” questioned his use of pine tar. finalizes the wording on all shot or duck shot into the seams of watched very closely by umpires. One well known professional For this interview, he requested proposed rules after the comment baseballs to gain an advantage. Some pitchers used Vaseline and pitching coach instructs his pitchers that his name not be revealed period, the NCAA Playing Rules “When pitchers did this, it had a put it in a certain spot in their hair. to mix sun screen with the fine because he did it in secret without Oversight Panel must then approve tremendous effect on the movement “I knew one pitcher who fixed a powder of rosin from rosin bags. the knowledge of the head coach rule recommendations which are of the ball,” said Herbold. razorblade in one of the fingers of “When you mix both of these at this university. And he felt his tentatively set for Sept. 9. “Catchers have been known to his glove to cut a little slice in the together, the substance is almost well known coach’s integrity may Once that happens, all approved purposely drop balls behind them cover of the ball which caused the exactly like pine tar,” said the be called into question. rules will be final. and jam the spikes of their heel ball to sail a little more. But the ball pitching coach. It really allows you “I used pine tar all the time into the ball to nick the cover of the was only good for one pitch when to have a great grip on pitchers and Doctoring Balls with great success. When I was ball up. Vaseline and other slippery he used this technique. helps throwing breaking pitches.” Throughout the history of really young, I experimented with substances have been used under “Keep in mind that back in those The next time you see a pitcher baseball, pitchers have utilized a substance that pro bowlers use the cap or in the hair or behind days — 60-years ago — balls were swabbing sun screen on his arms everything they could get their called Pro Grip. But then I started the ears of pitchers. Some pitchers kept in games until they had rough during a game, watch if the fingers hands on to tame the bats of using pine tar and settled on it. have worn a sharpened belt buckle spots on them. Today, any ball of his ball hand touch either arm hitters. “I essentially would load up pine and rubbed the ball against the that hits the ground is thrown out Some of the substances used tar under the laces at the heel of by pitchers over the years include buckle. It’s amazing what pitchers during Major League games. Some See NCAA RULES, Page 11 Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 11 NCAA Rules Committee Proposes 18 New Rules Continued From Page 10 both hands in front of his body and coming to appropriate medical evaluation. The player in the catcher’s box. The catcher must have at a complete stop.” may not return until cleared by the appropriate least one foot inside the catcher’s box until the An additional paragraph will be added to medical personnel. pitcher begins the pitching motion. prior to throwing a pitch. read, “With a runner or runners on base, a Rule 5.5.k.1. While the evaluation is Rules For Scoreboards, Video And pitcher will be presumed to be pitching from taking place, the injured player, whether a Audio (Appendix B - A.3) Pitcher Ejections the Set Position if the pitcher stands with their starter or a substitute, may be replaced by any To modify the current rule as follows: pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the eligible player who has not yet participated Through the long history of Major “Any instance in which an umpire has made a pitcher’s plate, and their other foot in front of in the game. League baseball, pitchers have been judgment call may be replayed only one time the pitcher’s plate, unless the pitcher notifies the Rule 5.5.k.2. If the injured player is cleared at regular speed and must be replayed before ejected on numerous occasions for umpire that he will be pitching from the Windup to resume participation, the player may re-enter the next batter (for either team) enters the dirt using illegal substances. Position under such circumstances prior to the in their original lineup spot only. A player may area around home plate. beginning of an at-bat. only reenter the game one time. The temporary The Cultural Encyclopedia Of An unlimited number of replays may be “A pitcher will be permitted to notify the replacement player may again participate in Baseball discussed one interesting playd on the video board at any speed, only umpire that the pitcher is pitching from the the game as a substitute in the same lineup after a play is under video review by umpires; ejection. Windup position within an at-bat only in the spot only. however, no replays shall be shown on the event of (1) a substitution by the offensive team; Rule 5.5.k.3. If the injured player resumes Mariners’ pitcher , video board once a decision has been made by or (2) immediately upon the advancement of participation and is later substituted with a near the end of the 1980 season, was the umpires and/or replay official.” caught with an orange band-aid the stands or out of play, another one or more runners (e.g., after one or more player other than the temporary replacement, ball would be thrown to the pitcher base runners advance but before the delivery the temporary replacement may return to the Rules For Scoreboards, Video And on his finger with a thumb tack of the next pitch).” game only in the same spot in the lineup. Audio (Appendix B - A.4) from a person in his team’s dugout. Rule 5.5.k.4. If a temporary replacement To modify the current rule as follows: Live sticking out. When umpires arrived Fight Rule (5.16) Umpires never touched a ball the player is substituted for (pinch runner, pinch game action may be displayed on the stadium To clarify that any team personnel (other on the mound, they saw blood on his hitter or defensive substitution), that player video board. Closeups of the batter in the entire game either. than the coaches) who leave the dugouts or forehead, the result of Honeycutt may not re-enter the game. on-deck circle are also permitted. Live game bullpens to enter the field at the time of a “Umpires came prepared with Rule 5.5.k.5. If a temporary replacement action may be displayed once there is contact absentmindedly scratching his head potential altercation or fight shall be ejected. their own water and towels to wipe player is removed for a concussion evaluation, between the bat and the pitch and must cease with the thumbtack finger. He was Ejections would carry a 1-game suspension, that player may only re-enter in that position once the next batter (for either team) enters themselves off during hot weather. unless the individual physically violates the given a 10-day suspension. in the lineup. the dirt circle. At the end of games there were no fight rule. During the 1987 season, Chicago Rule 5.5.k.6. If a team has no remaining If live game action is not displayed, a still Cubs’ pitcher Kevin Gross was handshakes. The players on both Live Ball (6.1.g) eligible players, a starter or substitute who has shot, statistics or other nonmoving pictures suspended for 10 days after being sides just tipped their hats to the To clarify the live ball rule as follows: previously participated in the game may replace must remain on the screen until the batter other team which was pretty neat “If a thrown or that remains in the injured player. finishes the .” caught with sandpaper during a live-ball territory accidentally hits a spectator, Getting Call Right With Video Review to see. authorized on-field personnel or an animal, Batter - Dropped Third game. His glove was confiscated - Coach’s Challenge (Appendix E-2) “If a pitcher accidentally licked the ball is live. NOTE: If a pitched ball strikes Strike (7.11.h Note) To clarify interference. Specifically, after To Clarify that if a coach’s challenge is by the league. Three years later, he a bird or other animal on the playing his fingers prior to throwing a pitch, a third strike that is not caught by the catcher successful in overturning a call, the coach will called the commissioner’s office field, the pitch is nullified, and play shall be the game would be stopped briefly and the batter-runner clearly hinders the retain the challenge to use if needed later in and asked for his glove back. resumed with the previous count.” as he went into the dugout to put catcher in the catcher’s attempt to field the the game. Pitcher of the (7.2) ball, the batter-runner is out, the ball is dead, Visual Inspection/Bat Testing on hand sanitizer. You obviously To simplify the current designated hitter and all other runners return to the bases they Yankees in 1992 appeared to put (Appendix G) don’t want players to go to their rule to permit the to be co-listed occupied at the time of the pitch regardless of To establish the following guidelines for a piece of sandpaper in his mouth in the linejp as the pitcher and designated hitter. mouths like this which spreads the number of outs. NCAA required bat testing beginning with the when confronted by umpires. Further, require that the listed designated hitter If the pitched ball deflects off the catcher 2021 season: germs on balls. must bat at least one time unless the opposing However, the umpires missed it or umpire and subsequently touches the batter- 1. A visual inspection of the bat. “ didn’t team changes pitchers or the designated hitter as this incident was picked up runner, it is not considered interference unless, 2. Conduct a ring test. becomes injured or ill before the player’s spot allow spitting, chewing seeds and in the judgment of the umpire, the batter-runner 3. Conduct bat barrel compression testing. by television cameras. He was in the lineup comes to bat. things of this nature. There is a clearly hinders the catcher in their attempt to All bats used in competition must ndergo acquitted of any wrongdoing by the field the ball regardless the number of outs. (2.37 and 7.8) the bat testing procedure and identified as office. lot of things we can look at to make the game safer for everyone To update the definition for a foul tip. “A Interference - Thrown Bat (7.11.n) approved with a destructible sticker. During the 1999 season, batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the To clarify that if a whole bat is thrown into Since the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight pitcher Brian Moehler was ejected involved.” bat to the catcher and is legally caught. It is not fair or foul territory, whether intentionally Panel delayed implementation of regular-season a foul tip unless caught. Any foul tip is a strike, or not, and it interferes with a defensive bat barrel compression testing in Divisions II after umpire Larry Barnett found Other Proposed NCAA Rules and the ball is in play.” player attempting to make a play on the ball, and III due to budget constraints from the sandpaper taped to Moehler’s Here is the list of other NCAA interference shall be called. COVID-19 pandemic, the committee clarified Play Or Attempted Play (2.67.b) visual bat inspection protocols. thumb on his pitching hand. Baseball Rule recommendations To add additional definition for the term Slide Rule (8.4) They are: by the NCAA Baseball Rules “Play or Attempted Play” to identify that a To clarify that the Force Play Slide Rule  Ensure the bat model appears on the COVID-19 Safety Rules play or attempted play shall be interpreted as a does not apply to the batter-runner at first base, Committee: approved bat list. Ben Brownlee, NCAA Assistant legitimate effort by a defensive player who has as well as establishing that the other runners  Ensure the bat model does not appear The Windup (9.1.a) possession of the ball to retire a runner. are not required to slide until they are in the Director of Championship and on the NCAA noncompliant bat list. To change the rule to the following: “a. This may include an actual attempt to tag vicinity of the base. Alliances, said the NCAA is  Ensure the bat does not have flat spots. The Windup. The pitcher shall stand facing the a runner, a fielder running toward a base with  Ensure the bat does not have an audible currently doing a review of sport batter with their pivot foot in contact with the the ball in an attempt to force or tag a runner or Base Beyond (8.6.a.3) To establish that when a runner has gone rattle. pitcher’s plate and other foot free. actually throwing to another defensive player playing rules related to mitigating beyond the base and must retouch that base  Ensure the bat does not have cracks, “In the windup position, a pitcher is in an attempt to retire a runner. The Fact that the spread of COVID-19. before returning to the previous base(s) in attachments, or a loose knob or end caps. permitted to have their ‘free foot’ on the rubber, the runner is not out is not relevant. A fake or order. Specifically, “A runner is considered to “We are doing this review for in front of the rubber, behind the rubber or off a feint to throw shall not be deemed a play or Experimental Technology Rule have passed a base if the player has both feet all sports and will be reviewing the side of the rubber. The pitcher may not an attempted play. Committee members approved extending on the ground beyond the back edge of the base take a second step toward home plate with the current experimental rule that allows for winter and spring sports in August/ Reentry (5.5.k) or beyond the edge of the base in the direction either foot in his delivery of the pitch. From one-way communication from the dugout to To establish a permissible re-entry rule in which the player is advancing. September,” said Brownlee. this position…” the field to signal in pitches. Teams may be for a player only in the instance of a potential “The direction the runner is advancing “The Baseball Rules Committee approved to use communication devices such The Set (9.1.b) concussion. determines the edges of the base when defining as a wrist device, in-ear device or digital display approached this year’s rules To change the first sentence of the rule to Rule 5.5.k. A player who exhibits signs, when a runner has passed a base.” board in or on top of the dugout. process/annual meeting as if the read, “The set position shall be indicated when symptoms or behaviors consistent with a Conferences must request to implement the the pitcher stands facing the batter with his concussion (see Appendix H in the rules book) One Foot Catcher’s Box (9.3.i) sport were to be played in its pre- To modify the current rule as follows: experimental rule through the NCAA Baseball pivot foot in contact with, and his other foot in must be immediately removed and receive COVID state. front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in “The pitcher pitches while the catcher is not Rules Committee. “The committee will then review the baseball playing rules and look at rules changes and waivers specific to COVID-19 in a meeting over the next few weeks. “The intent of this exercise is to address only certain playing rules as related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 for one year and not necessarily be proposed as formal changes of the baseball playing rules.” NCAA Baseball Rules Editor Randy Bruns said it is important to look at different organizations that have already played baseball during the past summer. “We are learning a lot from the Major League season as well as other baseball teams that have played during the past summer,” said Bruns. “Iowa always plays their high school baseball season during the summer, and they had some very progressive rules in place with 300- plus high school teams participating. That’s a lot of baseball players when you add them all up. “While there were a few teams that had to be shut down because they contracted coronavirus, 97 percent of teams completed their season in Iowa. “They utilized a lot of protocols that worked well. For instance, only the defensive team could touch balls in play. If a was hit, nobody but the defensive team could touch it. If a ball was hit in Page 12 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Studying Brainwaves Can Help With Teaching By GARY WARD exhaling). in maintaining and adjusting eye Special To Collegiate Baseball An example would be practicing fixation during pitch flight. breathing with counts and holds. For the coach and player, monitor STILLWATER, Okla. — The This is a conscious body scan the entropy of the belly button, the law of brainwaves is at the root to detect areas of tension that is head and the feet. of all thoughts, emotions and inhibiting a flow of body motion. The law of anticipatory postural behaviors. The understanding of adjustments are the postural It is the communication between interoception and the conscious phenomena occurring before neurons within our brains. triggering of the relaxation response movement onset. These brainwaves are produced is a quality method of emotional Compare to anticipatory by synchronized electrical control. readiness that occurs in the hitter’s pulses from masses of neurons The modern training therapy is body as it prepares just before the communicating with each other. called MABT (Mindful Awareness pitch is released and in flight. The descriptions of each brain in Body-Orientated Therapy). These actions are known to be wave speed are broad. In real The therapy involves guiding the crucial for stability, maintenance practice things are far more player in a staged learning process and motor performance. complex. that starts with identifying and This stability and motor They reflect different aspects articulating physical sensations. performance will also depend on when they occur in different Gamma waves (38-42 HZ) are The control of the breathing Example: During this movement, chain mobility. locations in the brain. the fastest waves with the highest action is a favorite tool for the where do you feel the tightest? The coach should also think They are measured in hertz frequency. Like a flute, they relate athlete. Breath work clears the mind Where is the tension? And describe about the role of the cervical spine (cycles per second) and groups by to processing simultaneously and from the though and preps it for the how it feels. This process supports mobility or tilt during the path to the faster to slower speeds and their the information from different automatic swing response. inner exploration, and the player bat-ball contact. resulting characteristics of brain brain areas. When we get in touch with the discovers tools to locate and attend The question that remains for me activity at those speeds. They pass information rapidly rhythm of our breathing, we bring to self care as he feels it and fixes to answer. How does anticipatory Delta brainwaves (0.5 to 3 HZ) and quietly as they are the most an anticipation of readiness to the it. postural adjustment impact the are slow and loud like a drum beat subtle of the waves. The mind has body. Total Body Connection proximal joints in support of generated in deep meditation and to be quiet to access gamma which Constantly invest a few breathing This is when the somato-sensorial action? dreamless sleep. is above the frequency of neuronal cycles of inhaling through the nose information on postural maintenance Law Of Postural Balance They suspend external awareness firing. and exhaling through the mouth to seems overwhelming. This is the ability to maintain and are the source of empathy. It is a mystery but thought to be a own a super quick tool for stress It simply means that your body’s equilibrium by positioning the Healing and regeneration are state of expanded consciousness and relief. senses let you know if your posture center of gravity over the base of stimulated and the reason that deep spiritual emergence. The gamma When you breathe with intention, is correct and functions. support with the body. restorative sleep is so essential to waves are associated with insight, you calm your nervous system. Psychosomatic means that you The idea is for the hitter to the healing process. peak focus and characteristic of Breathing mindfully can completely think yourself into feeling sick. maintain the belly button directly Theta waves (3 to 8 HZ) occur master musicians. change our physical and emotional These examples explain how over the mid-point of the power most often in sleep but are also When our brainwaves are out of states. closely related all functions of the base. dominated in deep mediation. balance, this condition will create Postural Adjustments body are in the movement of the The position of the body in It is the gateway to learning, a massive amount of ailments and This keeps the body steady and body as an athlete. relation to space is determined memory and intuition. Our senses illnesses from apnea to depression controlled through the process of Differential training is an by visual, vestibular (inner ear) are withdrawn from the external to panic and rage. swinging the bat. innovative method of introducing and somatic-sensitive (body-feel) world and focused on signals The flow state occurs on Posture disturbance outside of somato-sensorial information into functions. originating from within. the alpha-beta border between the realm of complete balance and an individual athlete’s training There are a multitude of exercises It is the twilight state where we conscious and the subconscious. It harmony must be compensated for programs. and physical movement drills that drift off and wake up. is believed that cave men sought a at least partly. Training the swing while working are taught in physical education Theta is where we dream, mate to procreate by smelling and This creates a drain on the energy in a sand pit creates a very different classes and rehabilitation clinics to experience vivid imagery, have tasting the saliva of cavewomen. flow and with that flow reduced body awareness in regards to the train balance. active intuition and get information There is an antibody in our the hitter has reduced his ability to role of the feet in delivering energy The coach can select several beyond our normal conscious saliva that indicates good health, create exit speed. to the upper body. for everyday use during practice awareness. and cavemen relied on kissing to This disturbance causes some Training the feet within the shoes sessions — the jump rope, mini- Here is where we keep fears, determine who was best suited. highly coordinated patterns of with a variety of insole wedges is tramp, dance, plyometrics, agility troubled history and nightmares. I cannot verify that as true, but it muscle activation-deactivation differential training. drills, shuttle runs and high speed Alpha waves (8-12 HZ) are is a great line to open a conversation through the body called postural Creat different feelings from ball reaction drills. dominant during quietly flowing with others. adjustments. different angles of heel height. My favorites are the exercises thoughts and in some meditative We exercise our neural networks The more common explanation is Hitting wearing weighted boots can that include being on all fours, on states. as we do our muscles. We use that antagonistic muscles that control be entertainment for the team. the ground, such as cross crawl and Alpha is the power of now, them to build strength to increase posture trigger a co-contraction and Findings from this type of mountain climbers. being in the present and the resting processing speed and to find our improves momentary balance but differential training research might These are favorites because they state for the brain. These waves flow and poise under pressure. distracts from total energy available show that there is an integration reprogram the nervous system, aid overall mental coordination, The tech world of today can to ball contact. and an impact on function that spinal muscles and postural balance calmness, alertness and mind-body brain map your waves and do the ankles’ proprioceptive inputs in a natural movement similar to integration and learning. neurofeedback to improve it. Law Of Interoception This is the awareness of inner are integrated into the upper limb babies developing their crawling Beta waves (12-38 HZ) The law of voluntary attention, planning. and walking ability. dominate our normal waking states the ability to bring back a wandering body sensations involving the of consciousness when attention is attention on command over and sensory process of receiving, Law Of Center Of Gravity Law Of Somatic Therapy directed towards cognitive tasks over again, is key to judgment and accessing and appraising internal The body’s center of pressure This is a form of body-centered and the outside world. choice under pressure. body signals. or center of gravity are methods to therapy that looks at the connection Beta is the fast activity that is Any training that can develop It is a fundamental approach identify the ideal posture from which of mind and body using both present when we are alert, attentive, this skill for the hitter is valuable to focusing on present moment to initiate an athletic movement. psychotherapy and physical therapy engaged in problem solving, to their pitch-by-pitch execution of awareness on those internal Use that center point and the in unison. judgment, decision making or the process of being in the moment sensations by using the sensations base from which all movement is Today’s treatments are aimed focused mental activity. as the pitch is released. of the breathing (inhaling and controlled. at those patients who are suffering In coaching terms, we ask the from stress, anxiety, depression, player to pull the belly button in grief and addiction. Dominguez Named Assistant At Miami to the backbone to develop a sense The theory behind the somatic of center. (body) therapy is based on the By DAVID VILLAVICENCIO and with the hitters. awesome,” Dominguez said. This activity also causes and fact that the mind, body, spirit Special To Collegiate Baseball “We are excited to welcome Chris “It’s the best experience, but it Dominguez to the University of takes a lot of hard work and it takes adjustment of the oblique and and emotions are all related and MIAMI, Fla. — Chris Dominguez Miami baseball program,” DiMare a lot of group effort and, hopefully, intercoastal muscles of the body connected. grew up rooting for the Miami said. you have a good team and you trunk that is a wonderful way to The goal of this action is to aid Hurricanes. “Having played at the highest win a lot of games. But it takes a protect those vulnerable muscles the patient in riding themselves of Now the Miami native has been levels in college baseball and in lot of learning and it takes a lot of during the swing phase of hitting. the anger, tension, frustration and named an assistant with Miami. the Major Leagues, Chris brings a failure, too. Law Of Entropy other emotions that are the residue Dominguez starred at Miami’s wealth of knowledge and experience “Having been through pro ball, I This is a cousin of atrophy that of past negative experiences. Gulliver Prep before an outstanding to our program. hope to help prepare our players to is used to describe the decline Law Of Clinic Presentation collegiate career that helped “His energy, passion and positive get there and succeed there.” and collapse of the required body This is when lecturing and springboard him towards the big demeanor were major qualities that A big name in South Florida position. demonstrating expertise regarding leagues at Louisville. stuck out to me during the interview baseball circles, Dominguez The hitter is concerned about hitting drills, mechanics, et al. With his playing days behind process.” was an elite high school talent at maintenance of the center of gravity Keep in mind that about 65 him, Dominguez jumped at the Dominguez, who played Westminster Academy, Monsignor and how the body works with that percent of the information given opportunity to coach his hometown professionally from 2009-19, Pace and Gulliver before heading center as the point of origin and should be based on what the speaker Canes. appeared in parts of two MLB to the University of Louisville, point of return in maintaining thinks the audience wants to hear. Following a pro career that seasons in his pro career. where he was a two-time Collegiate balance throughout the swing. The remaining 35 percent should spanned over a decade, Dominguez The former slugging Baseball All-American. The head movement, or lack be what the speaker wants to coached at Bellarmine University made his big league debut in 2014 Dominguez, though, has not called thereof, has been the most popular emphasize. in 2020. with the Giants, crushing a homer Miami home since high school. So point of emphasis in coaching the The law of a coach’s path does Now the former third-round pick for his first MLB hit. he is overjoyed at the opportunity athlete to stay in balance. not always follow the path of the of the joins A year later, he appeared in 14 to coach in his hometown and be This emphasis is justified by many. head coach Gino DiMare’s staff, games with the . closer to his family while doing the fact that the vestibular system Go instead where there is no path where he will mentor the infielders “Being in the big leagues is what he enjoys. in the inner ear plays a major role and blaze a new trail. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 13

USC’s Morgan Ensberg steals home in the top of the seventh inning against Arizona State in the 1998 College World Series title game. ‘No Guts, No Glory’ Gillespie Was Greatest Coach At Teaching Players To Steal Home By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. squeezes, drags, pushes, hit and play is called, and what do the game Editor/Collegiate Baseball runs on both sides of the field, conditions have to be? slash, slash and run, and moving GILLESPIE: More often than LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Mike runners, he was the absolute best I not, the pitcher is throwing from the Legendary Mike Gillespie Gillespie was the greatest coach in have ever seen. stretch when a runner is on third. college baseball history at utilizing At the College World Series in But when we do find somebody Unexpectedly Dies At 80 the steal of home. 1998, he was the only guy for us to is throwing from the windup, we By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. In fact, his teams were successful have two slash and runs which is will bluff (the runner trying to Editor/Collegiate Baseball 50 out of 52 times they tried it over nothing more than a out steal home). When we bluff, we the years. of a slash approach. He also had one try to create a balk, No. 1. What we IRVINE, Calif. — Mike Gillespie, who passed away in successful hit and run and a squeeze try to do is time the bluff or fake Gillespie, one of the most creative late July, was the ultimate river successfully executed. He moved break, and it is certainly no exact and bold baseball coaches in history, boat gambler with this play, and a runner with a hard hit ball to the science, to coincide with just a tick died at the age of 80 in late July of Collegiate Baseball is reprinting right side. Over a 6-game period, ahead of when the pitcher starts respiratory complications. this 1998 article about how he he came up in situations where he his motion with the idea we might He coached on the NCAA taught it so everyone understands could exploit those opportunities. create a balk. Division I level for 31 years with what a genius he was as a coach. With different guys at the plate in That seldom happens. It has an overall 1,156-720-2 record with Nobody will ever forget the 1998 those situations, we couldn’t have happened, but very rarely. We are stops at the University of Southern College World Series championship done it. also going to fake break to create a California (20 years) and his final game when he coached Southern CB: On the subject of Wes moment where if we do go in the 11 years as the skipper at U.C. California against Arizona State. Rachels, he was the batter at the next few pitches, we become the Irvine. Incredibly, Gillespie called a plate when you had the triple steal little boy who cried wolf. We have Counting his 16 years as a junior triple steal in the top of the seventh going in the top of the seventh of bluffed and bluffed and bluffed college coach at College of The inning with USC clinging to an 11-8 the national championship game again, depending on how deep Canyons, he led teams to 1,588 lead with two outs and a 1-2 count against Arizona State in 1998. the count has gone. We create a wins over 47 years. on batter who was 4- Chad Pennington, ASU’s pitcher situation in which the pitcher will Of the 50 or so times his teams for-4 going into that at-bat. Nobody at that juncture in the game, must say to himself that here comes have attempted to steal home, his in the world expected it at the time have been extremely worried about another bluff. Then he will typically players were successful every time which made it so effective. Rachels since he was 4-for-4 at the ignore the runner as he throws but twice. Gillespie’s ball clubs MIKE GILLESPIE Morgan Ensberg successfully plate heading into this bat and had home. have played 4-man and the savviest manager that college stole home on the play as the other 5 RBIs. As our runner at third performs 5-man before coaches even baseball ever had,” said Adams two runners advanced. On the next Many people across the nation these bluffs, we gauge or read what toyed with the idea. “He was one of the nicest guys pitch, Rachels lined a base hit to have openly wondered why you the pitcher is doing. Is he slow or Gillespie was inducted into you would ever want to meet… left, scoring two more runs as USC called a triple steal at that crucial not? That is a key. What kind of the American Baseball Coaches unless you met him on the ball field expanded its lead to 14-8. time of the game when the Trojans attention does he seem to be paying Association Hall of Fame in 2010. and you were the one who had to The steal of home was the were leading 11-8 with two outs and to the runner at third? “Mike was a legendary man and manage against him.” turning point in the game as the a 1-2 count on Rachels ― especially If we get far enough in the count, coach,” said UCLA Head Coach Veteran umpire Ken Allan said Trojans went on to beat Arizona since he was so hot. we may go. For us, we have only . Gillespie was tough but fair. St., 21-14. GILLESPIE: In all the years I done it with two strikes on the “He just retired after the 2018 “Mike would often come up with CB: Explain your philosophies have been involved in baseball, I batter. season at U.C. Irvine, and it is tragic a clever or amusing way to state his as far as teaching an aggressive have never done anything which Never have we tried it with less that he passed so soon. case,” said Allan. style of offense to your players. has caused the stir that stealing than two strikes. A key point is “People respected him for what “In a close game against Fresno Your players are always well home did. And for the obvious what kind of reaction we are getting he stood for as he helped thousands State, he started chirping over balls rounded as they hit the ball hard reason. There may not be more from the pitcher. Then your thought of people in the game over his long and strikes. Finally after a walk, while also being able to bunt with than two people on earth who felt process turns to no guts, no glory. career. He made everyone feel he came out to the mound. I knew precision. that calling a steal of home at that CB: How crucial is it that you important who played or coached exactly what he was doing, and it GILLESPIE: On offense, not time of the game was anything but have a speed merchant on third with him. He had such an impact wasn’t to talk with his pitcher. everybody can do everything. But stupid. base? as a communicator and teacher and “I arrived at the mound and we will try hard to have everybody Virtually nobody who had any GILLESPIE: Really, it is less was a great role model. He will go he asked me, ‘Where were those learn to drag bunt, or push bunt or clue about baseball will simply buy about the speed of the runner than it down as one of the greatest college pitches? He replied with the develop their bat handling skills into it. I don’t even try to debate is the mechanics and actions of the coaches baseball has ever seen.” answer, ‘No.’ Then he said, ‘You’re with the hit and run or slash and it or try to quarrel with people pitcher. It may also be that we are Dave Lawn, assistant coach at squeezing us!” Before I could moving runners. Then we try not about it. guessing an off-speed pitch will be the University of Arizona, was one comment, he said, ‘No.’ Then he to be hard headed about it and not People are kind to me about thrown. The pitch that Wes Rachels of Gillespie’s closest friends. commented that I was rewarding force the issue when we have a calling the play because it worked. received on the steal of home in “Mike was a brilliant coach, but the wrong guy! player involved who can’t do it. The fact that we got a run out of the Arizona State game was in he was a better person who deeply “I responded by saying his It disappoints us when they can’t it, people will smile and say we fact a fastball. Chad Pennington cared about his players and fellow catcher was sticking pitches, but do it. But the reality is that not lucked out and got away with it. But had thrown three consecutive coaches,” said Lawn. he was setting up six inches off the everyone can. under their breath we know they are . I would have done it Former UCLA Head Coach Gary plate. I told Mike that I couldn’t A guy who played for us who saying it was the stupidest thing I on the 0-2 pitch, but I was guessing Adams, who coached the Bruins for give them that.” was a skills grand master was Wes have ever seen. fastball. I figured it would be a 30 years, said baseball lost a great After thinking a moment, Mike Rachels. If there were a place for a CB: Mechanically, what do you chase fastball of some kind. coach and a great man. said, “All right. But you have to traveling road show clinic of a guy want your runner on third base to “I personally believed he was bear down out there.” to demonstrate all the sacrifices, do as well as your batter when the See STEALING, Page 14 Page 14 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Stealing Home Was Successful 50 Out Of 52 Times Continued From Page 13 footnote to that whole situation. we were playing for the national Many pitchers could be rattled championship. He had a clubhouse So he throws another curveball. after giving up a run with a steal of guy going back and forth giving I actually had to talk myself into home, especially during the seventh him an update on the scores. He calling the steal of home. In 1997, inning of the national championship didn’t see that play, nor did he even we were 3-for-3 with that play. In game. But in this case, I didn’t hear about it. About 10 days later, 1998 going into that moment at the see panic on the part of the ASU he calls me and tells me, ‘I heard College World Series, we had done pitcher. He handled it extremely something that I know isn’t true. it twice in two attempts. In back to well. He threw another curve to Did you steal home with two strikes back years, we were 6-for-6. It has Rachels who hit it very hard. The and two outs in the seventh inning been unusual that in two years, this ball was hung a little bit in the of a tight game?’ I said yeah. He play has come up six times. zone. Sometimes curves are hung asked me what in the world I was But on that specific moment, we a little bit. So that wasn’t anything thinking. The one person who has were in the national championship unusual to me. never said anything negative about game, and I had to say to myself, CB: Was there any criticism it has been my wife. She buys into ‘No guts, no glory.’ It also might from calling the play from USC the rationale. have been smarter to tell myself alumni or even your wife? There CB: How many times have your ‘Don’t get fired.’ Once it got to 1-2, seemed to be plenty of detractors. teams been successful stealing I felt we were out of chances, and GILLESPIE: One of our former home over your head coaching we needed to go for it. We don’t players was at a USC football game career? do anything special with the hitter and asked me what I was thinking. I GILLESPIE: My recollection Stealing home for USC was a key moment during 1998 CWS. other than have him cheat to the got a phone call from is that my teams have stolen home back of the box, take the pitch and That’s what will happen. Over the this case, we were probably more the week following the national title about 50 times and only been hang in there. long haul, I have found it works. lucky than good. It’s strange. After game, and he told me, ‘We have caught twice. The times it failed CB: When you first introduce There simply seems to be a little the play was over, there were now to talk about that steal of home. was against the University of your player to the mechanics of bit of a panic reaction on the part runners on second and third for us. Are you kidding?’ I responded by Arizona when was stealing home, how do they react of the pitcher. At the last second, Jeremy Freitas was on third. telling him that he had stolen home head coach and another time against when you tell them they don’t he seems to realize, ‘Oh God, he’s On the very next pitch, Freitas before. He refused to believe it. South Alabama. Against Arizona, swing or do anything other than really going.’ bluffed running home on a steal His final comment to me was that our catcher Casey Burrill was up at cheating to the back of the box on a There simply is a tic of panic attempt. At that moment, you I couldn’t be doing this anymore. bat. Arizona had a lefthander on the two strike pitch with two outs? which results in the pitch being a see ASU Andrew He told me that I went through this mound. Our batter had two strikes GILLESPIE: When you first ball. I don’t think that happened in Beinbrink take a step or two little insanity for a moment, and on him as the play was called. try to explain this to your players this case. Chad Pennington of ASU toward third in reaction to Freitas’ he knew I won’t do it again. Even As you remember, our hitter is for the first time, the new players just stayed with his plan which was bluff. Rachel’s line drive base hit our former players have turned on instructed not to swing. The runner are absolutely dumbfounded. They to throw a fastball up and in. I don’t went right through the slot where me. One of my real close friends is made it easily. There wasn’t even think they have to swing at a strike know for sure. But I didn’t see any Beinbrink had vacated. That’s just Tom Gamboa. going to be a tag. However, the because the coach couldn’t possibly panic at all on his part. The play was blind luck. Certainly there is no He was following the College pitcher for Arizona threw a curve want him to be called out. dramatically closer than I thought plan you will create something like World Series. But Chicago was for a called strike three, and the If we get a strike, we are out. it would be. It was bang, bang. In that. But for me it is an interesting playing a day game at the time inning was over. Marazzi Explains Variety Of Tactics With ANSONIA, Conn. — The Lance Johnson then lined out or positioned within 5 feet of the But Carter had his eye on the ball Delaware had runners on first Hidden Ball Trick in baseball has to the who threw the pitcher’s plate. and knew what Altuve was up to. and second with one out in the sixth been around as long as peanuts, ball back in to Phillies shortstop, NCAA rule 9-3-f is more He just stood there and laughed. inning when Nevada pitcher Josh popcorn and Cracker Jack. Steve Jeltz. Carter, who celebrated restrictive. It is a balk with a Was it legal for Altuve to hide the Sharman made a legal spinning Many runners have been caught his 34th birthday with a home run runner or runners on base, if either ball in his pant pocket? There was pickoff move to second base. napping over the years by clever earlier in the game, would not be or both feet are on the dirt circle of nothing in the rules that prohibited Sharman didn’t throw the ball, thinking infielders who have used celebrating now. the mound. it at the time, but it has since been but he acted like he had chucked a variety of tactics to execute the As he momentarily stepped off Following are six different declared illegal. the ball into center field, pretending ancient ruse. the bag, “I was switching my feet,” Hidden Ball Trick video clips. The following rule was added to be furious about the would-be Former shortstop Gene “Stick” Carter said after the game, Jeltz You will see plotting infielders to the Official Baseball Rules in . Michael was one of the great hidden applied the tag. , , Ian 2019. It reads, The baserunner was duped and ball tricksters when he played. “I started to throw the ball Kinsler, , , “If a ball is intentionally placed took off to third base. H e p u l l e d i t o ff to (Bruce Ruffin, the and pull off the old, inside a player’s uniform (e.g., a That was when Sharman simply five times as a Yankee pitcher), but he wasn’t but effective baseball stunt. Note pants pocket) for the purpose of tossed the ball to third and retired shortstop. ready” Jeltz said. that Ozzie Guillen was called out deceiving a base runner, the umpire the runner. Infielders have pulled Ruleball “Then I noticed Carter twice on the Hidden Ball Trick. shall call “Time.” For that, Nevada got an epic play, off the play a number of off the bag, so I tagged And also notice how the The umpire will place all but Delaware got the win. different ways as you will him.” broadcaster in the Lowell play, runners at least one base (or more if Go to You Tube: “Pitcher see below. Go to You Tube: incorrectly says, “You can’t be warranted, in the umpire’s judgment, completely fools baserunner with Fielders have politely “Jeltz’s Hidden Ball standing on the mound in that in order to nullify the action of the elaborate hidden ball trick”…Scroll asked unsuspecting Trick’ or” hidden ball trick.” ball being put out of play), from down to the second video image. runners to step off the Called out on Hidden Go to: You Tube “MLB Hidden the base they originally occupied.” base while they clean it, Ball Trick” Ball Tricks” [See 5.06 (c) Comment] At this Godwin Given only to walk into a tag. I have a large data base of balks time NFHS and NCAA rules do not Danger Of Balk that have been called over the address this issue. Fake throws back to the It’s important for the New Extension years. Note that the violation is not pitcher are a common pitcher and the fielder GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Only once have I ever seen a a balk but a minimum one base tactic. executing the HBT, to be Board pitcher get called for a balk on a award, with the possibility of Goins’ Tactic With Rich Marazzi on the same page. of Trustees approved a contract Rules Consultant potential hidden ball . It further base awards subject to Blue Jays’ shortstop If the ball is alive extension for head baseball coach Blue Jays, Brewers, occurred on August 12, 1961, and umpire judgement. Ryan Goins successfully and in play when the Cliff Godwin. Cardinals, D’backs, the victim was San Francisco Giants Also, the umpire can immediately pulled off the hidden ball Dodgers, Mariners, fielder attempts to tag In addition to securing Godwin’s pitcher during a game invoke the rule regardless of the trick on the Yankees’ Todd Orioles, Phillies, the runner, the pitcher position through June 30, 2025, Pirates, Rangers, against the Cincinnati Reds. position of the pitcher on the Frazier with two outs in cannot be on or astride the new agreement also includes Rays, Red Sox, Giants’ shortstop Jose Pagan mound. Actually, the penalty is the top of the third inning the rubber under Pro increased performance incentives. Royals, Tigers, concealed the ball in his glove and more severe than a balk because on Sept. 22, 2017. Twins, Yankees, the rules. During his six years at the helm was ready to tag Johnny Edwards if it empowers the umpires to award Frazier was on second Fox Regional Sports According to rule of the program, Godwin has guided Networks, ESPN and he stepped off second base. more than one base. It’s difficult base when Jose Bautista 6.02 (a) (9), “If there is ECU to four NCAA Regional the White Sox TV Sanford placed his foot on the to imagine a scenario where more made a terrific catch a runner, or runners on berths, two Super Regional announcers. rubber without the ball in his than one base would be awarded, off the bat of Jacoby base, it is a balk when the appearances, the 2019 American Readers can submit possession and was called for a but it’s possible. Ellsbury. pitcher, without having Athletic Conference regular season questions to Rich at: balk by umpire Ken Burkhart, a Although I don’t think it was Bautista threw to the ball, stands on or title, a pair of AAC Tournament [email protected] former major league pitcher who Altuve’s intent, another reason Goins who faked a throw astride the pitcher’s plate crowns, three 40-plus win seasons was certainly on top of the rule. why hiding a ball in a uniform and a 214-113-1 (.654) overall to pitcher Marco Estrada. or while off the plate he feints a should be prohibited is that a fielder Goins alertly tagged the surprised pitch.” Hidden Ball In Pants Trick record. On April 10, 2016, the Astros’ could conceal a foreign substance Ten players have earned All- Yankee runner when he lifted This is interpreted as an intent to that would assist in doctoring his foot and lost contact with the deceive the runner. Jose Altuve attempted the hidden America status, 10 were NCAA ball trick in an unorthodox manner the ball for the pitcher which is All-Regional selections, while 16 base. To be “astride the rubber” means normally punishable with a 10- You can view the Goins/Frazier the pitcher is straddling the rubber in hopes of catching the Brewers’ were named all-conference (15 napping. game suspension. first-teamers) and 13 were drafted play by going to You Tube: “Goins with one foot in front and one foot You can view this play by going Hidden Ball Trick.” in back of the rubber. The Astros were down, 2-1, by Major League Baseball teams. in the third inning when Carter to You Tube: “Altuve puts ball in Off the field, his teams have Game Ender If the pitcher violates the rule, pocket in hidden ball trick.” he should be charged with a balk. doubled with one out. excelled in the classroom by The Phillies hosted the Mets on When Altuve received the ball One For The Books registering a 3.05 or higher grade April 8. 1988. Any runner on base will be awarded one base. from the outfield, he slipped the The 2018 American Legion World point average in 11 of 12 semesters, With the Mets trailing 5-1, in the ball into his back pocket hoping to Series went down to the wire with including a team-best 3.61 during top of the ninth, Gary Carter hit a Under the NFHS rule 6-2-5, it is a balk with a runner or runners catch an unaware Carter stepping Delaware winning the title over the 2020 spring semester, which one-out double and was standing off second base. Nevada, 1-0. bested the previous mark of 3.52. on second base. on base, if the pitcher is astride Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 15

Now Available By Popular Demand 8 Amazing E-Books For Sale! Secrets Revealed In Each Of These Important Areas Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Base Stealing Pitching Great Hitters Infield Play Playing With The Outfield T.J. Bruce

By Collegiate Baseball

(1) SECRETS OF BASE STEALING (NEW!): Seven elite coaches explain how to have a high octane offense which allows teams to score more runs. They include Tim Corbin (Vanderbilt), Dan McDonnell (Louisville), Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina), Matt Talarico (Wright St.), Selwyn Young (Benedict College), Mike Gillespie (former U.C. Irvine coach) and Mike Knight (former Nicholls St. coach).

(2) SECRETS OF PITCHING: Loads of information on pitching, including the greatest pickoff move ever devised by Mike Maack, mas- tering command with Orel Hershiser, why sniper focus is crucial in pitching, the future of pitching with Butch Thompson, why resilience is a must with Ken Ravizza, velocity improvement strategies with Ron Wolforth, secrets of deception with Perry Husband, video analy- sis and a look at Tony Robichaux’s remarkable system at Lafayette.

(3) SECRETS OF GREAT HITTERS: Anaheim Angels’ Hitting Coach John Mallee taps into wealth of data which vividly shows how hit- ters are most efficient in launch angles for production. Professional Hitting Coach Pete Lauritson utilizes unique program that produces 18 mph exit speed gains. Tulane skipper Travis Jewett delves into his system which has produced many great hitters over the years as they are prepared for anything pitchers can throw.

(4) SECRETS OF AMAZING INFIELD PLAY: This is the system Coach T.J. Bruce used for 5 years as an assistant at UCLA as he helped the Bruins to the 2013 national title. Now the head coach at the University of Nevada, he explains how your infielders can be outstanding with his precision teaching system.

(5) SECRETS OF PLAYING THE OUTFIELD: In-depth teaching system utilized by the best outfield coach in history, Sam Suplizio. He worked in pro baseball for nearly 50 years, and his thoughts on teaching outfield play are carried in this special e-book. Good defen- sive outfield play is one of the most important and most exciting phases in the game of baseball. Yet, it is rarely stressed and seldom taught properly. Learn all of Sam’s tricks of the with this important publication which covers every type of scenario an outfielder will face.

(6) SECRETS OF GREAT COACHES: Best Infield Drag Six in-depth articles involving coaching Secrets Of techniques, team chemistry, value of Great Coaches & Tamp Designs the walk, extreme hustle, innovations, plus much, much more.

(7) BEST INFIELD DRAG & TAMP DE- SIGNS: Famous Rosenblatt Stadium (Omaha, Neb.) groundskeeper Jesse Cuevas gives complete plans on how to build both. Extremely popular.

(8) BASEBALL’S GREATEST TRICK PLAYS: Trick plays have been part of baseball since the game’s birth. Read how diabolical coaches over the years have dreamed up wild plays that have frustrated opponents. Produced by Collegiate Baseball, each of these e-books is available for only $5. If you purchase six ($30), you will receive two for free and will get all eight! You must provide an e-mail address to receive these special e-books. Order Immediately: www.baseballnews.com Once there, look on the right side of the page and scroll down until you see the 8 Amazing E-Books offer. Click on the ad. Then decide what you want. Or Call at (520) 623-4530 to place your order. Page 16 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Sept. 4, 2020