Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Amateur Baseball

Started In 1958 At The Request Of Our Nation’s Baseball Coaches Vol. 63, No. 9 Friday, May 1, 2020 $4.00 Here’s How To Pick Proof Your Signs Iowa Western pitchers “It must be black or a solid, dark color. If the insert is not covered with a flap, also were able to toe the it should be on the inside of the wrist to rubber quicker than ever reduce any distraction to the batter. There before in baseball games. shall not be any attachment to the pitcher’s glove.” Prior to this ruling, the catcher has been By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. allowed to have a quarterback wristband Editor/Collegiate Baseball signal card which translated numbers from the coach for the pitch and location. The OUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Iowa catcher then put down the finger or fingers Western Head Coach Marc Rardin and location for the pitch for the pitcher on Chas always been one of the most the mound. progressive coaches in the business. Rardin jumped at the chance to have his During the abbreviated 2020 college pitchers receive the non-pickable digits baseball season, he did something that few from a coach in the dugout. colleges took advantage of. Because the pitcher and catcher now On January 9, the NCAA Baseball Rules received the digits from the coach in the Committee for the first time allowed the dugout at the same time, there was no need pitcher’s use of a quarterback wristband for the catcher to give any pitching signs for translating pitch calling digits from a to the pitcher! coach in the dugout. Therefore, coaches didn’t have to worry The interpretation stated, “In order to about catcher signs being picked with facilitate receiving signals in an accurate opponent runners on second or any time and timely manner, a pitcher may wear a for that matter. wristband with a signal card insert on his non-pitching wrist/forearm. See PITCHERS NOW ARE, Page 3 Iowa Western’s Marc Rardin has taken full advantage of new rule.

Days Of Cutting Tape, Scouting In Person Are Nearly Extinct Thompson Explains High Tech Scouting System Synergy Sports a video feed of some sort that is In 28 trips to the plate, only one broadcast over the internet on all batter got on base, and that was Technology is used to levels of college baseball. via a walk. track numerous key Several years ago, Synergy With the other 27 trips to the tendencies of teams. Sports Technology for baseball plate, the batter was out by striking was introduced which brought out, grounding out or flying out. By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. an entirely new level of scouting Not one ball was hit to the Editor/Collegiate Baseball sophistication to the game. opposite field by these pull hitters. Video of games at schools Every ball was hit to the pull UBURN, Ala. — Auburn dissect and analyze every pitch, side. H e a d C o a c h B u t c h player, plate appearance, game The overwhelming data from Thompson has adjusted his situation and outcome. Then this Synergy Sports backed these A company sorts those details and scouting philosophy over the years extreme shifts. as new technology has arrived. pairs it with supporting video. “Synergy data has been huge for For many years, different This technology was one of us,” said Thompson. coaches would scout opponents the big reasons you now see “But I don’t think it is the most either in person or through extreme defensive shifting in important thing. Statistics capture connections with other coaches college baseball just like in Major the entire body of work by an on teams, in addition to utilizing League games. opposing hitter. But we also want every statistic they could get their During the 2019 College World to know what opposing hitters have hands on. Series, one of the biggest tactical done with their last 20 at-bats and Some coaches had players changes in college baseball was what tendencies they show. personally scout opponents and on full display as extreme shifting “Those last 20 at-bats are had members of their coaching took place for the first time ever probably the rhythm they are in staff scour every newspaper they at this event. currently. With that said, we try could which had information about Collegiate Baseball tracked not to alter what our pitchers do future opponents. Any and all each of the 28 instances of extreme best. Pitchers like Casey Mize and information was valuable. defensive shifting used by teams Tanner Burns bring unique skill With more games being at the event, and some interesting sets to pitching. Our starters try to televised over the years, recording trends surfaced. flip the lineup from an opponent those games that opponents played Not once during those 28 trips to three times. We consider that a and watching every hitter and the plate by batters did they try to quality start. FUTURE IS HERE — Auburn Head Coach Butch Thompson pitcher became an important hit a ball the opposite way or bunt “The identity of the pitcher is utilizes a sophisticated scouting program to track specific opponent advancement. the opposite way which would tendencies as do many Division I teams in today’s game. Now virtually every game has have been easy singles. See HOT HITTERS, Page 2 Inside Collegiate Baseball Web Site: www.baseballnews.com Study Of Elite Athletic Coaches Keys To Calling Great Games Story Of Torture And Resolve After thousands of interviews, Pat Hall of Famer Skip Bertman Nobody in baseball history went Williams gives his thoughts on what explains the system he used through what Jim Brady did as the best of all time did/Page 4 which was incredible/Page 6 $1.8 million awarded/Page 8 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Hot Hitters Are Vital To Track Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Along With Last 20 At-Bats Amateur Baseball Continued From Page 1 important area of pitch calling comes into play next. absolutely crucial. They have to Thompson said he is a big Collegiate Baseball (ISSN 0530-9751) is published twice a month throw their game. Just because we proponent of having his catchers January-May and once in June, July, September and October are playing somebody else doesn’t call games during non-conference (14 total issues) by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc., 2515 mean they attack opposing hitters games because he wants them to be N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. Periodicals postage paid at differently. We identify who the Big League catchers some day. Tucson, AZ. power guys are, bunters and runners Without this valuable experience, will be. Pitchers need to know this it makes it more challenging to Postmaster: Send address changes to: important information before one advance in pro baseball. Collegiate Baseball of these types of players gets on “In non-conference games, our P.O. Box 50566 first base. catchers call every game for us and Tucson, AZ 85703 “We have this overabundance of do a great job,” said Thompson. Overnight Mail: 2515 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 information now which pinpoints “As coaches, we pop in during a power hitter, who will bunt and certain situations that are important. Past Publishers: Abe Chanin, Lou Pavlovich, Sr. who will run. I want our pitchers to Tim Hudson came on board as our Single 1-Year Subscription Rate: $28 for 14 issues. know this information as they walk pitching coach this season, and he Single 1-Year First Class U.S. Subscription: $45 into a game. has 18 games now under his belt. Single 1-Year Foreign Air Mail Subscription: $50 “Maybe the most important “Once we get to SEC play, that Special Team Subscriptions: 11 papers each issue sent to one category is who is hot on the now turns into the technology address — $110 (save $198 off the single subscription price), and other team. Sometimes you can of using headsets during games 21 papers each issue sent to one address — $189 (save $399). face a great hitter. But if he is not between a coach in our dugout Other Multiple Subscription Offers: Please inquire with sub- scription department at (520) 623-4530. swinging it well those last 20 at- BUTCH THOMPSON and the catcher. It is a one way bats, maybe he isn’t as dangerous. communication as the coach talks When somebody is hot, they are SEC opponent. to the catcher. The catcher doesn’t Directory hot. “I can get information on every have the capability of talking “When somebody is on autopilot inning an opposing pitcher has back. Area Code (520) and seems to stick his bat out pitched, multiple at-bats, hot zones, “However, the catcher can give Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530) there and get hits, it is important cold zones. There are even some some head shakes and other motions Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530 to report stories) to know. Knowing the hot hitter is printouts that will plot where a back. I like the fact that when I talk Advertising Director: Diane Pavlovich (Call 623-4530) vital to know as you go through a pitcher is throwing his pitches, to a catcher with this technology, Subscription Department: (Call 623-4530) season.” where his misses are, where his I not only might say fastball but Fax Machine: (Call 624-5501) Thompson said his pitchers outs are. fastball away one click off the E-Mail: [email protected] spend the vast majority of their time “Let’s say a hitter has 12 home plate and layer the information a Web Site: www.baseballnews.com on executing pitches. runs on the season. I could call bit more. “Our pitchers need to know up the name of the hitter and ask “You can say breaking ball but their strengths and who they are. for those 12 home runs. It would expand it here. At Auburn, we 2020 Publication Schedule If your style won’t work in a key only show those videos where the use Coach Com which is used on January 3 March 6 May 1 September 4 moment in the game, we might get at-bats ended with him hitting a football sidelines everywhere. January 24 March 20 May 15 October 2 another pitcher who might have a home run. “I believe most of the baseball February 7 April 3 June 12 February 21 April 17 July 10 better chance of having success. “If you know a hitter strikes out teams that utilize the head sets on However, we refuse to cave into a lot, you can watch 20 at-bats on an experimental basis in the SEC each pitcher’s identity just because video with this service. You can utilize another company that has we are playing a team with players easily recognize that 17 of those their technology quite a bit in the Moving? who hit a certain way. strikeouts were by sliders. Those NFL as coaches communicate to Make Sure CB Moves Along With You! are nuggets to highlight. Synergy “Another factor is knowing how devices in quarterback helmets to To change your address, please write us 30 days in advance if the ball club you are playing tries to has done all that legwork that used call plays. you can. Mail to: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper score runs. Are they built more for to be somebody’s job at many “The only problem with this Dept. Address Change scoring a run at a time? Or do they different colleges. technology is that we can only P.O. Box 50566 continually play for the big inning? “A week’s worth of work is right use it in conference play on an Tucson, Ariz. 85703 A lot of times that falls on the there. All you have to do is type in experimental basis. It continues to coach’s identity and his offensive what you’re looking for, and you be a test approved strictly by our 1. Please print OLD address here. philosophy. can find it. There is immediately conference. But in non-conference NAME “There are some teams we never video for you to look at. There are games or any post-season play STREET APT. # think about pitching out with. also charts for you to dissect. outside of the conference, you CITY STATE ZIP Then there are some teams where “Every team in the SEC, and can’t use this technology. There pitchouts are in play. Little nuances undoubtedly every Power 5 are definitely some boundaries with DATE OF like that are factors.” conference baseball team, utilizes this technology. MOVE: this service. There are probably Scouting In Person “The SEC has used this for Thompson said that due to 150-200 of the 300 baseball teams the past two years. But it has not 2. Please print NEW address here. NCAA restrictions, Division I in NCAA Division I who utilize broadened out to other conferences. NAME baseball coaches are not allowed to Synergy.” So we have to practice both ways STREET APT. # After all the preparation is scout opponents in person. The only with our catchers calling games and CITY STATE ZIP time this is allowed is if you are in a completed on opponents, the all- the headset technology.” tournament with your opponents. “If we are in the SEC Tournament and playing at 8 p.m. at night, it NCAA Div. III Suffers $7.6 Million Deficit For 2019-20 gives the coaches a chance to scout INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Division strategic grants and diversity money available for students and All required physical athletics other games in the tournament in III will have a $7.6 million deficit grants. programming now and in the activities continue to be prohibited person. If you are in a Regional for the 2019-20 fiscal year as a The committee voted to cancel future, but Division III has done due to the legislated requirement and your team is not playing and result of the cancellation of the all remaining staff-administered an incredible job in managing our that a sports-safety certified staff another game is taking place, there winter and spring championships non-championship programs, resources and is uniquely prepared member be present during such are scout chairs where you can sit. due to the coronavirus, according such as Gameday the DIII Way to weather the financial storm we activities. “During the regular season, if we to the NCAA. Ambassador Program, DiSC face.” Teams in all sports also are are scheduled to play Alabama next At a recent Division III Strategic programming, the CoSIDA Student In other news from the prohibited from requiring any weekend, I can’t go and personally Planning and Finance Committee Program and New Athletics Director Association, NCAA Division I activities beginning one week watch them play on Tuesday. That’s meeting via conference call, orientation, to save approximately coaches in all sports will be allowed before the start of a school’s final illegal.” Kathleen McNeely, NCAA senior $350,000. Staff already canceled more virtual connection with their examination period for the Spring Thompson said that leaves vice president of administration the SWA Program, Institute for teams beginning April 20 and 2020 academic term through the very few options other than using and chief financial officer, told the Administrative Advancement and continuing through May 31, the conclusion of the final examination Synergy. group that each division is expected the Next Step Program. Division I Council Coordination period for the term. “Five or six years ago, we always to lose approximately 70% of its Division III, like Divisions Committee determined. “This change not only allows had a young person in the office annual estimated revenue for the I and II, is suffering from the At the recommendation of coaches to continue to educate their who would spend 25-30 hours year. cancellation of winter and spring the Collegiate Commissioners student-athletes but also fosters a week trying to cut tape. He She said the budget impact championships which resulted in Association Compliance Admin- the connectivity that comes with would record numerous games will reduce Division III’s revenue the loss of broadcast and ticket istrators, committee members team-based activities,” said Council on television, splice up the at-bats allocation this year to approximately revenue. voted to allow teams in all sports to chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics and get it together for a scouting $10.7 million, instead of $33 “The financial loss for Division require up to eight hours per week director at Penn. report. million. III will be significant, but money of virtual nonphysical countable When all spring sports were “The Synergy technology came The division already had paid for should never take precedence over activities like film review, chalk canceled earlier this year, NCAA from basketball. It has been so all fall championships, a portion of life. talks and team meetings. rules then considered all sports to beneficial. You pay a subscription, winter championships and most of “We value people above all At the request of the Division be out of season, with out-of-season and it is pretty steep. A 1-year its non-championships initiatives. else,” Faynesse Miller, chair of the I Student-Athlete Advisory conditioning rules applying. subscription for an NCAA Division Division III spends approximately committee and Hamline University Committee, the committee also This limited what coaches could I program is about $15,000. Their 75% of its annual revenue on (MN) president, said in a press will require student-athletes to be ask of their student-athletes. information is extremely valuable championships and 25% on other release issued by the NCAA. provided at least one day off per The coordination committee will especially when you are facing an initiatives, such as conference “The losses will impact week. reevaluate access in mid-May. Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Pitchers Now Are Extremely Efficient With Change Continued From Page 1 Do Pitchers Quick Pitch? Rardin was asked if any of his An extra benefit is that it speeds pitchers try to quick pitch hitters up games as well. since they can be ready to go before Rardin, who has led the Reivers a hitter is on many occasions. to three NJCAA Division I national “In over a century of baseball, titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014, saw there has been that dance between an opportunity for his pitchers the catcher, pitcher and hitter. The and catchers to be more efficient hitter gets in the box, the catcher with the rule change since NJCAA gives the pitcher the sign and schools utilize NCAA baseball then the pitcher toes the rubber as rules. everybody is ready for the pitch. “Here is how my thought process “Having a pitcher use a went on utilizing the quarterback quarterback wristband is a new wrist band for pitchers,” said dance. Within that, everybody will Rardin. do their part. Without a doubt, there “There is a company called have been times when one of our Synergy which many NCAA pitchers gets on the rubber and can Division I baseball programs use. come set whenever he wants. The It is an on-line technology that catcher is ready for him. allows you to view pitchers, hitters, “All of a sudden when a pitcher spray charts, pitcher and hitter comes set and the hitter hasn’t done tendencies and much more from his part of the dance yet and isn’t your opponents. ‘ready’ then typically a batter will “You ask for it, and it does it. call time. We don’t quick pitch We have that technology in our batters. My pitcher is ready to go program, and a lot of junior college CODE CARD FOR PLAYERS — This is an example of a typical card that a pitcher and catcher before the hitter is on many pitches. programs are utilizing it as well. would utilize to give them the pitch that has been called by a coach in the dugout. The coach will If a pitcher likes to work in a quick “If I subscribe, and another show three numbers. Then the pitcher and catcher look horizontally in the gray areas for the first tempo as he fills up the strike zone, program utilizes it as well, the two numbers. Then they find the last digit along the gray vertical boxes. They simply intersect he has that capability. There is a opposing team can get online and the box where these three numbers come to, and that is the pitch and location. This key card for difference between quick pitching watch our stuff. We can also get on- the player is from Own The Zone Sports. and working quickly in games. line and watch their stuff as we are “The more times strikes are getting ready to play them. “Think about how quickly a and boredom for fielders between efficient with the system. thrown and batters put pitches “One of the places your camera pitcher can work when he receives pitches through a 3-hour game. “We are happy with the whole in play, the more your position is set is from the centerfield view the pitch and location at exactly the “If a pitcher is ready to go every process. players are ready to receive balls. toward home plate. With that same time as a catcher? 7-9 seconds after he receives the “You work so hard as coaches They aren’t bored or frustrated. The specific view, what do you see? It “I had no idea how quick and ball back, it is nothing but a positive and players to play the game of more they are ready and involved is the catcher’s signs. You are trying efficient it would make us. I didn’t for us. The rule book says that a baseball. The one thing you don’t in the game on defense, they retain to make your catcher’s signs more really have any concerns. But I was pitch must be thrown every 20 want to have on game day is give that focus when they come into the difficult to figure out with runners waiting in the weeds to see if there seconds now whether a runner is your opponent any advantage dugout to hit. at second base. With the camera in would be a problem with pitchers on base or not. in regard to knowing what our “Without a doubt, there is a chain centerfield, that changes everything using the quarterback wristband. “Our pitchers are ready to go in pitching signs are. Having our reaction from the pitching and since an opponent can view the “It took our pitchers basically less than half that time. I am totally sign system refined a bit like this defensive end when you shut down catcher’s signs on every pitch when one practice to be comfortable with sold on using this system. I am prevents any issues like this. an opponent during a half inning the game becomes available online wearing the quarterback wristband. comfortable that other teams can’t “On our end, we want everybody and then come into the dugout to with this company. Coach Dillon Napoleon did a good get our signs. They don’t have a to be on the same page with the hit. How many times have you “If our opponent looks at a job of making the transition easy heads up on what is coming. I really pitches that are called.” seen your team give up three runs, week’s worth of our games prior to for pitchers. One of our stations for like the speed and efficiency that Rardin said each of his pitchers and the inning took forever. It’s playing us, they could easily figure pitchers in practices was reading the this gives our defense. can work at the pace he wants to. dragging on and on. There are 2-2 out what our signs are. Then when card that translates numbers given “Out of 24 games and being “He can get the sign, go to the counts and 3-2 counts consistently. one of their runners is at second by the coach in the dugout. the first time our pitchers have rosin bag and take a deep breath if Then your team comes in to hit. base, they can let the hitter know “You not only want them to read utilized the quarterback wristbands, he wants and then toes the rubber Within the first two pitches, the first what pitch is coming with a high the translation card but do it quickly there were only three times that I to pitch. Most of our pitchers are batter pops up. Then the next guy level of certainty. and accurately. Most of our pitchers remember that the pitcher got the ready to go within 7-9 seconds after rolls over a pitch. Now you have “That is what we were worried put the quarterback wristband on pitch and location wrong. That they receive the ball. However, two outs, and the other team scored about. To prevent this from ever the front of their belts. We also involves thousands of pitches. if a pitcher is struggling with his three times just before this at-bat. happening with the new rule in had two or three who put them on “Remember that we never had command, and the coaches want “The complexity of baseball is place, it made all the sense in the their non-pitching wrist with the our pitchers utilize the quarterback to slow him down, we can give a the simplicity of the game. Having world to have our pitchers now card on the palm side. You can do wristband system during a fall for verbal cue to him to breath prior the game be more simple and wear the quarterback wristband it either way. 15 weeks before the season. They to giving the three digits to him or efficient for players with the pitcher which could translate numbers “As quickly as a coach could get learned it just two weeks before the something like this. utilizing a quarterback wristband, being given by a coach in the the numbers to them, our pitchers season started. I used a stopwatch “He is looking right at us and it helps your team on different dugout. Instead of the numbers only would look at the translation card out of curiosity to see how long takes this advice prior to receiving levels. being flashed to the catcher, it now and be ready to pitch within 4-6 it took a pitcher to receive the numbers for the pitch and location. “I found the pitcher using the went out at the same time to the seconds. It was that quick.” numbers from our coach in the We have that capability to slow them See EXPLAINING, Page 5 pitcher and catcher. Great Tempo dugout and how fast it took him to down and still have plenty of time “Therefore, the catcher never has Rardin said he found that the look up the code on his quarterback for him to throw the pitch within 20 to give any signs at all to pitchers! beauty of this system is that many wristband and be ready to toe the seconds with this system. The chance for picking pitches is times pitchers were ready to pitch rubber. “When a pitcher is having a lot of reduced substantially. before the batter was ready in the “I wanted to see if it would be success on the mound, we can keep “This centerfield view video box. longer using this system and if we him going at his preferred pace. We from Synergy is recorded and goes “It allowed the pitcher to get into would come close to hitting the 20- just keep feeding him the numbers online in their system a day or so a great rhythm, and our fielders second pitch limit. Once pitchers pitch after pitch.” later. were ready to go and didn’t stand got used to it, we were faster than “With that being said, we found around waiting and waiting for each we were before. The more times that pitchers became much more pitch. I felt our games were faster they read the card key for pitches CheapBats.com efficient and were ready to throw on our end, no question about it. and locations, they became even 1-800-589-HITS pitches quickly between pitches. “Boredom and frustration are two faster. What we do now is non-pickable things your kids must be aware of “This upcoming fall will allow Order today since the catcher doesn’t give any and fight through it. As coaches, we our pitchers to be even more have it tomorrow pitching signs.” have to be aware of that for them. More Efficient System Infielders must wait around for Rardin didn’t realize how quick signs between each pitch. Then if a and efficient this change would pitcher isn’t throwing strikes, that be. becomes an issue with frustration

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[email protected] Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Amateur Baseball Elite Coaches Explained By Williams ORLANDO, Fla. — What 1973 and 10 NCAA crowns in 12 techniques allow certain coaches years from 1964-1975. From 1971- to be the greatest in sports? Around The Horn 1974, the Bruins won 88 games Do the best skippers coach without a loss. by fear and intimidation with With One of Williams’ most important OPINION a generous supply of profanity books is called How To Be Like laced tirades? Or are the best Coach Wooden, a remarkable Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. coaches those who teach in a caring, insight into why the Hall of Fame Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. patient manner but also instill great Lou Pavlovich coach was so successful as Williams discipline? interviewed over 800 people to craft The choice is easy for Pat this inspiring biography. The Topic: Williams, a man who has written “That doesn’t mean these types over 100 books with thousands of coaches have to be pushovers. As Unfortunate Ruling of interviews about why certain I talked to Coach John Wooden’s Each issue, Collegiate Baseball explores a major coaches and players excel in is baseball, the sport that earned former players, they feared him. development in the world of baseball. This issue’s different sports. him a scholarship to Wake Forest Even to this day, there is a certain editorial explains why the University of Wisconson The clear winner is the coach University. While at Wake Forest, respect/fear there, and he is 97 years made a thoughtless decision for spring athletes. who teaches with a caring mind he earned a bachelor’s degree in old! I feel a little intimidated when set toward his athletes. This type physical education. He was a three- I am with him. But there is that of coach becomes an important year letterman as a catcher on the certain sense of values he has. He is father figure to those players as Demon Deacons baseball team and a gracious, sweet, loving man. But Wisconsin Makes Bad relationships are cemented for is a member of the Wake Forest that doesn’t mean he was a lamb life. Sports Hall of Fame. chop as a coach. Decision With Seniors The retired senior Vice President Williams and his wife Ruth are “You don’t have to be a screamer Wisconsin is a tremendous state for baseball and has been for of the National Basketball the parents of 19 children, including who is vile and profane and out of many years. Association’s Orlando Magic has 14 of whom are adopted from four control. There is a balance. And by It broke our heart when administrators dropped baseball at the never been a paid coach, but he foreign countries. In addition, the way, that is coach Wooden’s University of Wisconsin after the 1991 season. has had a burning desire to learn they have 18 grandchildren and favorite word — balance. The Badgers had been playing baseball since 1870, the longest- all he can about why the elite counting. “It’s not just balance as an athlete running athletic program on campus up to the time the program of the coaching profession raise “I prefer the servant/leader type but balance in your life. Coach was guillotined. the performance level of their of coach,” said Williams. Wooden had a long marriage that For the past 29 years, this great institution has not played the athletes. And the epitome of that type of was a classic with wife Nell, and grand old game of baseball. His career spanned more than coach is former UCLA basketball he raised his children well. I talked We bring this to your attention because of another colossal 56 years, including 30-plus years coach John Wooden, according to to all of his grandchildren and all mistake administrators have made at this university. with the Magic and 51 years in Williams. of his great grandchildren. They The NCAA Division I Council voted on March 30 to allow the NBA. Wooden led the Bruins to seven springs sports athletes at NCAA Division I schools an additional Ironically, Williams’ first love national titles in a row from 1966- See GREAT, Page 5 season of competition due to the season being stopped prematurely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Members also adjusted financial aid rules to allow teams to carry more members on scholarship to account for incoming recruits and student-athletes who had been in their last year of eligibility who decide to stay. Letters To The Editor Because of financial uncertainty faced by higher education, the Council vote also provided schools with the flexibility to give Why Soccer Gets It Right John Smith U.S. When you go out to a tee-ball ball game, what 17 Mockingbird Lane Mail students the opportunity to return for 2020-21 without requiring that Pullman, WA 99164 athletics aid be provided at the same level awarded for 2019-20. do we see? This flexibility applies only to student-athletes who would have There are two teams of 10-12 kids getting ready exhausted eligibility in 2019-20. to square off as families and friends watch. Collegiate Baseball Schools also have the ability to use the NCAA’s Student Games take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to play. So P.O. Box 50566 Assistance Fund to pay for scholarships for students who take what’s the problem? Tucson, AZ 85703 advantage of the additional eligibility flexibility in 2020-21. Kids and parents get bored way too easy. The Administrators at Wisconsin didn’t take any of these options. game is low on action. Kids in the outfield are They blazed a trail of disgrace by not allowing seniors in spring extremely bored and rarely get a play. On offense, kids typically hit two times a game You can also sports to return in 2021, according to an athletic department FAX letters to statement. (maybe three). The game is slow, boring, low in the editor or Wisconsin administrators could have easily told the returning action and turns a lot of kids and parents away. E-Mail them: 35 seniors from 10 spring sports that all of them were welcome We can do better! Soccer is an area baseball should study. How do they get it right? FAX: E-Mail: back. But not knowing if a football or basketball season will be (520) 624-5501 [email protected] played in the future caused serious concern. So none of them would Instead of playing 10 vs. 10, they break it up receive scholarships. to two smaller games. Collegiate Baseball welcomes letters from The Wisconsin State Journal quoted Athletics Director Barry Half of one team is on one field and the other readers. Letters must include the writer’s Alvarez as saying on his monthly radio show on 1310 WIBA, half on another playing another team. name, address and telephone number. We “What we tried to do was encourage our seniors to go ahead and, There is much more action than our slow reserve the right to condense or reject any if you’re going to graduate, graduate and move on with your life. moving tee-ball games. letter and to limit frequent writers. We appreciate everything that you’ve done. But move forward. The The solution is right in front of us. future is in question, and we can’t promise you anything.” Keep teams the same size (10-12 per ball club). traction includes playing games in the fall. Alvarez said on his radio show that Wisconsin is modeling three From there, you can have 5 vs. 5 with stations, I totally support that. budgets for next season. The first is with competition returning in skill work and make this fun at practices. Schools throughout the country could play at full. The second is with one or no fall sports, including football. As far as games, split the squad into two teams. home in the fall, and they might be able to do it on The third is with no fall or winter sports. The ideal number would be 5 vs. 5 on each field some weekends that also include college football Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the University of with only infielders. You only need infielders. for them. Wisconsin projected a revenue shortfall this year of more than $4 In a perfect world, have a short fence. Why Weather should be a positive at most places, million or 2.5 percent of the $159 million budget. If football isn’t a fence? It could be a home run fence for these and I think fans would love to go to a college for played this fall because of coronavirus concerns, Wisconsin could young players. That way, you would probably see a weekend that would include both football and lose 15 percent more of revenue from a loss of football ticket sales. a few home runs during tee-ball games. baseball. Even more would be lost from television contracts and additional It also would keep balls that get through the This would be a far cry from baseball beginning revenue streams. infielders from rolling in the outfield. in the dead of winter. Collegiate Baseball hopes other NCAA Division I schools don’t Instead of hitting two or three times a game, I still wonder how in the world we get to the follow the University of Wisconsin’s path. The NCAA has already each kid would get to hit 4-6 times a game. Now point where opening day was not March 15 but arrived at an ideal template which will not hurt the bottom line of that’s fun. Each time a ball is hit, the defensive Feb. 15. any school or seniors as well. players will have a job to do such as cover a base, That means half the country has to open on the make a play which is instant action and a better road and stay on the road for several weeks. way to play baseball on this level. John Ferry Obviously the leagues will not want to change Huntsville, AL UOTE field setups and space. A simple modification with a home run fence is all that is needed. Unquote” When Homer Becomes Triple “Q As far as coaches, you just need one head coach Terrific column by Rich Marazzi on how a home “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience and one assistant just like in soccer. run hit by Logan Hudson of Western Michigan was in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to Pete Zell, Head Coach ruled a triple against Louisville. say to yourself, I have lived through this horror. I can take the Ocean Lakes H.S. It was one of the most bizarre plays I have ever next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you Virginia Beach, VA. read about as two balls were in play at the time cannot do.” which is nearly impossible in a game. — Eleanor Roosevelt Playing Games In The Fall I thoroughly enjoy reading Rich Marazzi every I have broadcast many college baseball issue. It is amazing all the unique situations he “It’s not my job to motivate players. They bring extraordinary games for conferences, including Southeastern, comes up with. motivation to our program. It’s my job not to de-motivate them.” Conference USA and Big Ten contests. Barry Trotter — Lou Holtz One idea for the future that has received some San Antonio, TX Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Explaining Why Process Works Is Vital Continued From Page 3 the basis for us implementing the precise location along with other pitcher wristband system (Synergy great information.” wrist band leads to a positive scouting service, sign stealing, Rardin said during the 24-game tempo. That tempo leads to strikes. etc),” said Fetter. abbreviated season his ball played And those strikes lead to the other “Instead of the pitcher looking in in 2020, his catchers never gave team having to swing the bat. When the dugout for every pitch, we only one sign to a pitcher. This caused they swing the bat, your defense utilized the system with runners more than one opponent to look on has to be attentive. When they are on second base…which we know in disbelief. paying attention and not bored, you is the highest likelihood of getting “After a while, opponents might give up a quick run. After the picked, which in turn can make stopped looking over to our bench third out, they come into the dugout those sign systems long, and that or catcher. They knew it would be and are ready to go offensively and ups the chances of a cross up. impossible to pick signs. focused at the task at hand. “With this system, we found “Our middle infielders had the “They typically have good at- our pitchers were much faster in quarterback wristbands so they bats and good energy. They have between pitches with runners on were prepared for different pitches what I call mojo. It all goes hand second. and locations as well. in hand.” “Initially, there was an “For instance, the shortstop Explain Why It Works acclimation process. But once might see that a breaking ball to a Rardin said you can’t simply pitchers got used to it, most, if not righthander was going to be thrown. order your pitchers to put the all, actually preferred doing it this He is ready for the hitter to roll over quarterback wristband on without way. a pitch which bounces toward him. giving a thorough explanation. “We even had a couple relievers Our middle infielders got on board “You need to explain the benefits ask to do it full time. Another with this very quickly. of utilizing this system and why benefit to the system is that it “As far as our outfielders on it will help the team be efficient. eliminates another set of night defense, Coach Tyler Herbst Nobody on our staff had any issues signs for those fields with dimmer positions those players, and we about switching to it. It made lighting.” play tendencies off scouting reports perfect sense to them. Educating Auburn Head Coach Butch we have.” your pitchers is really important in Thompson, one of the elite pitching Rardin said before he decided to situations like this. minds in all of baseball, saw two have pitchers use quarterback wrist “I asked our pitchers if they teams utilize the quarterback bands, he called several NCAA would prefer our opponents know wristband for pitchers this season. Division I coaches and asked what what pitches are coming or utilize “Frankly, it just looks odd when their opinions were about it. a system where it nearly impossible a catcher doesn’t give a sign and “I called different Power 5 to determine what pitches are the pitcher starts his windup,” said schools and asked those coaches coming. Obviously they didn’t PREFERRED POSITION FOR CARD — The majority of Iowa Thompson. what they thought about using such want opponents to know what was Western pitchers prefer to have the code card located on the “One of the teams we saw had a system this season. coming. front of their belts for easy access and reading as RHP Conner pitchers with the code cards under “A lot of them said they would “While it works on that level, if Mackay demonstrates. However, several wear quarterback their hats. After each time the coach not do it because it isn’t baseball. a pitcher wants to work at a certain wrist bands just below their gloves. from the dugout signaled in the To each is his own. I am outside pace, we can help him work at three digits, the pitcher would look the box with a lot of things we have works for you. You must do what this system. I know Michigan was into his hat and then put his hat back integrated into our program over that pace. Our pitchers were really you believe in. utilizing this system. I saw several happy about the change. on and was ready to pitch. the years. “This isn’t exclusively my idea. other teams on television as well.” “Another team had pitchers “This new system for receiving “I didn’t see any other junior I am not the only person in the Michigan Pitching Coach college team that we played in 24 pulling the code card out of their pitch calls by pitchers is something country to come up with the idea Chris Fetter was asked how the back pocket. I will definitely continue. My kids games have their pitchers utilize of using a quarterback wristband quarterback wristband system was the quarterback wrist bands. You “The few times I observed it, it have to put up some numbers to go for pitchers once it was approved utilized by Wolverine pitchers this seemed awkward. You could tell somewhere after they are done in can’t be worried about what other last January. There were NCAA season. people think. You have to do what pitchers hadn’t been doing this their junior college. Division I teams who were using “A lot of what Marc said was whole lives. “If I am not helping them with “The system I like the best is preventing other teams from having head sets like we have in knowing what pitches are coming, Great Coaches Have Key Qualities the SEC. The coach in the dugout I have done them a disservice. It can verbally tell the catcher what has already given my kids a definite Continued From Page 4 former players on Christmas day. It’s always about your athletes.” pitch should be thrown and in what edge on many different levels.” Man, what a phone bill! Williams explains what made absolutely revere him and adore “Randy Cross, who played for John Wood such a fabulous coach him. Dick in the mid-1970s at UCLA, at UCLA. “Coaches like John Wooden truly told me last year that his mother “Coach Wooden can touch all care about their athletes as human still gets a Christmas card every of us either in or out of coaching. The Ultimate Hitting Aid beings. If we could talk to Dean year from Dick and Carol Vermeil. Whether you are a pastor or a Smith today in Chapel Hill, N.C., Randy said to me, ‘I hope Coach high school principal or business ™ he would know what every one of doesn’t feel that he has to recruit me executive, the lessons of Coach his former players is doing now. any more. My eligibility is up.’ Wooden are universal,” said RADAR TEE He would know about their wives “These coaches care about Williams “Best Of Show” and children in addition to all the people. Tommy Lasorda made a Williams said Wooden Award Winner players’ grandchildren. He would living from remembering people’s demonstrated 10 important traits at 2016 American know about the elderly parents of names and involving himself in the during and after his coaching Baseball Coaches those players who he got to know lives of people. career, including: Association as he recruited their sons. “All of his players’ children 1. Always try to do the right Convention “Then we have crying Dick called him Uncle Tommy. One of thing. Vermeil (former coach of the his former players who was upset 2. Coach measures his words Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis at him one time was asked why he carefully. Rams and Kansas City Chiefs). The didn’t rip Tommy in the papers. 3. Coach is a man of absolute press got the biggest kick out of His response was, ‘How can I rip integrity. him because he would break down him when my kids call him Uncle 4. Coach strives to be a man and cry at the drop of a hat. When Tommy?’ ” of humility. he finally retired, the Kansas City Williams was asked what 5. Coach has his priorities media tells us that he cried seven coaches are missing in life who straight. times in one press conference. drive a barrier between themselves 6. Coach never judges anyone “When I was with the Philadelphia and their athletes which prevents by superficial characteristics such 76ers, his office was right around either one of them from getting as the color of their skin. the corner at Vet Stadium, and I close to each other. 7. Coach tries to live by the knew him well. At the end of the “At the end of the day, they miss Golden Rule. Optimize your swing efficiency to maximize ball day, Dick Vermeil truly, truly cares the human element of it. At the end 8. Coach has an attitude of exit velocity. Measure both with the RADAR TEE! about his players. Ron Jaworski, of the day, it’s all about people. To service. • Maximize ball exit velocity by optimizing swing speed his quarterback at Philadelphia, be a great leader, you must have 9. Coach Wooden is a hard and efficient energy transfer to the ball. told me not long ago, ‘If you ever people skills. worker. • Train to hit hard line drives. played for Dick Vermeil, you better “You have to care about people 10. Coach pays attention to the • Develop bat control and directivity to hit balls into gaps. get ready for a phone call 10 years and have a heart for people. You small details. • Swing in an optimum plane for best hard contact probability. after you’ve retired around supper have to be interested in other The little things were vital to • Proudly made in the USA. time. It’s coach calling to check in people. The day of the servant him. on you. leader/coach is upon us. He sent e-mails and notes through “Then Bill Bergey, the great “Rick Warren who wrote the the U.S. mail and made phone calls linebacker who played for best selling book The Purpose to stay in touch with old friends. Philadelphia in the 1980s, told me Driven Life, sold over 30 million He listened intently to what people two years ago that he still gets a copies. It’s a motivational, self-help were saying to him. And above phone call every Christmas day book. The first sentence says, ‘It’s all, he took the time to show that (888) 542-9246 from Dick Vermeil. It made me not about you.’ That’s how great relationships are more important www.sportssensors.com wonder if he calls every one of his coaches think. It’s not about you. than accomplishments. Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Bertman Explains How To Call Pitches Properly (Editor’s Note: This is another “Many times in the Southeastern chapter in our continuing series Conference, you will have a one on what the best baseball game difference between the coaches in college history did. champion and second place team. This issue, we look at Hall of In the Big Leagues, they play 162 Fame former LSU Coach Skip games. It just isn’t necessary to call Every pitch is meaningful, and coaches Bertman and why he was so pitches over the long haul of such feel that through their experiences, they can successful at calling pitches.) a season. “ “But in the Major League do a better job of giving the team a chance By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. playoffs and World Series, you to win. It’s not as though he feels the catcher Editor/Collegiate Baseball see a lot of pitches called as well as a lot of throws to first base and is dumb or the pitcher has no idea what to BATON ROUGE, La. — One pitchouts because every pitch is so do. The coach has seen more games and of the best coaches in the history meaningful. of the game at calling pitches for “It’s the same with the college studied it more than the pitcher and catcher hurlers was Skip Bertman, former game today. Every pitch is head coach at Louisiana State meaningful, and coaches feel that and undoubtedly knows the tendencies of University. through their experiences, they can opposing coaches. The talented American Baseball do a better job of giving the team a Coaches Association Hall of Fame chance to win. — Skip Bertman, Retired Coach skipper, who led the Tigers to five “It’s not as though he feels the Louisiana State University national championships, was one of catcher is dumb or the pitcher has no the first coaches to see the merits of idea what to do. The coach has seen calling pitches. more games and studied it more “I always called pitches going than the pitcher and catcher and on a day-to-day basis is the one a good coach can make a big if the pitch was high or low, it is back to when I was a high school undoubtedly knows the tendencies who should do that whether he is difference. Some coaches are difficult to see whether it was inside, coach at Miami Beach High of opposing coaches.” the pitching coach or head coach. obviously better at it than others. down the middle or outside. School,” said Bertman. Bertman said that he coached Someone who is not familiar with Some coaches are afraid to call “The catcher will always” give me “When you look at college against Mississippi State for 18 all the fine nuances of the pitcher pitches and let their catchers and a sign where the pitch was without baseball today, I would guess that years and knew all of Head Coach will probably not be as adept at pitchers do it. showing up the home plate umpire. I 85-90 percent of programs call Ron Polk’s tendencies. calling pitches. “Some coaches can’t focus on don’t need to know this information pitches from the dugout. “I didn’t know any of his signals, “I can’t emphasize this too calling pitches for an entire game to get mad at the umpire. “Why do coaches call pitches but I sure knew his tendencies.” much. The person who works with and have trouble concentrating for “Every strike zone is a little instead of letting the catcher and The former skipper at LSU said the pitchers should be given the that long. The best pitch callers different. pitcher work together to call them? that it is imperative that the person responsibility of calling pitches. give a pitch and then are ready “If one umpire is not calling low, The answer is that a college baseball who works with the pitchers be Since I worked with the pitchers, to call another one depending on outside pitches for strikes even season is relatively short. given the responsibility of calling I would stand behind them during whether the previous one was a though the pitch is touching the “When you consider that a pitches. bullpens and talk about all the ball or strike. outside corner and is right at the conference schedule is usually “I don’t think that just because different things that might make “One thing I absolutely can’t knees, I need to know that so that over 30 games, those games are you are the head coach, that gives them better. stand is pitch callers who make an adjustment can be made as soon extremely crucial if you stand a you the right to call pitches. The “That can take the shape of catchers wait. There shouldn’t be as possible when calling pitches. chance at making the playoffs. person who works with the pitchers mechanics, different finger pressure any delay if you are good at it. Once you know the strike zone of on pitches, different arm angles, Then pitchers can work quickly umpires, you can work at throwing the mental/emotional approach and efficiently which helps the more strikes in locations the umpire Pitcher’s Response To to pitching, how to gain more fielders. It is vital that pitchers will call them.” do a better job of giving the team The former skipper at LSU said command of pitches, etc. throw quality strikes and get off the Bertman said that watching video Batter’s Stance, Swing “While this is going on, you talk mound and in the dugout as quickly helps tremendously in picking apart Pitcher’s Response To Batter’s Stance, Swing to the pitcher about how he likes as possible.” hitters. Stance Characteristic Pitching Approach to set up hitters and find out what Bertman explained that he did “If you were calling pitches 20 High hands and/or high back elbow. Hard inside, especially up. he likes to do to different types of something unusual if his teams had years ago or so, video was not as Deep crouch. Up. batters. a big lead in games. easy. But now, LSU is on TV 20-25 Upright with stiff legs. Down. “Once games come along, the “If my teams had a good lead, games for baseball. You can get a Bat wrapped behind head. Hard stuff inside. pitcher knows what pitches will I would have the pitcher work on video of the game that was on TV Breaking balls away. be called in different situations certain pitches that weren’t going and have your video department Close to the plate. Fastballs inside. because of this dialogue, and he is well that day. take out all the pitches and put Away if this hitter has bat speed (dependent on first move action after comfortable with the system. The “Let’s say his curve was not them on one section and offense pitch). last thing you want is a pitching breaking sharply enough or in another. Off of the plate. Away if the hitter does not dive into the robot out there. throwing it where he wanted to. “Then if you watch all the pitches plate with the stride — play opposite. “The pitcher, catcher and coach We would work on it during games in the game by your pitchers, it Inside if the hitter shows a slow bat. who calls pitches must all work if the contest was not in doubt. doesn’t take that long to break Hands close to the body (back elbow Jam. not visible to the pitcher). together as one.” “Only a coach could make a down opposing hitters. It’s like decision like this because the football today. You can separate Open stance. Away if he strides away from the plate. Correcting Pitches In Games Inside if he strides toward the plate Bertman said that a skilled pitch pitcher and catcher would never offense, defense and special teams (distance from the plate also is a dare work on pitches that weren’t into different areas. It is much factor). caller can fix problems by pitchers during games without going too working in a game.” more efficient to review the plays Closed stance. Away if he strides away from the plate. Bertman said that the pitch that way.” Inside if he strides toward the plate heavily into mechanics. (distance from the plate also is a “Let’s say I call a fastball from calling coach can control every Bertman said with modern factor). a righthanded pitcher outside to a facet of the opponent’s offense if video cameras, you can also record Hands way away from the body. Jam. righthanded hitter, but the pitch is he chooses. games. Narrow-based stance (feet close Off-speed. “That’s one thing we always “With new, inexpensive software, together). Up. left over the middle and hit hard. “Many times all I have to do is had the capability of doing with you can separate all of your team’s Fastballs. our system. pitches to opponents as well as Uppercutter (lifts to swing). Fastballs up. signal the same pitch but remind Balls down below the solid contact the pitcher to reach across his body “Beyond the pitch calling, we your offense into two segments for zone and within the chase zone. during the delivery and work on could signal in a pickoff at first, review later. Away. moving his right shoulder to the left call in a slide step to home by the “Then you can break down Extreme down arc (chop swing). Down. side as he finishes better. pitcher, call in a semi-pitchout. opponent hitters and find their Off-speed. “Any type of pickoff by the weaknesses.” Slow bat Hard stuff inside. “Coaches who know what they are doing can correct problems like pitcher or catcher could be called Bertman said that there must be a Pulling out (strides away from plate Away, especially with off-speed at any time. great working relationship between or opens front shoulder and hip pitches. this during games, and suddenly prematurely). the pitch down the middle is “The pace of the game could be pitchers, catchers and the pitch Overswinging Off-speed. consistently on the outside part of slowed down to a crawl or speeded caller from the dugout. Balls in the chase zone. up. Pitchers might pick many “I would rather have the pitcher Away. the plate and tough to hit. “In our system, pitch calling was different ways, and we had that shake me off and throw a great Dives into the plate (strides toward the Hard stuff inside. flexibility.” curve ball to the outside corner plate). Off-speed away and play opposite. much more than calling fastballs instead of having him serve one up Pulls head before contact. Away, especially with off-speed or curves. If a pitcher worked too Breaking Hitters Down pitches. fast, we could slow down the pitch Bertman was asked if he could right down the middle.” Commits weight to front foot on stride. Off-speed. calling. give some of his observations about Editor’s Note: Skip Bertman led Fastballs up. “We could call an inside move hitters he broke down over the years the LSU’s baseball program to five Long swing (sweeps bat). Hard stuff in on the hands. to second base on a pickoff if we so his pitchers could get them out. College World Series championships Inside-out swing. Down and in. “When you see batters who rush and seven Southeastern Conference Away and play opposite. thought the base runner would steal. out with their stride, normally you (SEC) championships in 18 years as Takes a lot of pitches. Strikes. If the pitcher has lost his rhythm, keep the ball away from them. On head coach. Free swinger with undisciplined strike Off-speed in chase zone. we can help him through those zone. Fastballs in chase zone. episodes. the other hand, let’s say he waits He amassed 870 wins, 330 Pull hitter. Fastballs in off the plate. “I have often told my kids that back and swings late. Keep pitches losses, and three ties for a .724 Off-speed away. it isn’t one pitch or even one game. inside for those batters. winning percentage. His .754 Opposite field hitter. Hard in. It is 50,000 pitches over a bunch “Another important consideration winning percentage in NCAA Away and play opposite. of ball games that can make a big for the pitch caller is where the baseball tournament competition Flat bat. Down. difference. pitch actually ends up. is the highest among head coaches Source: USA Baseball Pitching, Catching Manual written by Jerry “Over a large number of pitches, “While I can tell from the dugout in college baseball history. Weinstein and Andy McKay. Used with permission. Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Coaching Resources

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ABCA Website: www.ABCA.org • ABCA Videos: www.ABCAvideos.org • Twitter: @ABCA1945 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Overcoming Torture Jim Brady Won $1.8 Million Jury Award After Retaliation, Harassment (Editor’s Note: Collegiate status with full benefits. Or, if he Baseball continues its series were to remain part-time, they on amazing people in baseball would have to pay him full-time who overcame tremendous with benefits. challenges in life to become elite New Chancellor Thomas George baseball coaches. In this edition, (who had nothing to do with the Schuster, being the buffoon he is, stuck me we delve into the life of the late travails of the previous regime) down by the pool in the basement. It was the Jim Brady, former skipper at the restored him to full-time status “ University of Missouri-St. Louis. before the appeals case. hottest place on the face of the earth during It is one of the most remarkable The initial Circuit Court’s the summer. That’s where my office became stories Collegiate Baseball has verdict was followed by a lengthy ever chronicled.) appeal process which not only went as he singled me out from everybody else. Brady’s way, but then the Appellate It was extremely hazardous to my health By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. judges ordered the University to Editor/Collegiate Baseball pay all of his attorney’s fees as because I was breathing chlorine fumes well. ST. LOUIS, Mo. — In a landmark In a scathing opinion from every second I was there, and it was hotter jury decision, former University of appellate judge Nannette Baker, than hell. Missouri-St. Louis Head Baseball she stated: “The university engaged Coach Jim Brady was awarded in trickery and deceit in the guise — Jim Brady, Former Head Coach $1.8 million after being subjected of budget cuts.” Univ. of Missouri-St. Louis to age discrimination and repeated Then in another act of arrogance retaliation and harassment from and defiance, the university made a administrators at that institution. decision to take it all the way to the This chilling episode in Brady’s Missouri Supreme Court. our family needed that money are eliminated and to never question life took nearly 10 years to resolve Finally in late February 2007, the reminded her and said how about to survive. Both boys were in a his absolute authority. and resulted in the divorce of Supreme Court refused to hear the it being 2-44! parochial school, and my wife “This man came from the coal his wife Vicki after Jim nearly case, and the university was forced “How can someone who hasn’t told me that we couldn’t make industry, and his reputation” was lost his mind fighting vindictive to make full restitution. won anything sit there and tell me it without that money. She then not very stellar among the labor administrators. From the original verdict in how I should go about performing warned me that the UMSL athletics union.” Since he wouldn’t quit, this January 2005 until March 2007, my duties? This thing was never director was going to make my life colon cancer survivor saw his Brady made over $10,000 in interest about my performance. It was all Age Discrimination Letter miserable. salary reduced in half with no a month and ultimately received a about control. I have always been Brady said another strange “Then I tell the AD that if I am health benefits as he barely hung check for nearly $1.8 million. outspoken, have never minced my situation developed. going to be on a 12 month contract, on financially for four years, A check was finally cut for words, and shallow people feel Only head coaches at the then you have to pay me for those struggling to support his family, Brady in May of 2007. threatened. University of Missouri-St. Louis three months of lost income. She which included two young sons. “What is the opposite of age 40 or above received a letter Storm Warnings courage? Most people would say said, ‘Oh, no, no. Your pay will be concerning goals and objectives He cut grass and did other His troubles began during the cowardice. In essence, it is not the same.’ for the future from Schuster. It assorted odd jobs until he finally 1995-96 season when Patricia cowardice. It is conformity. If we “I then responded, no, no, no, demanded that each of these coaches settled on being a truck driver to Dolan became athletics director are placed in a situation where we no, no. I would not work for 12 abide by these rules outlined in the make ends meet during this difficult at the University of Missouri-St. conform to everything that goes on months under a contract like this letter which had to be signed. time. Louis. It was a season filled with in life, we can be manipulated to without getting paid for those extra “In my case, the letter of April In one instance, administrators joy for Brady as his team qualified do anything. If you don’t question three months. 14, 1998 stated that office hours considered moving his office into for the NCAA Division II World standards and procedures when “She said I could just have would be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with a one a janitor’s closet and then banished Series. something outrageous is ordered, comp time for those three months. hour lunch period. The director had him to a basement office in an area But instead of celebrating the then sooner or later you will have I responded, ‘Are you kidding me? to give prior approval to any and all where he was subjected to toxic team’s triumphant return, he was a situation where your rights are That’s ludicrous. There is no way deviations from this schedule. chlorine vapors over a 7-year period greeted only two days after he taken away. These are the things we I’m going to do that.’ “The kicker was that you had to and extreme heat. returned from the College World have fought and died for over 200 “Later, my wife gets on the be .500 or better in the conference. It was so hot in his office, which Series with a 4-page, single-spaced years. It is the freedom to express phone and calls Dolan to get an At the end of the letter, it stated: more closely resembled a torture letter from her stating how he could ourselves, freedom of speech…the explanation. She ultimately gives ‘It is understood by all concerned chamber, that one time the parent improve the program and the terms things that are all grounded in the Dolan a piece of her mind. She let that if these objectives are not of a recruit passed out. of his contract for the future Constitution. Dolan know that she was putting accomplished, you will voluntarily Brady, the son of a Marine “It was a letter that essentially “The whole premise in this our family in chaos, and sure hoped resign from your position at UM-St. drill sergeant, would never give said that unless you conform to the problem was to get a group of she was proud of herself for what Louis as the men’s head baseball in despite seeing his life slowly things I am saying, the end result coaches who would conform to she was doing. Vicki then said, coach. Please sign this document by crumble before him. will be termination,” said Brady. anything the athletic director did ‘Lady, some day you’ll get yours.’ April 21, 1998 as your commitment This all happened to the The letter included Brady’s and not say a word. They wanted all “Dolan replied: ‘Well, we’ll see to the above-stated objectives. winningest coach in school history shortcomings as a university young people as their head coaches about that.’ “At the time, we barely had with a career record of 835-664-5 in employee. It also addressed other so they wouldn’t say a word and “When Dolan did this, I filed two scholarships. One of the other 32 years. During his tenure, Brady’s aspects where he needed to make totally control them. a grievance with the university. objectives this letter mentioned teams recorded 24 winning seasons changes in order for the school to “So she sent the letter, but I We had a grievance hearing which was that at least 50 percent of the and recorded 30 or more wins 12 continue his employment. really didn’t challenge it. Instead, took place a couple of months baseball players will participate times, including a school record “It mentioned I had been late I just dismissed it. I thought to later in September of 1997. The in at least two other activities 39 in 2003. for a couple of staff meetings, and myself that I will do the best I can. grievance officer agreed with me. outside the baseball program (i.e. Five of his teams advanced to I also missed one. I was late filing I went through the next year, made He said that if I was going to work community outreach or another the NCAA Tournament, including my year end evaluation. Well, I my budget and went to all the staff three months more a year, then I recognized student activity). a pair of trips to the College World guess so because we were at the meetings. I did all the things you needed to be paid. So Dolan was “At a private meeting with Series in 1993 and 1996. NCAA Division II World Series. were supposed to do, and we had extremely upset. She was livid that Schuster to discuss the letter, I He was twice named the Central There would be no more deficit another winning season.” I challenged her authority, and that told him most of my guys work Region Coach of the Year in 1993 spending. But she never said how I had beat her.” in the fall, and if you think they’ll and 1996. Brady also was inducted much I exceeded my budget. I also More Trouble volunteer to be candy stripers when into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball was told to keep office hours from Brady said in 1997, he went New Administrator Brady said that in 1998, much of they need money to attend school Hall of Fame in 2008. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. which is difficult if through the school year and then the money for the university was here, you are sadly mistaken. When the age discrimination and you are a baseball coach. was informed that Dolan wanted controlled by Reinhard Schuster, “We can’t follow that…it’s retaliation case went through the “I also was asked not to be off all coaches on 12 month contracts vice chancellor of Administrative ridiculous. My next question to him Circuit Court, a jury awarded him campus more than 3-4 times a which was a big problem for Brady Services. was: ‘What if my top three pitchers $225,000 in compensatory damages month. at the time. He was in essence the No. 2 go down with injuries?’ He said, and $750,000 in punitive damages “So I met with her and told her I “I had been on a 9 month man at the university, and athletics ‘That’s your problem.’ I said, ‘No, from the university. am a baseball coach, and if I need contract. This meant that during for some undisclosed reason was that’s your problem!’ There isn’t a They also ordered University of to go off campus to do whatever, the three months of summer, I could transferred under his umbrella. coach in America who would sign Missouri-St. Louis Vice-Chancellor I shouldn’t have to carry around do whatever I wanted. I would go When this happened, Dolan and this document.’ He then beats his of Administrative Services Reinhard a beeper to report wherever my and work camps for extra income. It Schuster formed a partnership, finger on the desk and says: ‘It Schuster to individually pay him movement is. I guess the next thing was a sizable amount of my income according to Brady. doesn’t matter. You WILL sign this $200,000 in punitive damages and is that I’d probably have to raise my to help provide for my family. “This guy (Schuster) was ruthless document.’ Athletics Director Patricia Dolan hand in order to get permission to “When she (Dolan) came in and and evil,” said Brady. “That’s when I got right up in $100,000. go to the bathroom.” said all the coaches would be on “I got a phone call from a his face and told him, ‘Let me tell Both of these individuals were “When you come back from 12 month contracts, I asked if there professor who had been here for you something, Mr. There has been ordered to pay twice the amount the Division II World Series, you was any way to be grandfathered 30 years. He told me when this one man in my life that I have ever Brady’s lawyer Jerry Dobson was expect to be congratulated for a job because I needed that money in the all was unraveling that Schuster been intimidated by, and that was asking for because the jury wanted well done. Not at this place. summer to cover the cost of living was the most dangerous man on my dad. He was a drill instructor to send a strong message for their “During the trial, my attorney for my family. campus. He said people feared him, in the Marine Corps, and he would outrageous conduct. Jerry Dobson asked what her record “My boys were 7 and 8 at the because he would get rid of you chew you up and spit you out. You The initial award came to $1.275 was the last two or three years as a time. She said, ‘I don’t care.’ within the blink of an eye. He would million. The University was also coach since she was evaluating me. “She was putting me between do whatever is necessary to see you told to reinstate Brady to full-time She said she wasn’t sure. So Jerry a rock and a hard place, because See WAR BEGINS, Page 9 Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  War Begins When Brady Is Pushed Too Far Continued From Page 8 to a secretary, and mentioned I was Then six weeks later, I get a letter in wall, and that my players are out having some problems because the my mail box that states I had made of control. This was an absolute lie. aren’t even in the same class. financial aid director is telling me numerous disparaging remarks My guys never punched a hole in “I told him you might be able to one thing and then something else about this financial aid director the wall, but I had to take the time intimidate the other sheep around is actually happening. The secretary and was going to be placed on one to answer the letter and charges. you, but you will never, ever rolls her eyes in acknowledgement month probation. What a sham! The police did an investigation and intimidate me. and then I quietly said it was typical “Every little thing that I did was found the guilty party was a guy “Schuster then asked me if I of the lip service here at UMSL. monitored. They were trying to who was using the weight room was threatening him. I said no. I “Unfortunately, another adminis- create a paper trail so they could down stairs. am telling you that’s a fact. You trator overheard me. That person have an out to get rid of me because “He got angry and punched a hole can take it however you want it. the process of getting a student came up to me and said I shouldn’t I had defied them. in the wall. If I hadn’t answered it, I added: ‘You know what I think registered and couldn’t get in touch be making comments like that. At “In yet another incident in 1999, it would have went in my file, of your document?’ I crumpled it with the financial aid director. that point, I told the individual that a hole suddenly appeared in one of uncontested. They obviously were up and put it right in the trash can. “There was an issue with the I wasn’t speaking to him, it was the walls on the school’s track. ‘I trying to set me up.” ‘That’s what I think about your student’s tuition, and they had none of his business and to butt get this memo that alleges one of document, and that’s what I think changed some policies. I was talking out. I never thought anything of it. my players punched a hole in the See RUTHLESS, Page 10 about this meeting.” No longer a battle, the war was just beginning. Brady said that it was interesting to him that Schuster was making such demands when he was questionable with his own actions at the university. “Many people knew that Schuster had a university vehicle with his own personal plates on the vehicle,” said Brady. “He would put university gas in his own vehicle all the time. Because people were afraid and intimidated, they never spoke up to turn him in because they feared for their jobs. He was all about absolute power. And absolute power breeds corruption.” Brady said that the golf coach received the letter and resigned immediately because he was so upset by it’s unrealistic requirements. “When I checked with the younger head coaches, not one of them received a letter like this. What I discovered was that men and women’s head coaches age 40 and above only received these letters. Head coaches with the men’s and women’s programs under that age didn’t receive one.” Brady said when he refused to sign the letter, all hell broke loose. “There was another coach who didn’t sign, but they totally forgot about her. The head basketball coach who had been at the school 18 years decided to sign the letter. One year later, his team was below .500, and he was gone.” Brady said it was clear he had Big League Chew was invented by Rob Nelson, a former Cornell to hire an attorney at this time. So University lefthander who was pitching in Oregon in 1977 for the after careful research, he found Jerry Dobson, who is one of the fabled Portland Mavericks when he came up with the idea for a new top employment attorneys in the United States. type of bubble gum. Watched Like A Hawk From that point on, everything Brady did was watched. “They actually had somebody Rob was literally sitting in the Portland bullpen, watching his team- watch me from that point on. Once I refused to sign, I realized my mates chewing other less salubrious stuff, when he thought that rights were being trampled on. So shredded bubble gum would be a much more fun option. my attorney and I went to work on an age discrimination suit.” Brady said his ball club went to the NCAA Regionals that Rob shared the idea with Mav teammate Jim Bouton who liked the year in 1998 which was amazing considering what he was going concept so much he spent the next two years searching for a gum through. “Then in the summer and fall of company to manufacture and distribute Big League Chew. He 1998 and into 1999, I noticed that they would take note of what time I succeeded, and BLC quickly became the must-have bubble gum for would come in the office and what time I would leave. ballplayers in the littlest leagues to the Big Leagues. “From that point on, I wrote everything down. It was beginning to have a profound impact on my married life. Today, over 40 years later, Big League Chew is the #1-selling “My wife, Vicki, kept saying, ‘Get out, get out! I hate that place, shredded bubble gum in the world — with over 800 million pouches and it’s affecting you here at home. sold. It is manufactured in the USA by Ford Gum of Akron, New York. You snap at me for everything, and you’re scaring your sons.’ “At home, I was becoming a ™ monster while at work I was cited for leaving out even the smallest BIG LEAGUE CHEW® AMERICA’S BUBBLE GUM detail. My frustration was soaring. Any little thing I did, they would keep track of in a file. Coaches Discount now available at bigleaguechew.com “In one instance, I was in Page 10 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Ruthless Administrators Made Life Hell For Brady Continued From Page 9 go through the entire Court process during the trial if he planned on all over again. getting rid of a coach so he could Umpire Problem Surely the university wouldn’t get a janitor? Brady said that his team was stoop to that level, would they? “My attorney drove home the playing a contest in 1999. This “On June 21st, 2002, six months point that if you had all these was also at a time when his marital and two days after we signed supplies and extra janitors, let problems reached a breaking the agreement, I am called into a me see their time clock cards and point. meeting with two other coaches receipts. So Jerry Dobson asks During the game, the base (volleyball, softball). Schuster and Schuster for the receipts. ‘Sir, you umpire blew a critical interference Dolan dropped a bombshell on us have had four months to come up call at first base. stating they have decided to tier with the receipts. “The base umpire missed the sports now at Missouri-St. Louis. “Where are they at?’ Schuster call. I then proceed to get into it “Soccer and basketball would be answered in a mumbling voice: with the other umpire, and we are tier one. Baseball, volleyball and ‘I don’t have any.’ Jerry said, going at it nose to nose. I am letting softball would be tier two. What Mr.Schuster didn’t have any it all hang out. He gets pissed off that meant was the tier one sports because it was his intension all and ejects me. Being really upset would get the majority of the funds along to get rid of the coaches over with my uncomplimentary tirade, recruiting form because I have we are going to put Brady down in with full time coaches. The tier two 40. So I guess you wouldn’t have he said something very insulting been on the road recruiting quite the basement instead of her. coaches and below would all be part any receipts because you can spend about my wife. a bit. I have essentially been to a “What they did was paint an time with no benefits. money any way you wanted.” “I went off on the guy as game every night. Then they said old janitor’s closet, and they were “You still had to have a 12- “Then in another gripping you could hear F-bombs three they have nothing here on file to going to stick me in there. Then month contract as a part time coach, moment, Schuster said he picked states away. And of course, our prove that. I then said that it doesn’t the head of Human Resources said but your salary was cut in half. soccer over baseball as a tier one administration was sitting in the mean I haven’t been recruiting. they couldn’t do that. You have And I had no health benefits. And sport since it was an international stands. Dolan was hurriedly writing All that means is that I have been to put him at least by the pool or they knew I was a cancer survivor. sport. everything down. She was well late turning my stuff in. I showed something better. When we asked how they made “Dobson said: ‘St. Louis happens aware of my marital woes, and the them the 100 names I had on my “Schuster, being the buffoon he this agreement, the answer was it to be a baseball town. Well then, unbearable stress it was putting on recruiting list. And then they shot is, stuck me down by the pool in the didn’t matter how the agreement Mr. Soccer Guru. Outside of goalie, me. She had to love it. back: ‘But you haven’t turned it basement. It was the hottest place was arrived at. can you name one position on a “After the game, the umpire I in.’ on the face of the earth during the “That is what it is. I remember soccer field. Schuster says, ‘No, got into it with told me he wouldn’t “Then I asked what other summer. That’s where my office reading in the by-laws the only I can’t.’ write anything down about what problems they have with me. They became as he singled me out from people who can change policy “Dobson then says, ‘You don’t happened since it was his fault said I haven’t taken the NCAA everybody else. It was extremely was the athletic committee. But know anything about soccer do saying what he did about my wife. Recruiting Test. And I said I was hazardous to my health because I Schuster, with his power status you?’ Schuster replies: ‘No, I do “He was good to his word and scheduled to take it the next day. was breathing chlorine fumes every intact and with no checks and not.’ ” never wrote anything about the I said, ‘That’s all you have?’ And second I was there, and it was hotter balances in place, chose to ignore Stealing From University situation. So our AD (Dolan) calls they said, ‘Yes.’ than hell. One day, I had a recruit’s it. He was blistered later at the trial Brady said his attorney introduced the league office and demands “I told them they can’t validate mom pass out because it was so hot. for ignoring his own university a damaging recording during the this guy write a report. He didn’t what they’re doing with something This maneuver by Schuster came policy. trial that had Schuster admitting to say explicitly what he said to set that trivial. I added that they had back in the trial to bite him in the “I asked why they were doing stealing from the university. me off. But the other team’s first better have a better reason than butt like you wouldn’t believe. this. Schuster said it wasn’t for “When I realized that I was baseman heard what he said, and that. “I was forced to be in that me to worry about. He made the being called in to the June 21, 2002 our guy who was at first base “Then I said I would file a basement office from 1999-2006 decision. meeting with two other fellow heard it. He just wrote about the grievance. They told me that was — seven long years.” “So I called my attorney and told coaches, I smelled a rat. So I told ejection. But it wasn’t something my prerogative. I am not officially him my job was cut to part time my colleagues what I was going that was detrimental. I just wanted Going To Trial with no benefits, and I had one fired until I have a grievance Brady said his attorney Jerry to do as far as bringing a tape to move on. hearing. But I was in limbo. So I month to decide. I became more recorder to the meeting. Because “This is when my attorney, Jerry Dobson went after the school as resilient than ever. wasn’t able to recruit, nor was my well as Schuster and Dolan for age I did this, anything that was said Dobson, got his first taste of these assistant coach. We were in total “I’m sure Schuster and Dolan in the meeting was admissible in administrators. We were going to discrimination and retaliation. thought there was no way that I limbo. A couple of months pass by. “By forcing me to have an office court even though Schuster was have a hearing after the umpire And we finally have the grievance would accept this. But I knew I not notified. report came in. But the Conference in the basement, it was crystal clear would someday get my day in hearing right before school starts they were retaliating against me “Right in the middle of the Commissioner said he would not in the fall.” court, and I would find a way to meeting, Schuster says, as we suspend me. He just gave me a after I won the grievance. And age persevere. Brady said Schuster was in discrimination took place when are talking about money, that he warning with probation, and that charge of Human Resources as well “Right after the meeting, Dobson had never taken any money from was the end of it. At least that was Dolan and Schuster sent the letter and I began the process of refiling at the time. out to only head coaches who were athletics. But he had stolen from what we thought. “I thought I didn’t have a chance the proper paperwork in order other university venues. “So the next day, Dolan comes in 40 or over and didn’t do the same to proceed with future litigation in hell of winning the grievance for younger head coaches in the “What do you think the jurors and says that she talked to UMSL hearing with the deck stacked against the University of Missouri- did when we played that in court? Chancellor Blanche Touhill. Since athletic department. We finally filed St. Louis as well as Schuster and against me like it was. But we the lawsuit in May of 1999. Their mouths were wide open.” the Commissioner of the league have the hearing. My attorney Jerry Dolan individually. Dobson also asked Schuster what was not going to do anything, we “In December of 2001, we were “The University did offer a Dobson is with me, and we present ready to go to trial. But prior to that, his background was in education decided to suspend you for two our case and leave. mediation hearing in 2004. But since he was in charge of hundreds games. Jerry Dobson then said that there was a mediation hearing to by this time, I wanted no part of “I am sitting in Dobson’s office see if we could come to a mutual of students. we had a handshake agreement the following week. The ruling their offer. “Schuster’s answer was: ‘I don’t with the UMSL administration that agreement. “I wanted my day in court. It comes over the wire, and Jerry “The University had their have any.’ Jerry was incredulous. nothing would occur because of all comes in and tells me I won’t believe would take until January 2005 He said Schuster was the No. 2 man the improprieties that took place by attorneys there, while Jerry was before we finally went to trial. what happened. The hearing officer there for me. Essentially, we had at that university, and he had no the umpire. sided with you. I said you’ve got to Seeing them up their on the stand background in education? ‘How did “She said that the Chancellor an agreement on the table that with Dobson making them squirm be kidding. Jerry responded that the they leave me alone and give me you get your job?’ Schuster replied: changed her mind. So I got hearing officer had some guts. We like worms, voices cracking was ‘I was a friend of the Chancellor.’ suspended for two games, and a nominal lump sum and admit no poetic justice. St. Louis County has found out that this particular person guilt. And then I just go out and do “As this is all going on, the my AD (Dolan) was the one who was on the verge of retirement, so the most conservative jurorship, mouths of the jurors open even instigated the whole thing.” my job. statistically speaking, in the entire he didn’t care about what Schuster “We go ahead and sign the wider because they are shocked at Brady said his team finished the might do to him if he sided with us. USA.” what they are hearing. 1999 season without any further agreement and feel everything is During the trial, Brady’s attorney So he did what was right.” going to be OK. Now the University “That is why they sent such a problems. However, his marriage brought up the fact that UMSL strong message. They decided to Banished To Basement attorneys thought they were clever was almost completely torn apart, Athletics were funded by student double the judgement against these and his off the field problems Brady said that as school began by indicating the past improprieties fees and did not get a penny from that fall, a small article appeared in could not be used against them in two administrators. We only asked seemed insurmountable with the state. Also, enrollment was for $100,000 against Schuster and impending divorce. the school newspaper asking where future litigation. going up. Coach Jim Brady was. No one was “However, Dobson later $50,000 against Dolan. “Then toward the end of June So how could Schuster and “But the jury decided we should to make matters even worse, I am aware that a grievance hearing had countered that move at the January Dobson say that going to this tier taken place. Once word filtered 2005 trial saying we wouldn’t ask receive $200,000 in punitive called into a meeting with Dolan system was tied into the budget? damages from Schuster and and Schuster. Prior to the meeting, back to Schuster that Brady had for compensation but could give the There was no budget crisis. prevailed, Schuster exploded. historical perspective to the jury in $100,000 in punitive damages my faculty rep tells me that I am “In addition, there was a wide from Dolan.” skating on thin ice and to make sure “He comes flying over to the order to paint a clearer picture of assortment of pictures of the gym. We had just hired a new what happened. “It was a strong, strong message I turn all my reports in on time. baseball field and how deplorable aimed to gain the attention of the “He said to just be wary. I said women’s softball coach. They “After the Dec, 2001 mediation its conditions were under Schuster put her office temporarily in a hearing, Jerry tells me that he thinks highest university officials.” OK. I had all my recruiting forms and Dolan’s watch. Ultimately, Brady was awardedd because I had been out on the road location by the swimming pool I can finally get my life back in “We had pictures of weeds in in the basement. It was only a order again. I had custody of my a total of $1.8 million. looking at kids. I was in the process the batting cage as high as my Brady said that after the trial, of doing things for June. temporary office because it was so boys and kept the house. So life chest, and then they showed all hot in there that nobody could stand seemed better.” the university reassigned Schuster “At the meeting, I am told they the other athletic fields to be in and Dolan. will terminate my contract. And I it. They would have an office for Brady said he remembered pristine condition. It was a dramatic her to move into upstairs when it reading the fine print in the “After spending close to $3 said for what? They said I haven’t comparison. million in taxpayers’ money, each been recruiting. They told me no was ready sometime early that fall agreement. If a recurrence took “In his testimony, Schuster semester. place by the university in the form was given a pay raise and Schuster recruiting forms had been turned mentioned the school needed to was even given a new truck. in. “Schuster then tells her to move of harassment after six months, hire more janitors and do more into my office immediately because Brady and his lawyer would have to “This was the ultimate slap in the “I said I haven’t turned in May’s with the supplies. So he was asked face to Missouri taxpayers.” Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 11 Find A Top Mentor Who Exhibits Greatness By GARY WARD Your life is dominated by the I become. Special To Collegiate Baseball adult people who guide you in Be patient…focus on progress the home, church, school, and and not perfection. STILLWATER, Okla. — Activate government. Positive self-talk is the eraser your mental search engine and find It is rare to be given a choice, a of the APES’ environmental the best mentors you can. voice, or any ownership about your programming. My personal list of requirements daily routine of habits. Your conscious mind is the were: The success you enjoy in this gamekeeper for the mindless Find a person who has walked youthful life, or the lack thereof, subconscious. the path that I am committed to is directly related to the quality of Auto suggestion and self- follow…who has been where I your habits, and habits are a product controlled suggestion is a means want to go…who has exhibited of your beliefs, provided for you by of releasing you from the avalanche greatness and genius in the the APES. of shotgun blasts of negative coaching profession. Greatness Your subconscious mind is an conditioning by others. leaves clues. amazing receiving station of your Research reveals that while Attend their practices repeatedly brain. involved with the institutions of with their permission and watch It is open 24-7 each day of your school, church, and government, a couple of competitive games. life from birth to death. that the ratio of negative to positive Watch intently their every action It receives each stimulus stimuli is 5:1. of ego or judgement…their respect provided by your sensory system The clear and precise instructions for the game, the opponent, and receptors and records it for future to the subconscious mind are listed their players. Former Oklahoma State Head Coach Gary Ward reference. above in smarter goals and smarter Is the coach straight forward, don’ts…the will’s and wont’s… an amazing amount of diversity… There is no judgment by the training. real, and genuine as they while trusting their path of a self- race…religion…language… subconscious as to good or bad, The brain is a goal striving servo- communicate? directed process of self-discovery. dress…customs that can be very right or wrong. It is recorded as is. mechanism…conform to the habits Are they demonstrating the Recent scientific research different. The subconscious part of your of the powerful subconscious or values and outward demeanor is indicating that the executive The “Golden Rope” that will tie brain has no mind. demand control through continual compatible with my beliefs? skill of delayed gratification is us together and inspire us to grow The higher the volume of the conscious input. Is the practice field a teaching linked to the probable outcome of will be the language we agree to use emotional level to the stimulus, the Use prayer, meditation, silence, laboratory that has organization academic success, physical health, in communication of every aspect more powerful it is encoded into solitude, and any moment of being and purpose? psychological health and social of the instructional program. long-term memory. alone to attack the programming Are there times of light-hearted competence. Wow! Our language is the glue that The more stressful the input, of the subconscious. Impregnate banter, and are their any expressions This executive function skill will bind us together to allow us to the greater and more lucid is the the subconscious with affirming of joy between players? relates clearly to other executive accomplish our team mission. recall. messages of conscious control. Are the instructions provided function skills as patience, Language pervades every aspect Future sensory exposure of a Change is difficult. The effort dictatorial and autocratic or primer impulse control, self-control, of daily life of a competitive team single sight, sound, smell, touch, or to change threatens you because statements of emotional support and willpower…all of those of athletes. taste can initiate a shotgun blast of it asks you to alter your identity… and understanding. all obviously involved in self- Develop a language, a common associative memory relationships in your sense of self. I found them in Bobby Winkles regulation. language to enhance organizational the form of mental representations Gradual incremental change, at Arizona State University, Ben Self-regulation is an athlete’s understanding, speed and efficiency and patterns based on the original executed slowly habit by habit, Hines at LaVerne College in capacity to meet the demands of communication, and consistency experience. is the key to change. Training California…later to become the and pressures of elite athletic of instruction. Abuse of parents, disciplinary with deliberation through Hitting Coach of the LA Dodgers. competition. Provide each player with a events exercised by authority, experimentation allows you There were many more from Related research indicates that dictionary of words and their shame for mistakes made, blame identify change without losing the high school, college and delayed gratification results from meanings…from 30-300… for errors, and harsh judgment your identity. professional ranks who had great an ability to use “cool” regulatory automaticity, culture, kinesthesia, pronounced by siblings or friends When you are training a race insight in a variety of athletic strategies…calm and control…in proprioception, myelination, could be deeply embedded in the horse, you must teach the horse skills. contrast to the “hot” strategies of ownership, relaxation, training. recipient’s subconscious. what to be aware between the touch We shared written materials, had impulse, immediate emotional Provide a dictionary of phrases Repeated exposure to this type of the spur and tension in the reins. conversations about every phase of response and the thoughts of “trying and their meanings…belly button of treatment and with no recourse When you are training the athlete, the game. harder”. to backbone, energy flow, full to respond, the young child or teen you must teach the athlete what to Harry Walker, St. Louis Cardinals Rituals, routines, processes, head is an empty bat, do not try will eventually withdraw from be aware of when the feet move and Coach, allowed me on the field for and even superstition are used as harder, paralysis by analysis, visual these situations and accept a habit when the hands take action. an hour to watch him teach bunting distractions to allow the athlete memory, vertical stacking. of learned helplessness. to the pitching staff. to stay mindful and in the present Provide a dictionary of positive Provide your players with an ASU’s Winkles I never asked them to provide moment of executing the motor primers…I see you working, enjoy action process that will produce the me with a road map for my path. skill needed for success. your work, I appreciate your effort, changes needed. Dies At Age 90 All I wanted was their advice on The most effective type of pressure is a privilege, invite the Take ownership of your life by PHOENIX, Ariz. —Bobby how to navigate the journey of distraction is to be focused on the mongoose in, own it and forget it, learning to use the conscious mind Winkles, the architect of the modern teaching my players the skill sets process and away from the future look in the “P” zone, let the body for self-drection. era of Arizona State baseball, needed to compete for National results of your action. swing the bat. Post this thin-sliced…brief… passed away at the age of 90. Championships. Longitudinal Studies (over As a lifetime learner and a condensed formula…on the Winkles was Arizona State’s To learn from them how to be a decades) done on young children at career coach, my lists run into the information board in their dressing first varsity baseball coach and leader of players and provide those age 5 and re-evaluated as teenagers hundreds. room and ask that they record it in compiled a 524-173 record during players with the information to play and again as adults revealed startling It is wise to keep the lists current, their journal. his 13 years at the helm and was the game at their full potential was results. specific to the present team, and as Your beliefs become your a three-time NCAA Coach of the important. When those young children that brief as possible. thoughts, your thoughts become Year. Any accomplishments that came had an ability to delay gratification I do make a personal list of your choie, your choice becomes In all, Winkles won three national to me throughout my coaching reached their teens, they scored questions that I want to ask specific your actions, your actions become championships (‘65, ‘67, ‘69) over career came from my perch on the much higher on their SAT scores, players. your habits, your habits create your the span of six years. shoulders of these great mentors. social competence, self-worth, Questions allow me to discover if success, and success becomes your Winkles took the ASU program Thanks to Jim…Joe…Gus… maturity, coped better with stress, they have a voice and can articulate habit. from scratch and built it into one Craig…Bob…Roger…John…etc. planned ahead, and were more the answer with confidence. All who have lived have been of the powerhouses in college I will pass it on! likely to use reason to confront Example. Where do you feel the programmed by the APES. baseball. problems. most tension when you swing the Rely on your conscious mind Only six years into the program’s Delayed Gratification to overpower the automatic habits Delayed gratification is the When they reached adulthood, bat? history, Winkles led his 1964 Sun of the subconscious mind by using mother of many executive they were less likely to have What do you think causes Devil squad into Omaha and ended auto suggestions, self-directed functions. drug problems or other addictive tension in that location? How are up placing sixth. choices and plans of action that It is the ability to defer or delay behaviors, get divorced, or become you planning to fix it? The need is Just a year later, the Sun Devils reflect your new found power of the need for instant gratification. overweight. for each individual to develop the reached the pinnacle of college ownership, voice, and choice. The athlete is willing to encounter Optimal self-control and delayed executive function skills choice, baseball, finishing with a 41- It is a new life path lighted regression before progression as gratification creates in the athlete voice, and ownership. 11 record and the school’s first by smarter goals and smarter they train to change a part of their the “it” factor. They have “it”… national championship. Ability To Change training. skill set. intense trainer, inventor of time, Winkles led ASU back to the Changing habits is fundamental Transformation will occur and They exercise an inner intent to individually-internally targeted, College World Series and again to changing your life. you will achieve independence, pass on and resist the temptation independent thinker, inspired reigned as NCAA champions in Everything you repeatedly do, freedom, and autonomy. to accept a smaller and more teacher, interactive teammate, 1967 and 1969. say, and think is as a direct result This transformation will start immediate reward in order to ideal tools. Winkles was named the 1965, of your habits. you on a path to mastery of self, achieve a larger or more enduring 1967 and 1969 NCAA Division I Instructional System Habits are those actions or and the truth will emerge. The real reward in the future. Coach of the Year. When a coach or coaching staff reactions which are on auto-pilot. you will appear, and you will find The larger and later reward He mentored 16 first-team All- comes together with a group of They are programmed into your the ultimate joy in life…service to completes a part of their personal Americans and 21 players made it players to form a team, they all subconscious mind as a child and others. goals program. to the Major Leagues. bring with them the baggage of a teenager by the APES (the adult Note: Post on your information They are willing to invest in He coached future Major League their environmental programming, power and ego system). board. deliberate training to examine stars such as Rick Monday, Sal their history of life experiences, You become the person Your conscious mind is the all the possible options as trial Bando, Sterling Slaughter, Reggie and a core set of habits, attitudes, programmed by your environment captain that navigates the process and error, experimentation, and Jackson, Larry Gura and Gary and beliefs that shape their values, dominated by parents, professors, of decision-making. reflection expose all the options Gentry during his career. character, and personality. principals, preachers, priests, and The primary law of life is the law available within their potential. He was inducted into the ABCA A team group will often contain policemen. of belief. What I choose to believe We work on the do’s and Hall of Fame in 1997. Page 12 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 High School Genius Of McQuaid Was Innovation, Work By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. throwing practice for all of our outs is essential. If a pitcher is able Editor/Collegiate Baseball infielders to the different locations to throw strikes, has a good curve where they must throw balls during which he can throw for a strike in DAVIE, Fla. — Pat McQuaid, games.” any count and bears down after two one of the greatest high school McQuaid gave a rundown on outs instead of relaxing, he doesn’t baseball coaches in history, has each of the five sequences: have to throw 95 mph.” retired as the skipper at Nova High Sequence No. 1: Catcher throws McQuaid said his pitching coach School (Davie, Fla.) to 3B, 3B to 2B, 2B to 1B, 1B to calls every pitch in games but at He spent 45 years as the head C, C to SS covering 2B bag, SS to times he will allow the pitcher to coach of the Titans and was the 3B, 3B to C. call one if it is a huge pitch during coach of Nova since 1976. Sequence No. 2: Catcher throws a contest. His teams won 947 games, to 1B, 1B to SS covering 2B bag, “We give our pitchers some 18 district titles, two state SS to 3B, 3B to C, C to 2B covering latitude. We want to force the kids championships and a national 2B bag, 2B to 1B, 1B to C. early in the year to throw breaking title. Sequence No. 3: Catcher throws pitches in fastball counts and throw Few high school baseball to 2B covering 2B bag, 2B to 1B, curves during full counts. programs in the USA have 1B to C, C to SS covering 2B bag, “Then later in the season during experienced more success than SS to 3B, 3B to C, C to 2B at bag. big games with the bases loaded, Nova High School. Sequence No. 4: Catcher to they are able to do this and not His greatest period of success SS who cuts off throws to 2B and be so predictable with a fastball was when the Titans went 50-1 throws back home, C to 3B, 3B coming when the pitcher is behind over the 2005 and 2006 seasons to 2B, 2B to 1B, 1B to C, C to 2B in the count.” and No. 1 national ranking in the who cuts off throw in front of bag McQuaid said his pitchers don’t final Collegiate Baseball National and fires ball to 3B. Then 3B to C. perform long toss in the truest sense High School poll in 2006 with a In this sequence, you utilize two to improve the velocity of pitches. 19-0 record. second basemen with one on the He simply puts all his pitchers on Year after year, he and his staff bag and another in front of the bag the third base line during defensive churned out remarkable teams that to cut off throws. drills and has them throw across the played the game the right way. Sequence No. 5: Catcher to 3B, diamond at about 127 feet. The veteran skipper was asked 3B to 1B, 1B to SS, SS to C, C to “When they make 15-30 throws to share his time honored secrets 1B, 1B to 3B, 3B to 2B, 2B to C. like this every practice, that 60 foot of coaching with Collegiate “We do these throws every day, distance from the mound to home Baseball. and every throw must be made. We plate becomes a lot easier. They get “The most important thing we are all over our guys if errors are a ground ball, learn to set their feet do is have every kid in our program made. In time, our guys don’t make properly and let it fly. I am a firm practice together,” said McQuaid. many errors at all, and they get the believer in this technique.” “We don’t have a freshman team. ball out of their gloves quickly.” Country Music Heaven But we do have a JV team as well McQuaid said another thing his Another technique McQuaid has as a varsity squad. We have 22-23 fielders do is practice throwing used with great success is playing kids on each team, and overall we balls against a wall that is near the music during practice. have 45 kids between both teams. field. “Years ago, I started playing But we treat both teams as one in “We have them about 40 feet country music during practices over our program. away from the wall and throw balls our speakers. And you know what? “Our JV kids practice with the against it. As the ball is coming off I didn’t scream as much to the kids. varsity every day. I found out a long the wall, we want our kids to take The kids had a little more giddy up time ago that this was by far the best several steps in to meet the ball and go when the music was being system to evaluate kids and watch coming at them. Then they do this played. They were more relaxed. them grow. When the varsity guys four times with the thrower getting So now for every practice, we have are taking ground balls, right next to closer and closer each time until he on music. them might be a freshman kid who is as close as possible by a fourth “We have found that kids are is 13 or 14 years old. The varsity throw. Balls are coming back to more in rhythm when we play kid may be a high profile player them quicker and quicker with this music. When a kid messes up and who can pass along some valuable drill.” has to run or do pushups, it is not information to the young man. Pitching Superb so bad with music playing. “I’m not saying the young player Nova’s pitching has been “If the weather turns hot, the won’t listen to the coaches. But it remarkable over the years as well. music doesn’t make it as bad. The has a different meaning coming While other teams across the energy level is usually much higher from one of his peers who has gone state of Florida may have high with music on than not having it through high school baseball and draft picks or superstars, Nova on.” knows what to expect. We have has routinely turned solid pitchers found that our young kids really Hitting Practice into superb hurlers with plenty of Nova stages somewhat unusual pay attention to what the varsity work. players tell them. Nova H.S. Head Coach Pat McQuaid hitting practices as well. “We do the drills everyone else “We never take a traditional “Plus, our older guys have found staff coaches them. I am always at “When we have qualified for does with pitchers. But we demand certain techniques which have the game watching as I walk around the final four, we get a lot of our batting practice,” said McQuaid. that they throw strikes and insist “We have half of our varsity guys worked for them, and they take the here and there.” baseball alumni coming to games. that they don’t walk batters. young guys under their wings and McQuaid said his team may After home games, one of the indoors in our batting cages. Half of “To do this, we have our pitchers those kids are hitting Wiffle balls help them. It is a great experience practice 60 minutes on defense, greatest thrills I have is seeing throw every day. We also insist for them as well.” which includes his JV players. Prior little kids running on the infield of from a Granada pitching machine. that all our pitchers have a good Then the others are hitting balls in When McQuaid says that his JV to varsity games, his team takes our diamond and playing. I enjoy breaking pitch. In our program, players are treated as equals with 20 minutes to complete pre-game having a family atmosphere like front of L-screens about 15 feet our pitchers must be able to throw away as coaches throw batters the varsity squad, he isn’t blowing defensive situations — almost this with our program.” a good curve which they can throw smoke. double the time of most high school Amazing defense has been one pitches to simulate a little live arm for a strike in any count. action. When the varsity squad wins a teams. of the hallmarks with the Nova “Our philosophy is that we must state championship, every player in “The reason we take so much Titans for years. “Then other kids are on the field get the first batter out of the inning hitting but not in the usual sense of the program receives a ring, which time is because we have our JV “People may find this hard to which essentially eliminates the includes the JV players. guys taking infield as well. In the believe, but we only had three batting practice. We might have all bunt as well as hit and run. We also of our JV kids on defense. Then When the varsity travels to a long run, this all pays off because throwing errors over 32 games insist that the third out of the inning tournament in another state, the JV kids get a lot of experience. We try during a recent season,” said with 12 varsity guys ready to hit, be by strikeout. one of our coaches is about 50 feet players come with them as games to get the kids ready to play. If we McQuaid. “How many times have you seen are arranged for them as well. find that a kid as a freshman has “This isn’t unusual. We devote away behind an L-screen throwing pitchers get two easy outs and then pitches for batters to hit. When a And get this. the aptitude to play at the varsity 60 minutes during each practice walk a batter, hit the next one, give The goal of the coaching staff level, we don’t hesitate using him. to defense. We work and work batter steps to the plate, he looks at up a bloop single and then give me at third base for a sign and then at Nova is to make sure each and All of our JV guys are welcome in on the fundamentals of fielding up a home run? All this happened every JV player participates in at the varsity locker room. and throwing with repetition. The goes to work. because the pitcher relaxed too “This is live, game hitting where least one varsity game during the “In essence, we want our two key areas we work on daily in soon. We feel our pitchers have not season. youngest players to be embraced practice is the double infield drill kids are stealing and sliding. Batters had a good day if they don’t strike might be bunting. We also might “That can be a tough one, but that by the older players to uphold the with two fungo hitters going at the out a batter with two outs. is our goal,” said McQuaid. tradition of our program. When the same time. have a run and hit play on. Any and “With this philosophy, you would all possible situations are covered “Usually our JV team plays young kids become older, they turn “The next area we work on be amazed how many times we get 18 games, which includes around and help the younger ones. each practice is the five different as batters step into the box. Once two outs and then the next batter they hit the ball, they run it out. If doubleheaders. Since we really It turns out to be a great family scenarios catchers must master is struck out. We preach this and don’t have JV coaches, our varsity atmosphere. with their throws which gives extra believe that bearing down after two See ENGINE, Page 13 Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 13 It Is Important To Know ‘Protection’ Rules ANSONIA, Conn. — To have right to first base. Because of this, The Infield Fly Rule came alive who has just been put out, or any batted ball, and the runner comes in a fundamental understanding of runners are protected and not forced in a rather bizarre way at Yankee runner who has just scored, hinders contact with one or more of them, the rules, it’s important to know to advance. Stadium where the Yankees and or impedes any following play the umpire shall determine which the areas of the Official Baseball The ordinary effort language of Orioles met on Opening Day of the made on a runner. Such runner shall fielder is entitled to the benefit of Rules that deal with the subject of the rule is umpire judgment and can 2019 season. be declared out for the interference this rule and shall not declare the “protection.” affect the protection principal in a In the bottom of the seventh of his teammate.” runner out for coming in contact The protection rules are generally play. Ordinary effort can be judged inning, the Yankees had runners Instead of locating Sucre and with a fielder other than the one the universal in all playing differently based on the on first (Miguel Andujar) exiting the batter’s box, Sanchez umpire determines to be entitled to codes. Let’s look at level of play, degree of and second (Luke Voit) and one out stayed in the box while tracking field such a ball.” various situations where Ruleball difficulty or weather when Gary Sanchez hit a towering the ball, a common bad habit Although the word “contact” umpires are empowered conditions. Wind is a fly in front of home plate. among batter-runners. The is in the rule, umpires can rule to exercise protection factor in affecting the As the ball descended, third base moment Sanchez hit the ball, he interference if the runner hinders, for runners as well as ordinary effort aspect umpire D.J. Rayburn, invoked the was no longer a batter. He was a impedes or confuses the fielder fielders. of the rule, but not the Infield Fly Rule. batter-runner, who was required without contact. Rule 5.09 (b) (3) The purpose of the sun. O’s catcher Jonathan Sucre to relinquish space to the defense. declares a runner out if he hinders Infield Fly Rule is to If a defensive player dropped the ball. Both runners Under those conditions, the umpire a fielder attempting to make a play protect runners from is blinded by the sun, the attempted to advance despite must protect the defensive player. on a batted ball. deceitful acts by fielders IFR can still be invoked Yankees’ third base coach Phil If the umpire judged that Sucre The D’backs hosted the Giants who might intentionally and the runners are Nevin instructing them to go could have made a play on one of at Chase Field on May 18, 2019. drop a fly ball and pick- protected. back. the Yankee runners, a double play In the top of the fourth, the Giants up a double or triple play. They never have to The ball was picked up by third could have been called. In the above had Madison Bumgarner on first When there are runners on leave their base if the baseman Rio Ruiz who threw to situation, if interference was called, base with one out when Joe Panik first and second or first, With Rich Marazzi ball is not caught. second baseman Jonathan Villar. there’s a better chance a DP would tapped a ground ball in the direction Rules Consultant Villar tagged second before Andujar have been called given the chance of D’backs’ first baseman Christian second and third, and Blue Jays, Brewers, If the game is being less than two outs and Cardinals, D’backs, played under heavy wind reached the base but Andujar was not the runners were attempting to Walker. the batter hits a fair fly Dodgers, Mariners, conditions, there is a called out because he wasn’t tagged. advance. Bumgarner, running close to ball that can be caught Orioles, Phillies, good chance the umpires Villar then tossed to shortstop If interference by a runner occurs Walker, was called out by first Pirates, Rangers, Richie Martin covering third and in the middle of an IFR situation, base umpire Joe West for runner with ordinary effort by an Rays, Red Sox, will not invoke the rule infielder, the IFR should Royals, Tigers, regardless of the location Voit was caught in a rundown and both the runner and the batter are interference. Second baseman be invoked. Twins, Yankees, the of the ball. Therefore, was subsequently tagged out by out. Under the Definition of Terms Wilmer Flores was positioned near When the IFR is Fox Regional Sports the runners are not Villar for the third out. in the Official Baseball Rules, the Walker when he made the play. Networks, ESPN and There are some plays where IFR reads, If interference is called In this play, first base umpire Joe invoked, the batter is the White Sox TV protected and need to out like he would be on announcers. be coached differently protection will shift from the during an Infield Fly, the ball West protected Walker, not Flores. a caught fly ball. The on the bases. defensive player to the offensive remains alive until it is determined Because Bumgarner impeded Readers can submit player or both. In the above play, whether the ball is fair or foul. If Walker, West called Bumgarner difference is if the ball questions to Rich at: If runners do attempt is dropped when the IFR [email protected] to advance when the Sanchez was almost called for fair, both the runner who interfered out for interference. It appeared is called, the batter is IFR is invoked, they do batter-runner interference as well with the fielder and the batter are that Bumgarner never made contact still out, and the runners are not so at their own risk and surrender which could have resulted in one out. with Walker but contact is not required or “forced” to advance their protection. To be put out they of the runners being called out per Take the following play when necessary. because the batter-runner never must be tagged because they are rule 6.01 (a) (5) that reads, “ It is the Red Sox and Blue Jays played If West judged that Bumgarner legally occupies or acquires the not forced. interference by a batter or runner in Toronto on Sept. 9, 2016. In the intentionally interfered with Walker bottom of the sixth inning, the Jays to break-up a double play, then both had Jose Bautista on second and Bumgarner and Panik could have Troy Tulowitzki on first with one been called out. Engine That Fueled Nova Was out when Dioner Navarro hit a pop You can view the play by going fly several feet in fair territory near to the link below: www.mlb. first base. com/video/bumgarner-out-for- Hard Work Under Pat McQuaid It was a classic IFR situation. interference Continued From Page 12 Every game you play can be a great Starting in 1990, a locker room As Red Sox first baseman Hanley Obstruction memory for you and your team.” to dress all 45 kids was put in along Ramirez was tracking the ball, When a defensive player is not it is a double, they run as hard as the third base side, and a concession “Tulo” returned to first and made in possession of the ball or is not in Work Foundation Of Nova contact with Ramirez while the they can to second. Each batter is The head coach at Nova High stand and bathroom were also built. the act of receiving a throw, he is not only working on hitting but base Each player has his own individual ball was in the air. First base ump not protected and must not hinder School was brought up in a family James Hoye called interference on running full speed. that had five kids with two hard locker. or impede the progress of the runner “Each hitter might go through The stands are elevated with the Tulowitzki and he was called out. in any way. Pro and NCAA rules working parents. But inexplicably, the IFR was never five at bats. The added benefit is “All of the kids had to work for seating capacity at about 1,000. make a distinction between Type that our JV kids must play defense Nova H.S. also has an indoor hitting invoked, and Navarro was allowed 1 and Type 2 obstruction. NFHS everything they got as well. If we to stay at first base. and learn from mistakes. wanted to go to college, we had to facility which is 90’ x 90’ and rules do not. “I learned a long time ago that houses four batting cages complete If Tulowitzki was the only runner Under Type 1 there is a play get a scholarship. on base, that would have been traditional batting practice is a big “If we wanted a car, we had to with artificial turf. being directly made on a runner waste of time because too many The first base home dugout is the proper thing to do. But in this such as when a runner is in a get a job and raise the money to situation, in my opinion, the IFR kids stand around doing nothing. purchase one. My parents were 60’ x 30’ with a big skybox on rundown, or when the batter-runner “After a certain amount of time, top which includes room for an should have been invoked and both is obstructed by a pitcher covering from an older generation where Tulowitzki and Navarro should the JV kids might be taken off the work was very important. announcer and other members of first base on the potential 3-1. field as we utilize our varsity kids the media. On the third base side is have been called out. During a rundown, it is very “My parents had five mouths Protection can shift in a nano on defense. to feed, and there was never extra a 50’ x 20’ dugout with a sky box common for the fielder to properly “Every six outs, we switch out as well. second. This can occur when a fail to vacate following his throw. money. If you wanted extra jeans, ground ball deflects off a fielder and in this fashion. you had to raise some money to The facility also has a beautiful The fielder must be aware that “This system drills into the hitter scoreboard. subsequently affects the advance of the runner’s restricted baseline get it. the runner. Initially, the fielder has that he must take quality swings “I learned the value of work at a But the pride and joy of the entire is a direct line to the base he is during an at bat in competitive complex is the baseball field itself the right of way and is protected but attempting to advance to, and the very young age.” if the ball deflects off the fielder and situations.” McQuaid is married to a special which McQuaid built with his own runner is allowed 3-feet to either hands. It is considered one of the it is not in the immediate reach of Organization Vital gal named Laurie who has handled side of that line. best in the state of Florida. the fielder, he loses his protection. Another important aspect of his all the late meals, missed weekends The baseline can change on every The entire complex would now If the umpire judges that the practices is organization. and altered vacations. throw. When a runner is properly cost over $1 million to build, fielder has to chase the ball, the “Years ago I heard Coach Skip Both dated when they attended within his restricted area, he is according to McQuaid. runner is now protected. If the Bertman of LSU give a talk about Nova High School and both of their protected. If the fielder impedes in “When I was playing at Nova a fielder impedes the runner, the the importance of organization in kids graduated Nova as well any way (contact is not necessary), long time ago, the field was like a protection shifts from the defense to running a team. He is a former The McQuaids have raised two the umpire should call “Time” and cow pasture. But we trimmed the the offense, and obstruction should football coach like me, and he children, Shawn and Kelly. They award the runner the next base after field up and built different structures be called on the fielder. talked about how football coaches also enjoy two grandchildren, the last one he touched. over the years and maintained it. must utilize every second of a Kasey and Kaitlin. Right Of Way Entitlement During a Type 2 obstruction, the “Parents through the years have practice wisely. The head coach at Nova H.S. is When a fielder is attempting to runner is obstructed with no play donated so much to the program. “That really struck me because also known as one of the wonderful, field a batted ball, he has the right of being directly made on him. An If something needed to be done, organization is very crucial to the caring coaches in the business and way, and the runner must allow the example would be with a runner everyone chipped in.” success of baseball practices. If will do just about anything to help defensive player to make the play. on second base, the batter hits To celebrate his final year at Nova there is a lot of standing around, his baseball players. There are some plays when there safely to right field. The shortstop, H.S., a special alumni weekend was lots of time can be wasted. If that means finding a summer is the possibility that either of two not watching the runner, impedes scheduled. “It is vital to organize each job for them, he will call on his fielders can make the play. the runner’s basepath. In this Over 600 people came for the practice so that a lot of work can contacts. If he can help get one When this occurs, the umpire situation the umpire will point to barbecue and 115 former players be accomplished. of his kids in college, he will do must judge which one is entitled the obstruction, but the ball is kept showed up. Many more wanted to “One of the biggest things we everything he can. to protection. Pro rule 6.01 (a) alive. be there but couldn’t make it. discuss with our players is playing “If kids are with my program (10) reads, “It is interference The obstructed runner will most “That was wonderful,” said for the memories. day after day, this is the least I by a batter or a runner when he likely be protected to third base, but McQuaid. “When they are 65 years old, can do.” fails to avoid a fielder who is not necessarily home. “I really enjoyed all the old stories they might want to brag about McQuaid is the man behind one attempting to field a batted ball, If the obstructed runner attempts from our players. If you coach long themselves to their grandchildren. of the most beautiful high school or intentionally interferes with a to advance beyond his protected base enough, there are some priceless So we discuss the big moments baseball facilities in the nation as thrown ball provided that if two and is an easy out, the runner will memories from this game.” of games that can become reality. well. or more fielders attempt to field a most likely lose his protection. Page 14 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 1, 2020 Two New Books Are Worth Taking A Close Look At By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. athletics who exemplified hustle effort at all times and never back And Very Big Dreams Editor/Collegiate Baseball and never giving up. down. One time when a runner Authors: Craig Ohlau and Kevin He was all about the indomitable didn’t slide into third and was out, Gingrich TUCSON, Ariz. — Several spirit of man, believing in yourself Gillespie immediately benched Pages: 263 superb books have just hit the when no one else did, never giving him for lack of effort and told him Cost: $19.95 market which are worth reading. up, giving it everything that you if he ever wanted to play in this How To Order: www. Book: The Team have and realizing that your heart program again, he had better give blackrosewriting.com/books Author: Paul Babcock is not something that can be his full effort. Review: In the mid-1990s, a Pages: 192 measured. The caring side of Gillespie band of baseball loving boys from Cost: $10.54 This book is a nod not only to came out one time when Babcock the small town of Chester, Ill. on How To Order: Purchase it on the amazing Gordie Gillespie but dove into second and sustained a the banks of the Mississippi River, www.amazon.com also to every baseball player who bloody nose. pursue their dreams of state and Review: Paul Babcock wrote It was undoubtedly the greatest never gave up despite rarely playing Gordie walked out, reached into national championships. a marvelous book about being an streak in athletics’ history before on teams. his pocket and took out a clean, Their fathers, guards in the ordinary man with big dreams as he the flu sidelined him for the first 11 Gillespie’s teams were always white handkerchief. Babcock didn’t local penitentiary called Menard grew up on a farm in Illinois. games of the 2008 season. at a disadvantage early in the want to stain it with blood, but Correctional Center that houses The youngest of 10 siblings, he This heartwarming story delves season as they came out of freezing Gillespie reached out and held it some of the worst criminals in U.S. came to understand the value of into Babcock’s journey through weather and practiced for months to his nose. It didn’t take long for history, are their coaches. teamwork, a strong work ethic and adversity, countless disappointments in a glorified gymnasium up to the it to stop, but Gillespie told him This facility houses 2,000 a sense of self-worth. and obstacles to become the best moment they stepped off a bus to to keep it in his pocket in case it murderers, a thousand of them In the sixth grade, he met baseball player he could be under play their first game of the season started again. legally insane. one of the greatest coaches of Gillespie. outdoors. Babcock washed the handkerchief At the time these young boys all time in Gordie Gillespie and In his senior year at College of Gillespie wanted his players to after the game and tried to return it grew up, this penitentiary had the wanted to not only play for him at St. Francis, the team started 3-13-2 see the best competition. to his Hall of Fame coach the next highest concentration of killers of College of St. Francis but bring this against a brutally tough schedule on To be the best, you had to face day. any place in the USA and almost a amazing skipper his first national the road after practicing indoors for the best. Gillespie’s reply was priceless: quarter the population of Chester championship at the school. months because of frigid conditions By the end of the year, his teams “Hold on to it. You never know itself. Gillespie retired following the in Joliet, Ill. would never be intimidated by when you’ll need one.” Watching over them, guarding 2011 college baseball season after The team then went on the most anyone. Babcock kept that cleaned them, monitoring their every move 59 years and a college baseball- amazing run in school history as The regular season was all about handkerchief in his pocket for was 134 guards. best 1,893 coaching victories at the Fighting Saints won 43 of its preparing for the conference and the every game he played for Gillespie One dream comes true — the the time after coaching baseball next 46 games and captured the post-season. Gillespie never let the from that moment on and even in other doesn’t in this superb book. teams at Lewis, St. Francis, and school’s first NAIA national title team make excuses as teams they his pocket when he became a coach This is the story of dreams and of Ripon Colleges. in baseball. played early in the season often after his playing career was over. the town that made them possible. The coaching legend amassed Everybody has seen the movies had 10-15 games under their belt. I thoroughly enjoyed this book Filled with unforgettabe 2,402 victories in four sports. Rocky as well as Rudy which are He knew game experiences would which is full of stories about Gordie anecdotes from an innocent age Gillespie was inducted into about overcoming adversity. strengthen the team’s resolve. Gillespie. in America, The Sons of Chester 15 halls of fame and went 55 Babcock’s story is right up Gillespie was a tough coach but • • • recalls a childhood that in some consecutive years (3,371 contests) there. deeply cared about his athletes. He Book: The Sons Of Chester: A sense is the 20th century’s version without missing a game. Gillespie loved the underdog in demanded that his players have full Tale Of Small Town Boys, Baseball, of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. 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Equally important, follow up essential and meaningful process families have in the college rules. regularly with significant updates that will have a significant effect recruiting process will develop These leaders likely have that have “grip” (competition on their future careers and personal increased confidence and clarity as substantial experience in working results, academic, and highlight growth. the college quest unfolds. with former high school prospects video updates, etc.). Tom Kovic is a former Division I Then, laying a strong foundation and will serve as excellent The prospect that practices college coach and Principal Advisor with college recruiting will provide The Search For College resources. “proactive persistence” will grab at Victory Collegiate Consulting, prospects and families with clear The Bigger Picture the college coach’s attention. For further information, visit direction moving forward. for these grants is fierce. Every prospect should get excited Implementing a systematic https://victoryrecruiting.com College coaches use simple Determine Potential Fits about potentially contributing to a Every prospect has an ideal strategies when recruiting worthy college team. college experience waiting for him prospects. Also, it is crucial to look or her and identifying essential Scholarship athletes are typically beyond the 4-year college athletic NCAA Revises Eligibility operatives that define your personal blue-chip, immediate impact experience and identify a school goal is half the battle. Self-awareness athletes. that will position you firmly in your Standards For H.S. Grads is a powerful recruiting tool. Coaches from select college professional field of interest. INDIANAPOLIS — High for the 2020-21 academic year will Furthermore, growing an programs (Ivy, Patriot League, Academic select, “non-athletic school students intending to play be eligible for an automatic initial- appreciation for what potentially and D-3) use a slightly different scholarship institutions,” can NCAA Division I or II sports whose eligibility waiver if they complete appeals to you in college is a great formula when identifying potential offer significant assistance in final semesters of their senior year at least 10 core-course units before place to start. prospects. admissions. were disrupted by the coronavirus starting the seventh semester with at Begin by meeting as a family The evaluation begins in the It is vital that prospects, families, pandemic will have several least a 2.3 (DI) or 2.2 (DII) grade- to identify “college descriptors” classroom and not on the playing and high school advisors clearly pathways to meet the NCAA’s point average in those courses. (academic strength, level of field. understand the role the college initial-eligibility requirements this For students intending to athleticism, geographic location, Coaches are hungry for academic coach plays in this process. year. enroll at Division II schools after and size of the undergraduate information (transcripts, high Furthermore, make every effort Membership committees in both graduating from high school this population) that will help you school profile, and standardized to develop a strong working Divisions I and II reviewed initial- spring or summer, the standard formulate your initial college list. testing) that will help them compute relationship with college coaches eligibility data and determined the will be completion of 10 NCAA- Research a small but equal a rough admissions index. throughout the college search. NCAA would offer flexibility for approved core courses by their number of D-1, 2, and 3 colleges Once prospects pass this hurdle, If you consider the long term incoming student-athletes based seventh semester in high school and their sports programs. coaches aggressively begin the benefits the prospect can receive on research, fairness, equity and a (prior to senior year), with at least Research the team level of sport evaluation. with these college options, it standard of college readiness. a 2.2 grade-point average in those success and dig into a few player NCAA Rules And Procedures makes this potential choice very Students expected to graduate courses. profiles to determine the general Building a college recruiting appealing. from high school in time to enroll These standards will be level of athleticism individual team information base can begin in the Consequently, there will be a in a Division I school for the considered automatic waivers for members play. 9th grade. level of sacrifice that prospects 2020-21 academic year will be both Divisions I and II, which Determine the conference It should be a fun family hobby need to make to reach their goals. academically eligible by earning means these students meeting these they participate in and the team’s that should increasingly grow into Student-athletes who bring a 2.3 grade-point average in 10 criteria are academically eligible strength of schedule. a highly organized, disciplined solid academic credentials to the NCAA-approved core courses, to receive an athletics scholarship, project by the end of the junior year table and can strongly impact an with a combined seven courses in practice and compete in their first Identify Position of Strength in high school. athletics program could bring a very English, math and science, by the year at an NCAA member school.. Begin by asking the question, start of their seventh semester in Students also could qualify using “Do I want to use my strength Commit to understanding and competitive “chip” to the college embracing the NCAA recruiting recruiting game. high school (prior to senior year). the normal Division I standard for as an athlete to gain an athletic These criteria do not require a practice, competition and athletics scholarship, or do I want to rules. Communication These rules will help standardized test score and will not aid (16 core courses with at least leverage my athletic ability to gain Communication is your vehicle apply to students who are expected a 2.3 GPA and a test score that admission to an academically select you streamline your planning that moves your plan forward and organizing into a more to graduate after spring or summer matches their SAT or ACT score) institution?” with a definite purpose. Initiate 2020. or Division II standard (16 core Just over 25 percent of college straightforward and more practical your recruiting project early and format. International students expected courses with at least a 2.2 GPA and athletes qualify for an athletic proactively. to graduate from high school in time a test score that matches their SAT scholarship, and the competition Visit: www.ncaa.org/student- College coaches are bound to athletes/future to preview the to enroll in a Division I or II school or ACT score). Friday, May 1, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 15

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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 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). SECRETS OF PITCHING: The greatest pick-off move ever devised from Mike Maack, mastering command with pitching legend Orel Hershiser, 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 Travis Jewett delves into his hitting system, plus much more. SECRETS OF AMAZING INFIELD PLAY SECRETS OF OUTFIELD PLAY BEST INFIELD DRAG AND TAMP DESIGNS BASEBALL’S GREATEST TRICK PLAYS