Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of Amateur Baseball
Started In 1958 At The Request Of Our Nation’s Baseball Coaches Vol. 62, No. 8 Friday, April 19, 2019 $4.00 Mike Rogers Utilizes Amazing System While the vast majority of high school coaches across the USA don’t interact with coaches who work with their players outside of school, Mike Rogers embraces them to help his players. By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. Editor/Collegiate Baseball
USTIN, Tex. — Mike Rogers is one of the elite head baseball coaches in the nation at Lake Travis High School Ain Austin, Tex. Now in his 27th year as a coach at four different high schools, he recently celebrated his 700th career win. His teams have made the state playoffs 23 times, and he has been picked as Coach of The Year 19 times. Over the years, he has raised over $500,000 by hosting an annual Kickoff The Season Banquet. His ball club this season is 22-1 and ranked No. 1 nationally in the Collegiate Baseball National High School poll presented by Diamond Pro. Part of what makes this coach so smart is his unique philosophy in working with people outside his program. Rogers wants to know precisely what outside coaches and parents have done to refine pitchers, hitters or the defensive skills of his players as they enter his program. He talks to outside coaches and parents as he comes up with a plan for each of his players that will make them better as baseball
See PROGRESSIVE SKIPPER UTILIZES, Page 17 Mike Rogers of Lake Travis H.S. (in black coat) has racked up over 700 wins.
After 24 Games, He Leads Nation In 5 Offensive Categories As He Hits .515 Gonzales Puts Up Staggering Offensive Numbers Aggie hitting star of someone who has the passion keeping my hitting mechanics and will to be a Major League simple.” puts on 30 pounds in player some day. At Cienega High School in a little over a year as He arrived at New Mexico State Tucson, Ariz., he hit .543 his senior 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds. season with 9 doubles, 3 triples and he finds his secret to He transformed his body by 4 home runs. more power. adding 30 pounds of muscle. His He finished his four years at weight shot up to 190 pounds in a Cienega H.S. with a .399 batting By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. little over a year. average, 120 runs scored, 89 RBI Editor/Collegiate Baseball His strength, discipline and work and 45 stolen bases. ethic also played big roles in his “When I got to New Mexico AS CRUCES, N.M. — dramatic improvement from his State, Coach Brian Green changed a New Mexico State’s Nick freshman to sophomore years with few mechanical things that allowed LGonzales is putting up the Aggies. me to improve dramatically and get staggering offensive numbers this Last season as a freshman, he was to the next level. season. the Western Athletic Conference “One of most important changes After 24 games, the Aggie second Freshman of The Year. was getting my back elbow slotted baseman led all NCAA Division I In 57 games, he led the team in my side during the swing. It hitters in batting average (.515), with a .347 batting average while might seem like a small adjustment, runs (43), hits (53), RBI (48) and compiling 17 doubles, 9 home runs but it added significant power. total bases (97). and 36 RBI. “Then it was all about putting in Gonzales was fifth in the nation Those are superb numbers for a the repetitions swing after swing to in home runs (11), fourth in slugging freshman. refine this movement, get stronger percentage (.942) and fourth in on- But he wasn’t satisfied as he and put more muscle on. base percentage (.589). kept working hard at every aspect “In high school I had pretty good For good measure, he also hit 9 of his game. bat speed, but I could never really doubles and walked 18 times. “My dad always taught me to pull the ball hard with backspin. I Defensively, he had only keep things simple in hitting,” said would hit balls hard, but it would committed two errors in 115 Gonzales. have side spin or top spin. chances at second base. “That is what has helped me New Mexico State 2B Nick Gonzales Gonzales is a fascinating study my entire baseball playing career See HARD WORK, Page 2 Inside Collegiate Baseball Web Site: www.baseballnews.com Special Offers From Advertisers Losing Can Be Turned Around Power Of The Lowly Walk Take advantage of these discount Here is how 2 college programs Gary Ward explains how being offers that are only available in this went from lots of losses to national disciplined batter can pave way issue of Collegiate Baseball/Page 3 champions in same year/Page 6 for big hitting success/Page 20 Page Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 German National BB Team Advertiser Directory Seeks Quality U.S. Players Beam Cay/Partac Peat...... 2 Picture Catcher Bat...... 7 FRANKFURT, Germany — The for any player interesting in joining Big League Chew...... 13 Pocket Radar...... 3 German National Baseball team the program. CheapBats.com...... 3 Power Drive Performance...... 7 is seeking skilled U.S. college or • A person with German parents Collegiate Baseball E-Books...... 8 PYT Sports...... 19 high school players for its national will receive a passport. Diamond Pro...... 17 Rawlings...... 27 team, according to Manager Steve • When the grandparents were Diamond Sports...... 15 Scoremaster...... 3 Janssen. German, the important aspect gameSense...... 11 Sports Sensors...... 9 The requirement for participation is the nationality of at least one Glover Scorebooks...... 5 Texas Baseball Ranch...... 25 for Team Germany is German grandparent at the time of the birth Gripedo...... 21 The Strike Plate...... 19 citizenship. parent. Own The Zone...... 9 Wood Bats 4 Sale...... 3 The player must be a passport • If the grandparents were holder or become a citizen until the naturalized after their child was For more information on joining the American Baseball Coaches last day before the tournament. born, a passport would be highly Association, call (336) 821-3140 or see page 28. Adding quality players to the likely. For information on subscribing to Collegiate Baseball, For more information, contact call (520) 623-4530 or see page 23. team will strengthen the team for the upcoming qualification phase Janssen at: janssen@baseball- Find quick links to all our advertisers on www.baseballnews.com for the U23 World Championship softball.de or coachsteve10@gmail. and let them know you saw their products in Collegiate Baseball. and 2020 Olympic Games. com or United States associate The German Federation can Donald Lutz at lutz@baseball- assist with the application process softball.de Hard Work Paves Way For Big Offensive Season Continued From Page 1 was in my system at all times. Highly Disciplined Hitter “He has a very professional Even when I am playing games, Green is in his fifth year as approach. He has 11 home runs so “With that small change in my I will have snacks in the dugout the skipper at New Mexico State far this season. back elbow getting slotted, I could that I eat. and has been a college coach for “But if you watch him take then pull balls with backspin which “I would routinely drink protein 16 years with stops at UCLA and batting practice, rarely will you ever was a big improvement as I drove shakes in the morning and at night. Kentucky. see him hit one out. A righthanded balls with backspin to leftfield, I also ate a lot of oatmeal, a lot of He has seen some remarkable hitter, he hits a lot of balls to right centerfield and rightfield. carbs and protein as well. hitters over the years with none center in BP and a lot of line drives “I had confidence that I could do “At the end of my freshman fall better than A.J. Reed at Kentucky and ground balls as he constantly well at the NCAA Division I level season, I now weighed 175 pounds who became the National Player of works at backing the ball up and of college baseball.” as I put on 15 pounds of muscle in The Year in 2014. putting great swings on the ball.” a few months. Green talked about a moment he Increasing Weight “I have been around some highly Gonzales said he was only 160 “The whole winter break, I was skilled players, but I have never had with Gonzales during the fall of pounds when he arrived at New in the weight room every day for 1 seen a guy sustain the type of his freshman season. Mexico State as a freshman in the 1/2 hours. excellence during the course of “During that fall in 2017, he fall of 2017. “It was tough on my body which season that Nick has,” said Green. could hit the ball the other way. But “It was obvious to me that was constantly sore. But it needed “What makes this season even he kind of pushed the ball. He had I needed to get stronger,” said to be done. If I didn’t do this, I knew more amazing is that he is a no pull power and no backspin to Gonzales. I wouldn’t be a starter my freshman sophomore. the pull side whatsoever. “College athletes are bigger, season in 2018. “He demonstrated some glimpses “I had him do a high tee drill faster and stronger especially on “I had to come back in January of greatness as a freshman in terms one day during the fall as we were the NCAA Division I level. To get showing the coaches I was serious of discipline toward the game, work messing around in the batting cage stronger, I had to eat a lot to put about getting bigger and stronger ethic and approach to the plate. His and asked him to really exaggerate weight on. NICK GONZALES and better. I really wanted to play. physical skills and tools are special. the use of his top hand. “My brother was a middle My brother is much bigger than me. “My coaches wanted me to do He is one of those rare hitters who “He took one particular swing linebacker on the football team He is about 4-5 inches taller and 60 different drills during the Christmas can start his swing late. and just pounded the ball very at Navy. He helped me with off- pounds heavier. break. I did them constantly during “He has legitimate professional differently than he had been. We season workouts when I went back “The goal was to eat 4,000 that time, and it ended up working bat speed. His plate discipline is looked at each other, and I asked home to Tucson. calories a day, and that meant eating out very well. superb. He doesn’t chase after him if he felt that movement. “He helped me tremendously 4-5 meals a day. They didn’t have “Then I added another 15 pitches just off the plate. To hit “A couple of weeks went by as with the food I was eating which to be huge meals. pounds during the past year and over .500 at the midway point of he worked on this new movement, was nutritious and put on muscle. “But I had to make sure food am currently 190 pounds.” the season is remarkable. and I told Nick that he might have some real power. “That certainly has taken place as his bat speed has exploded the #FBN$MBZ¥ &ENCE'UARDS last two years. You don’t see a lot #BTFCBMM%JBNPOE.JY of players do that. 1JUDIFST.PVOE$MBZ :063i0/&45014063$&w $URA0AD “The reason goes back to his )PNF1MBUF$-BZ /N $ECK #IRCLES habits, discipline, nutrition, what *OmFME$POEJUJPOFST '03".&3*$"4 (OLLYWOOD® 3CHUTT® "ASES he works on and his commitment .PVOE#SJDLT to strength. .PVOE5PQ%SFTTJOHT #"4&#"--410354563' 2OGERS® "REAK !WAY "ASES “During batting practice, he 1FSNBOFOU1JUDIFST.PVOE 3OFT 4OUCH "ASES constantly works on how late can he #BUUFST#PY1BET 463'"$&44611-*&4 hit the ball and still drive it. It is a lot 3FE8BSOJOH5SBDLT "OLCO "ASES of right center and line drives. 0ROS #HOICE® !THLETIC &IELD 3TENCILS “We work on that concept with $IAMOND 0RO® &IELD -ARKING %QUIPMENT all our kids. We will put a cone 0AINT #HALK out between home plate and the 3TABILIZER® pitcher and ask our kids not to 0ERMANENT &OUL ,INES (ILLTOPPER® swing until the pitched ball goes 4URF 4OP $RESSING over the cone. $IAMOND $RY® $IVOT 2EPAIR -IXES “It redefines how late they can .AIL $RAGS 3CARIFIERS 7ATERING %QUIPMENT start their swing. The next thing you know, they get shorter with $RAG -ATS #OCOA -ATS 7ATER 2EMOVAL %QUIPMENT their stroke.” )NFIELD 'ROOMING %QUIP 2AKES 3QUEEGEES Green said Gonzales’ focal point is on his body to impact. -OUND "RICKS 8&7&4611-*&%130%6$54 3YNTHETIC 4URF )NFILL 50&7&3:.-#5&". “His rhythm and timing and BP -OUND "UILDING 4OOLS .045.*/03-&"(6&$0--&(&5&".4 2UNNING 4RACK 3URFACES on a daily basis is very slow even though that isn’t necessarily his "ATTERS "OX 4EMPLATES 1-645)064"/%40'508/4 4ENNIS #OURT 3URFACES 4$)00-4803-%8*%& game stride rhythm. He is a little #LEAT #LEANERS "OCCE #OURT 3URFACES quicker in games.” Green said Gonzales’ goal is to "ATTING 0RACTICE 3CREENS 6OLLEYBALL 3URFACES #&". play in the Major Leagues. "ATTING 0RACTICE -ATS XXX#&".$-":DPN ,ONG *UMP 0IT 3AND “His strength has dramatically TBMFT!CFBNDMBZDPN "ACKSTOPS "ACKSTOP 0ADS 3HOT 0UT 3URFACES improved as well as he works 07&3 */'*&-%410354130%6$54 constantly in the weight room to "ATTING #AGES 4UNNELS i'30.#"4&4508*/%4$3&&/w (ORSESHOE 0IT #LAY get stronger. &OUL 0OLES */$-6%*/(3&(*0/"-*/'*&-%.*9&43&%8"3/*/(53"$,4 0LAYERS "ENCHES “Last summer, he had a short #-&/%&%'03&7&3:45"5&$-*."5& stint in the Cape Cod League. He 0ORTABLE 3AFETY &ENCE '30.#6-,1-"/54/"5*0/8*%& "LEACHERS witnessed the premiere players in 2AIN #OVERS "ALL "ARRIER .ETTING the country and came back wanting 5)&45"/%"3%0'&9$&--&/$& to be one of those guys. 7INDSCREENS 7ALL 0ADDING “Hitting over .500 at the halfway point of the season is pretty remarkable.” Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page Collegiate Baseball Take Advantage Of Special The Voice Of Amateur Baseball Offers By Our Advertisers TUCSON, Ariz. — Spring is a great time to assess your equipment Collegiate Baseball (ISSN 0530-9751) is published twice a month needs for the upcoming summer January-May and once in June, July, September and October (14 total issues) by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc., 2515 baseball camps, tournament, N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. Periodicals postage paid at baseball events and next fall’s Tucson, AZ. practices. Numerous advertisers in Collegiate Baseball are offering Postmaster: Send address changes to: Collegiate Baseball new equipment or have special P.O. Box 50566 money-saving offers for you. Tucson, AZ 85703 To find out more about these products, check out the pages of Overnight Mail: 2515 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 this issue or visit our website at www.baseballnews.com for quick Past Publishers: Abe Chanin, Lou Pavlovich, Sr. links listed on the right-hand side Single 1-Year Subscription Rate: $28 for 14 issues. of the front page. It’s an easy way Single 1-Year First Class U.S. Subscription: $45 to shop. Single 1-Year Foreign Air Mail Subscription: $50 Special Team Subscriptions: 11 papers each issue sent to one Our advertisers make it happen, address — $110 (save $198 off the single subscription price), and so please be sure to tell them 21 papers each issue sent to one address — $189 (save $399). you learned about their products Other Multiple Subscription Offers: Please inquire with sub- through Collegiate Baseball. scription department at (520) 623-4530. Gripedo Improves Strength The newest addition to the Directory strength and conditioning equipment is Gripedo, a grip and arm training Area Code (520) device. Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530) This metal ball handle designed Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530 to report stories) piece with a 5/8 hitch pin allows Advertising Director: Diane Pavlovich (Call 623-4530) athletes to use it in multiple ways Subscription Department: (Call 623-4530) to strengthen grip, wrists and Fax Machine: (Call 624-5501) forearms. E-Mail: [email protected] It can be used for supination and Web Site: www.baseballnews.com pronation training for rehab and pre-rehab of elbows and wrists. It also can be used with sand bucket 2019 Publication Schedule exercises. Please visit the website at www. January 4 March 8 May 3 September 6 January 25 March 22 May 17 October 4 gripedo.com to watch several Gripedo Is A Unique Strength Training Device. February 8 April 5 June 14 videos on the various uses. February 22 April 19 July 12 Currently the Arizona Celebrating 10th Year hitters and pitchers, including the Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers Power Drive Performance is Hitters Power Drive, Hitters Power are utilizing this device for its celebrating its 10th anniversary Swing, Pitchers Power Drive and Moving? rehab players, but it also is being with a 20% discount in observance Pitchers Power Stride. used by rock climbers, judo of servicing coaches with its training Visit their website for videos Make Sure CB Moves Along With You! athletes, wrestlers, moto cross aids over the past decade. on how to use and train with their please write us 30 days in advance if To change your address, riders, weightlifters and many other From April 15 to May 15, equipment. you can. Mail to: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper 2019, Collegiate Baseball readers Dept. Address Change athletes. Diamond Sports Offers Several physical therapists and can get the discount by entering Diamond Sports is well-known P.O. Box 50566 PPD10yrANV at the checkout at Tucson, Ariz. 85703 strength and conditioning coaches for its various sports balls, but the are using it as well. www.powerdriveperformance. company also sells numerous other 1. Please print OLD address here. The Original Gripedo (4-inch com products for baseball, including NAME diameter ball handle) is available In the company’s 10 years, it has catcher and umpire equipment. produced 5 ABCA Best of Show STREET APT. # for $129 and comes with a 30-day This Spring, Diamond is offering winners during the coaches’ annual CITY STATE ZIP money back guarantee. 25% off its briefcases, fungos and Collegiate Baseball readers can convention and trade show. They DATE OF get $10 off by using the promo code: have developed products for both See SPECIAL, Page 7 MOVE: BSN when they place an online order. Schools, gyms and teams 2. Please print NEW address here. that want to purchase multiple Official Partner NAME units should email contactus@ gripedo.com with order details for STREET APT. # bulk pricing. If you have additional CITY STATE ZIP questions, please send an email. INTRODUCING
SMART COACH Radar with Companion App BYU’s Cluff Has 9 RBIs ™ SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Jackson In the sixth, he walked and hit a Cluff of Brigham Young had an single in the ninth. incredible game during a 17-4 win All told, the sophomore finished over San Diego. 4-for-4 with 9 RBI, 3 runs scored He collected 9 RBI within the and 2 walks. first five innings of the game alone His 9 RBI game was two off the as he hit a 2-RBI double in the first, BYU single game record. grand slam in the second, an RBI Cuff’s grand slam was the first walk in the fourth and a 2-run RBI of his career. single in the fifth.
CheapBats.com NEW Issue Goes To 1-800-589-HITS Pocket Radar App Wide Circulation Order today TUCSON, Ariz. — This issue have it tomorrow of Collegiate Baseball is being Your Complete Speed & Video Training System brought to you by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Wood Bats 4 Sale Video with Speed for Remote Coaching this publication. woodbats4sale.com This widely distributed issue will Speed Display & Audio Announcement be received by every baseball coach 503.208.2009 in our nation’s high schools, junior Pitchers History Review & Data Export colleges and 4-year institutions. Hate our Bats For more information about Upload Video to Other Apps & Software the ABCA and its offerings to Best Wood & Composite Wood Bats for Serious baseball coaches, please see 28. We FREE SHIPPING Toll Free: 888-381-2672 hope you enjoy reading Collegiate Baseball Teams and Use Code: CB419 Baseball newspaper. *Expires 9-1-2019 PocketRadar.com/SmartCoach Players [email protected] Page Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019
Collegiate Baseball Here Is How To Raise $150,000 A Year The Voice Of Amateur Baseball LAKE CHARLES, La. — The in Lake Charles. Thankfully, the next time someone tells you that economy is pretty good.” raising money for a college or high Around The Horn Cecchini said before the baseball school baseball program is next to season starts, his baseball program impossible, think again. With stages a highly popular auction. Glenn Cecchini, head coach at “I have one of my parents be OPINION Barbe High School (Lake Charles, in charge of it. There are also La.), routinely raises $150,000 subcommittees. Previously, we Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. Lou Pavlovich Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. a year which has allowed his had this auction at the school. But program to build a stunning high now we have it at the convention school stadium along with other center which makes it a much nicer amenities. event. The Topic: The stadium features a finely “The food is donated and can Losing Causes Big Issues manicured field, indoor training be gumbo or other great dishes our Each issue, Collegiate Baseball explores a major facility with four batting cages through trial and error over the last committee wants to do. Each of the development in the world of baseball. This issue’s and two pitching mounds, plus a 32 seasons,” said Cecchini. 36 kids between our varsity and JV editorial explains why fans and members of the beautiful 2,700 square foot locker “When you are going to be a teams are required to secure at least media need to grow up when going after coaches. room. coach, there should be a class taught two items for the auction. We have While many college and high on fund raising. It would help many a silent auction and a live auction as school baseball programs utilize coaches across the nation.” this event kicks off our season. golf tournaments, special dinners Cecchini has led his teams to nine “The more kids you have, the Fans, Media Who Pile with a well known speaker or Louisiana 5A state championships better it will go.” simply ask players to raise a certain while seeing his teams nationally Cecchini said the range of items On Coaches Classless amount of money, Barbe utilizes ranked 25 of the last 26 years. He is always interesting. Losing can destroy people because of the internal pressure four key areas which pump revenue said raising $150,000 a year has “We have had autographed coaches feel as fans and media treat them as lepers. into the program: been a work in progress. items from our pro players to gift Arizona State Head Coach Tracy Smith has been a marvelous Dinner/Auction: $45,000 “We are a 5A school in Louisiana, certificates from foot manicurists. coach for the past 22 years with previous stops at Miami (Ohio) Billboard Sales: $30,000 and there are approximately 2,000 Our kids get businesses to donate and Indiana. Season Ticket Sales: students who come to Barbe. There many of the things. One of my He was hired at Arizona State in 2014 to bring back the success $40,000 are other high schools in Lake former players owns a pawn shop. that allowed ASU to win five national baseball titles. The last came Other Stadium Signage: Charles. We have a private school He donates a rifle every year 38 years ago in 1981. $35,000 and a Catholic school. The reason since hunting is a big activity in It is a subject that Collegiate Baseball tackled in-depth in the He has other revenue streams I bring this up is that we aren’t a Louisiana. last edition as we delved into the trauma Arizona State Head Coach as well such as a golf tournament one school community. If we were “If a player doesn’t get anything Tracy Smith and his family faced over the 2017-2018 seasons. during the summer and parents in that situation, it would be even donated, they can make something. In his first two seasons, ASU went to NCAA Regionals after paying for their sons to be bat boys easier raising money. When my nephew played for me, he posting 35-23 and 36-23 records. during the season. “The challenge is that we have Then the Sun Devils posted its first back-to-back losing seasons “I learned about fund raising approximately 100,000 people See RAISING, Page 5 in school history as ASU went 23-32 in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, ASU finished in 10th place in the Pac-12 Conference while in 2018 ASU finished seventh. Several players quit the team or were asked not to come back because they were cancers to the program. The media portrayed Letters To The Editor these player losses as a program in shambles which was far from the truth. Fans, Media Can Be Vicious John Smith U.S. Thank you very much for writing about how 17 Mockingbird Lane Mail During these two years, ASU fans turned into attack dogs with Pullman, WA 99164 their verbal comments during games and via e-mail to Smith’s vicious fans can be, as well as the media, when office. teams lose (April 5, 2019 edition). One person even sent an e-mail that threatened physical harm I was shocked at how Head Coach Tracy Smith Collegiate Baseball to him as he reported it to police. was treated the past two years after Arizona State P.O. Box 50566 He even received vicious e-mails from several community had its first back-to-back losing seasons in school Tucson, AZ 85703 leaders which were totally out of line. history. He was booed at home games by ASU fans, and members of It bothered me that ASU fans actually booed the media questioned what he did as a coach. this coach during the past season during games. In one instance, he was sent a threatening e-mail You can also The worst situation was when he went to an ASU booster club FAX letters to event and was verbally attacked with questions about his program that he gave to police in case something happened the editor or which was highly inappropriate. to him. E-Mail them: The question is why? On another occasion, he went to a booster club meeting and was verbally attacked. On other FAX: E-Mail: Why do otherwise normal people treat coaches who don’t win (520) 624-5501 [email protected] like criminals? occasions, people who were highly respected in Is it strictly the frustration of not winning or genuine hate for the community would write nasty e-mails. Collegiate Baseball welcomes letters from that coach? He should be commended for keeping his cool readers. Letters must include the writer’s Have any of these people who kick these people when they are and not lashing back at all of these idiots. name, address and telephone number. We at a low in life ever consider what their actions do to the coaches’ If people bothered to look at his track record reserve the right to condense or reject any family? of building programs over the years, they would letter and to limit frequent writers. The families of coaches involved in situations like this can’t find a brilliant coach who has a precise plan even sit in the stands to watch games because some idiot is likely for elevating not only the quality of athlete he attack coaches during difficult times. to rip the person they love. brings in but the quality of person which is just Just because you buy a ticket or work for In this case, Smith’s protective sons saw some vicious comments as important. the media doesn’t give you the right to go after on Twitter and responded to them. But Tracy put a stop to this The backbone of this team are a bunch of someone in my book. because those types of people are not important in life. So why talented sophomores who learned the ropes It would be nice if people examined why the respond. of playing college baseball last season as team is struggling. Over the years, we have heard numerous stories about coaches freshmen. Were there problems with injuries, players being treated poorly when things go south in the way of wins and There was a lot of growing up and learning to refusing to go to class or getting caught with losses. do as they figured out what they needed to do to drugs or drinking too much, showing up on time It just isn’t right. be competitive on this level. to practice, weight training and the like? On our Mount Rushmore of great coaches, they all had special Within this story was the suffering that his wife No team that I have ever coached has had qualities that made them servant leaders as they took care of their and kids went through. a bunch of choir boys who did everything players above everything else. Many coaches are like this. They obviously care a great deal for him and perfectly. We hope at Collegiate Baseball that fans of teams come to their had a difficult time dealing with all the criticism, It has been my experience that coaches don’t senses at some point and back their ball clubs to the hilt without media attacks and negativity. suddenly become terrible at their craft. Good focusing on losses so much. When I grew up, if I did something at school coaches continue to learn and get better at teaching It would be a wonderful change by society. where I got punished, I would be in serious trouble and finding ways to get the most out of their at home. My parents backed people in authority players as they mold good men for society. because that was the way it was. Lost in this story is the remarkable patience that Today, so many young people feel entitled to his athletics director had during those two seasons UOTE do whatever they want without consequences. as he undoubtedly had intense pressure to fire him Unquote” There also are a lot of great young people who from fans and members of the media. “Q do everything the right way as well. “Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s When good administrators see great people success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the Tom Wilkins leading their program, they see what benefits the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball Indianapolis, IN. program will ultimately receive. Patience is not is.” something many administrators have today. — Bob Feller Attack Dog Mentality I hope you print a collection of stories from I couldn’t stop reading the story of Arizona coaches who have faced losing situations and “Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the State’s Tracy Smith in the last issue (April 5, what they had to go through. It is a fascinating trade-off they’re making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it 2019). subject. as punishment. And that’s the difference.” It’s time for fans and members of the media to Jeff Byrd — Lou Holtz really take a hard look at themselves when they Glendale, AZ Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page Raising $150,000 Is A Piece Of Cake For Cecchini Continued From Page 4 my wife Raisa who is a superb workout complex. coach in her own right. So we had “Facing another street, we have made a beautiful gun rack. It was games in this fashion which were five signs there that sell for $3,000. really nice. Other people have made essentially intersquad games. But So that is another $15,000. cutting boards, crawfish tables. We it was spiced up a bit with another “You will have people who will have a wide variety of items that coach on the other side. give the baseball program between people love to look through and “This concept led to three games $150-$300 each year. We have 2 bid on. each year prior to the season. foot x 3 foot signs on the back of “It isn’t just sports items. My Opposing coaches pay $1,500 each our stadium and sell about 100 of sons (who are in pro baseball) to be in this event. That brings in them for $250 each. always donate a bat. One time we another $4,500. “These signs are made of metal had a football autographed by every Billboard Money and made by a sign company. Our football player from LSU after they Another revenue stream are baseball players are asked to sell had won the national championship. billboards just beyond the left field three each. We have a Mexican restaurant that home run fence at Barbe’s baseball “That is another $25,000. We donates fajitas and other food for field. Each measures 12 feet high also have another group of 100 2 eight people. and 25 feet wide. foot x 3 foot signs that are in a less “One time we had four LSU “These are similar to billboards traveled area that we sell for $150 football season tickets at the 50 you see on highways and main each. We also have 4 foot x 8 foot yard line with free parking. For all roads all across the country. We signs that sell for $1,000 each. of our items, we have a minimum have two billboards stacked on top “That usually adds another bid. We have had barbecue pits of each other which faces the field. $30,000-$40,000 to the program donated. We have had car washes They list our state championships depending on how many we sell.” donated for an entire year. We also Barbe H.S. Head Coach Glenn Cecchini and accomplishments, and we call Cecchini said that in some cases, have had fishing trips and hunting them the ‘intimidator’. his baseball players sell a billboard Barbe baseball players. He got the trips at a lodge. raiser that was initiated by a local “We have six other billboards for $5,000 or a sign for $3,000. first pick. Then we went back and “We have had a vacation to icon named Joe Miller. which we rent for $5,000 each a “If they do that, then they aren’t forth picking players as each team casinos in Louisiana. There was “Joe is famous in our community. year for a total of $30,000.” required to sell three of the 2 foot a vacation to the Bahamas a few He built the 210 bridge in Lake was chosen. x 3 foot signs. They don’t have years ago. There are some kids and Charles. He also built our dressing “Then we had the game complete Other Advertising Signs to get auction items and they get parents who go beyond what we ask room. He had the idea of coaching with umpires. As the head coach of Cecchini said that another sign free season tickets and other extra as some give more auction items to against me to bring in money and one team, he also had the option of that is 10 feet tall by 20 feet wide stuff, including shirts and a hat, help the program. help pay for the dressing room. So picking a couple of my assistant sells for $3,000 a year which goes for going beyond what they were “One business in Lake Charles the plan was to have a draft of our coaches as well. One year he picked on the indoor hitting/pitching/ asked to do.” donates a service where they pick up a person and take them for horse drawn carriage ride into the city. That is very popular. “One thing I do is make great lasagna. The recipe came from my Italian grandmother who was born in Italy. This feeds up to 12 people at our house and includes wine, salad, hors d’oeuvres and dessert. That usually goes for about $1,500- $2,000. “In short, we made $45,000 on our auction last season. We found Trusted For the best time to have it was around December 9 which is just before Christmas. People are in a much Over more giving spirit at that time of year. We found that people would give our program Christmas gifts. 46 Years Through trial and error, we found that having it on a Tuesday or Thursday night was ideal due to church events taking place on Wednesdays and basketball games being on Fridays.” Cecchini said the cost to run the action/dinner is usually about $3,000 which includes the services of an auctioneer. “Someone pays for the auctioneer, and the food is donated. Everything we make is pure profit. One thing I must stress is that this event should take place before the season starts. If you have it after the season starts, you can get disgruntled parents. Or if a player is not getting enough playing time, the kid might not help with the auction. I have learned these things through the years.” Unique Fund Raisers Bat boys are utilized at Barbe High School. But at a price. Each of these young men get a T-shirt which says Bat Boy At Barbe For A Game. That goes from $300-$500. “If we have 20 home games, we will sell at least 15 of them. Just about every game is sold out. Let’s say we sell 15 at $300 each, that is $4,500 right there. Last season we had 23 bat boys. So we made $5,000 on our bat boys alone.” Cecchini said his school allows birthday parties at the baseball field, complete with access to the announcer’s mic and PA system for $500 a shot. “Usually we do three of those a year. So that’s another $1,500.” Coaching Against Coach Cecchini said that he is particularly proud of another fund Page Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 How To Stop Losing If Your Team Is Mired In A Rut, Here Are Techniques To Save Season By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. new players. The prognosticators we got to the final four weeks of the Editor/Collegiate Baseball going into the season predicted us season, it was the first time all year (Final Of A 2-Part Series) to be a College World Series team we were healthy. Our rookies now again. were veteran players. To win it all, LOS ANGELES — When losing “There was a certain level of everything came together. Those becomes a cancerous condition expectations from that stand point. last four weeks was the healthiest within a baseball team, the operative We started off with 10 straight wins. we had been all year. word then becomes survival. Then after that, we hit some really “I told our 2016 team in our first Baseball routinely has longer tough stretches. We had a number of team meeting to reflect back to last seasons than any other sport with different injuries we dealt with as a season. It was the classic story of more games. coaching staff. Halfway through the a team that showed it would not And how teams handle trying season, our No. 1 starting pitcher throw the towel in. They hung in times during the season determines Nathan Kirby went down with a there no matter what. There was their fate. lat strain. that change if we kept at it, then Teams can move forward “The coaching staff knew going everything might turn our way. with renewed vigor, level off into the season that the numbers on “We went to North Carolina for or go backwards without ever our team were pretty low with 29 our last ACC series of the season recovering. players. So we realized in the first and swept them. If we didn’t win In part two of this story about semester we had to develop some that series, we might not have been losing, we delve into what versatility with some of our guys. in the ACC Tournament. And we techniques can be used to turn “We turned one of our pitchers probably wouldn’t have been in around potential powder kegs with into an outfielder/first baseman. We the NCAA Tournament as well. We teams. knew if we had some injuries, that had to sweep them at their place to During the 2004 season, Cal. flexibility would be important. Then finish seventh in our final regular St. Fullerton started with a 15-16 we were hit hard with injuries, and season conference standings! record after 31 games and were on it was incredibly challenging from “We won our first game of the pace to become the worst team in a coaches’ perspective. But in the ACC Tournament. Then we didn’t school history. end, it was the most rewarding.” win another game as we lost three Head Coach George Horton O’Connor explained what the straight. was perplexed. He had tried every coaching staff did to help players “How often does the seventh physical and mental technique he perform better without them losing place team in a league go 1-3 in knew to turn around this team. But confidence as players certainly the conference tournament and pressed which causes problems then go on to win the national nothing worked. Brian O’Connor Led Virginia To Title Despite Tough Times. So he brought in Ken Ravizza, when players are trying too hard. championship?” an internationally acclaimed these concepts. amazing comebacks in college “We had coaching staff meetings Goes Through Gauntlet performance consultant who co- “They talked about the process, baseball history in 2015. every day. And frankly, we threw Virginia was still picked to be in authored the book Heads-Up discussed Titan baseball and O’Connor led the Cavaliers everything out there in the quest the NCAA Tournament, but they Baseball with Tom Hanson. talked about getting to the next to their first national baseball to get through this. We constantly would have to travel across the A professor in the Kinesiology pitch. I think it was very important championship at the College World talked about how we could put country to play in California for a department at Cal. St. Fullerton when you talk about high level Series. ourselves in a position to get in the Regional. who has worked many years with performance. It is a matter of Due to injuries, Virginia lost NCAA Tournament? The Cavaliers would go on a 10- pro and college baseball teams as managing the moment. Instead of 8 of 11 games at one point. They “We explored whether we needed 2 run against arguably the toughest well as other sports, Ravizza was looking at the big picture, just take went through periods where they to change our practices. There was lineup of teams in the tournament. involved in one of the greatest care of the moment of how I am lost 4 in a row twice and 3 in a row a period of time when we only had “At this point, knowing we turnarounds in college baseball going to get from here to there. three times. 11 healthy position players. It was had to travel across the country to history. “When you confront crisis, Because of the injury epidemic, during that time that we made the California to play in a Regional, it “During the season, there are amazing things happen afterword Virginia trotted out 31 different decision to contact the club team reminded me of our 2009 Virginia always thunderbolts that hit,” said to many people. The Chinese starting lineups over a 61-game at our school and see if they had team that was our first team to make Ravizza, who passed away last have the term for it, and they span, and Cavalier position players any players who could help us out. it to the College World Series. July. even have symbols for crisis. combined to miss 146 games in We actually had tryouts with four “That year, we finished sixth “When I became involved that One is opportunity and one is 2015. of the better players on that team. during the regular season of the season, they (Cal. St. Fullerton) danger. A lot of times we just talk Entering the last ACC series Keep in mind this was in the midst ACC, went to U.C. Irvine Regional were ripe fruit. I came in at exactly about opportunity. But there is also of the season at North Carolina, of our season. where U.C. Irvine was the No. 1 the right time. They were ready danger. The Fullerton baseball team Virginia was only 12-15 in league “We ended up keeping two of team in the nation. We had to beat for what I had to say. It was one in 2004 could have ended up being action and in serious danger of not those players - a catcher and an Stephen Strasburg of San Diego of those things where the coaches the worst team in school history. even qualifying for the 10-team infielder. At that time, our starting St. in our opening game. Then we were only telling the players what There was a chance they wouldn’t ACC tournament. catcher Robbie Coman was hurt, faced Fresno St., the defending they were doing wrong. The players turn it around. I told them they were If they stumbled and were swept, and catcher Matt Thaiss was hurt. national champion. were frustrated that they are doing facing this reality, and I didn’t sugar they would not have qualified and We were one more injury away “For the 2015 club, the best thing it wrong. I remember after hearing coat it. been out of consideration for the from having the catcher from the that could of happened was playing George (Horton) and his staff talk “It’s not like the book, The NCAA Tournament. club team play for us. We had the away from home in a Regional. We for about 10 minutes, I asked him, Secret, where if you believe, you Virginia swept North Carolina same situation with our infield. So didn’t have any pressure and went ‘George, are they doing anything will achieve and everything works on the road and had a 15-15 ACC we tried to hold on until we could out to California very loose. We right?’ He said, ‘Yes, we are fielding out. Reading that book is like going record — seventh best in the league. get healthy. didn’t have anything to prove. the ball.’ to Disneyland. It ain’t that simple. But then the Cavaliers suffered “We really tried to stay positive “But we didn’t have anything “I said, ‘OK, let’s build on The thing I have learned from the through a 1-3 record at the ACC as a coaching staff. We said we to lose. Our mantra during those that.’ That was the first thing. The military guys is that you may have Tournament. have what we have, and we must final four weeks was that our guys next day, I sat the team down and some anxiety, but you have to The coaching staff never lost make it work. We were a little earned the right to play today. challenged them by telling them focus that anxiety and sharpen your faith and kept hammering home creative in what we did with our “They hung in there and found a that they were the worst team in sword with it and use it toward your the point that a late season run was pitching. When Nathan Kirby went way to get it done and continued to Cal. St. Fullerton baseball history, advantage. possible. down, we had to bounce Josh Sborz have the right to play another day which they were. They had the “The 2004 Titan baseball team Then something magical around between starting and closing in the NCAA Tournament. I talked worst record (15-16) and had lost became one of the best teams I have happened. games. to them a lot over those four weeks to teams that this program had ever been involved with in getting The Cavaliers were shipped to “If he didn’t close one of the about everything we were able to never lost to. to the next pitch and being prepared California for its Regional where first two games of a series, then do was a reward. It was a reward “I told them they had an to win the next pitch. It took several they won three straight against we would start him game three. because they didn’t pack it in. opportunity to have the greatest times a week talking with them Southern California, San Diego St. Historically, we don’t like to do that “They didn’t say it just wasn’t our turnaround in Cal. St. Fullerton from halfway through the season and Southern California again. and really never have. But in this year. They didn’t let that happen. history. Then we got back to all the way to the end. Then at its Super Regional, situation, we had to do what was in Even with the greatest of programs, focusing on the process instead of “The 2004 Fullerton ball club Virginia swept Maryland two the best interests of our team. We you see sometimes a year where outcomes and focusing on doing the experienced the happy ending straight. talked to the players about grinding there is a blip on the screen that they little things, focusing on the small as they went 32-6 the rest of the At the College World Series, it out, and that we would be in a lot don’t make an NCAA Regional. So steps. With that particular group, season after a 15-16 start and won they won their bracket and won of close ball games. The coaches we go out to California, and our they were able to get it turned the national championship. But I two of three over Vanderbilt for the mentioned that some of the players team was loose and carefree. We got around.” still haven’t let go of the 2004 Long national title as the team went 10-2 needed to be a little bit better. great pitching out there. This also “At the beginning of the season, Reinforcing Concepts Beach St. team that didn’t make it in NCAA tournament play. was the first time all season that we Ravizza said only a handful of to the College World Series that I Expectations Huge we were relying on a handful of were healthy from a position player players had been involved in one worked with as well. There is no “To get a total perspective on true freshmen from a position standpoint and our entire pitching of his classes prior to this point in magic to this. Too many people what happened, you have to go player standpoint. Right out of the staff except Nathan Kirby who only Kurt Suzuki, Ricky Romero, Jason believe that if you do A, B and back to what the expectations were gate, we had true freshmen hitting would be able to help us late at the Windsor, plus others. They knew C, you will be a champion. That coming into the start of the season,” in the middle of the lineup for us. College World Series. who I was and were comfortable simply isn’t the case.” said O’Connor. We knew if we could hang in there “When we got to California, with me. From there, it was an issue Virginia Overcomes Losses “We finished second in the nation that the injured players would be our coaches and players had the of the coaches, Rick Vanderhook, Virginia Head Coach Brian in 2014 and lost a lot of players off back late in the season. Plus our mindset that we finally had all our Dave Serrano and most importantly O’Connor and his coaching staff that team. But we still had plenty freshmen would have a lot more George Horton, really reinforcing orchestrated one of the most of good players back and some fine experience and be a lot better. When See HAVING FUN, Page 9 Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page Special Offers Are Presented By Our Advertisers Continued From Page 3 the Pro Duffle (all colors) until May 31, 2019. The fungos are made of pro- grade wood with 2 5/16” barrel and come in 33-inch or 35-inch. The Pro Duffle is great for coaches and players. It has one bat sleeve, large compartments, a vented cleat compartment, water-resistant side pocket for personal items and comes in 6 colors. U s e p r o m o c o d e Diamond Sports is offering special prices for 3 products. COLLEGIATE25 at checkout on www.diamonddugout.com to Players can literally sit on the at (936) 588-6762 or visit www. purchase these items. Not available couch and use an iPhone, iPad or TexasBaseballRanch.com and click for back orders. New orders only. laptop computer watch thousand on TBR Summer Program. All sales are final. of pitches from all types of pitchers The Extended Stay Summer For more information about through the gameSense Pitch IQ. Program is limited to the first 60 Diamond’s baseball products, The program is designed to improve pitchers who register. A full refund please visit www.diamond-sports. a hitter’s pitch recognition, pitch is offered for any cancellation com tracking and vision. 2 weeks prior to the start of the The company has recently scheduled session. The Strike Plate Discount introduced a new Hit Station mode New Pocket Radar System When it comes to teaching to its program where players can pitchers at any level how to stay out The Pocket Radar company train with a bat in their hands. A introduced the Smart Coach Radar of the center of the strike zone and batting tee can be set up and the gameSense has a new hit station mode for pitch recognition. hit the small spots, The Strike Plate with companion app earlier this batter can watch a video of a pitcher year. is one of the best training tools. projected on a wall and swing the • Review mechanics and results items. A 2016 Best of Show winner at The product is an affordable, with speed embedded in video In early April, the company bat at the ball on the tee if they so complete speed and video training the ABCA convention, the device is desire. • Capture and share video with offered 25% off Gamer XLE gloves easy to set up and pitchers can learn system that empowers athletes and speed for remote coaching and 30% off its latest catcher’s The company is currently coaches with the ability to create precise pitch placement without a offering a 20% discount off any • Share videos of results/ gear. coach or catcher. It automatically and share a digital record of their improvement socially to friends, Rawlings offers a Rewards Annual Team Membership Plan. progress. trains a pitcher to throw the ball Use discount code: CBN2019 coaches and recruiters Program for its customers as well. precisely to the corners of the strike By providing actionable insights • Upload your videos to other By signing up via the website, when ordering. The offer expires into important metrics like hitting zone and away from the middle of 9/15/19. training/recruiting software and parents, players or coaches can the strike zone, which is exactly the exit velocities and pitch speeds, apps accumulate points — 1 point for To learn more, visit www. coaches and athletes can optimize skill needed to become a successful gamesensesports.com • Flexible power options for every $1 spent. For 250 points, pitcher. their techniques and methods to extended operating times customers get $10 off any of The Strike Plate can be used by Pitching Camp Savings get better results in the new era of • Works with rugged outdoor Rawlings’ 5,000 products. Also all ages and is easy to transition College-level pitchers wishing to athletic training. Smart Display the points never expire. from indoors to outdoors. attend the Extended Stay Summer The combination of the Smart The Smart Coach Radar and Additionally, the Rewards From now until May 31, 2019, Program at the Ron Wolforth’s Texas Coach Radar with the Pocket Radar app, which received a 2019 Best Program can be managed online Collegiate Baseball readers can Baseball Ranch in Montgomery, TX app (available on iOS and Android) of Show Award at the ABCA through the website get $10 off any order by using the can save up to $300 if they register allows coaches to access many convention, is available through It’s a great way to save money Coupon Code CB19 at the checkout before April 30, 2019. advanced features not available www.PocketRadar.com and on baseball products for individual on www.TheStrikePlate.com For Savings are available for 2 week with other radar guns, such as: Amazon or call (888) 381-2672. players or a team. to 8 week sessions and other special • Instant feedback with remote more information, call (931) 732- The cost is $399.99. Sign System Discount 4277. sessions. speed display and audio speed Throughout the summer, The announcement Rawlings Discounts Own The Zone, a wristband gameSense Special Pricing Ranch offers extensive strength • Track results over time with It is worth the time to periodically sign system, is used by over 700 The key to becoming a great and conditioning workouts, instant history review and data check Rawlings Sports Goods’ colleges, including 20 NCAA hitter is learning to recognize assessments in various aspects of export website, www.rawlings.com national champions. the arm movements and types of pitching, mind/grit training and a • Get speeds instantly and record Throughout the year, the company This easy to use sign system pitches that are coming your way. personalized throwing protocol for video with embedded speeds at the features various products and The pitch recognition system by each pitcher. same time offers special discounts on selected See SPECIAL, Page 19 gameSense is proving to be an To get more information, effective way to teach this concept contact the Texas Baseball Ranch to hitters.
Picture Catcher Bat® is the ultimate gift for all ages to hold your favorite pictures, baseball cards, recipes in the kitchen, glory day photos, concert tickets, business cards, holiday cards and major league ticket stubs. Ball Catcher Bat® is the All Star way to display your most memo- rable baseballs! Protect your autographed game day, home run, first pitch or any special ball and proudly display it at the same time. Make it a grand slam by adding an engraved name or logo! They’re the perfect gift for all ages! And, special souvenirs for players to remember a great season!
MICHAEL HAGERTY 1-774-284-1002 @PictureCatcherB Page Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019
Now Available By Popular Demand 7 Amazing E-Books For Sale! Secrets Revealed In Each Of These Important Areas Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Secrets Of Pitching Great Hitters Great Coaches Playing Infield Play The Outfield With T.J. Bruce
By Collegiate Baseball
(1) SECRETS OF PLAYING THE OUTFIELD (NEW!): In-depth teaching system utilized by the best outfield coach in history, Sam Suplizio. He worked in pro baseball for nearly 50 years, and his thoughts on teaching outfield play are carried in this special e-book. Good defensive outfield play is one of the most important and most exciting phases in the game of baseball. Yet, it is rarely stressed and seldom taught properly. Learn all of Sam’s tricks of the trade with this 20-page publication which covers every type of scenario an outfielder will face.
(2) SECRETS OF PITCHING: Loads of information on pitching, including the greatest pickoff move ever devised by Mike Maack, mastering command with Orel Hershiser, why sniper focus is crucial in pitching, the future of pitching with Butch Thompson, why resilience is a must with Ken Ravizza, velocity improvement strategies with Ron Wolforth, secrets of deception with Perry Husband, video analysis and a look at Tony Robichaux’s remarkable system at Louisiana Lafayette.
(3) SECRETS OF GREAT HITTERS: Philadelphia Phillies’ Hitting Coach John Mallee taps into wealth of data which vividly shows how hitters are most efficient in launch angles for production. Professional Hitting Coach Pete Lauritson utilizes unique program that produces 18 mph exit speed gains. Tulane skipper Travis Jewett delves into his system which has produced many great hitters over the years.
(4) SECRETS OF AMAZING INFIELD PLAY: This is the system Coach T.J. Bruce used for 5 years as an assistant at UCLA as he helped the Bruins to the 2013 national title. Now the head coach at the University of Nevada, he explains how your infielders can be outstanding with his precision teaching system.
(5) SECRETS OF GREAT COACHES: Six in-depth articles involving coaching techniques, team chemistry, value of the walk, ex- treme hustle, innovations, plus much, much more. (6) BEST INFIELD DRAG & TAMP Best Infield Drag DESIGNS: Famous Rosenblatt Sta- Baseball’s dium (Omaha, Neb.) groundskeeper Greatest Trick & Tamp Designs Jesse Cuevas gives complete plans on how to build both which was used Plays Of All Time for many years at the College World Series.
(7) BASEBALL’S GREATEST TRICK PLAYS: Trick plays have been a fun part of baseball since the game’s birth over a century ago. Diabolical coach- es over the years have dreamed up wild plays that have worked extremely well and caused outcomes to change, momentum to shift and opponents to scream bloody murder. Produced by Collegiate Baseball, each of these e-books is available for only $5. If you purchase five ($25), you will receive two for free and will get all seven! You must provide an e-mail address to receive these special e-books. Order Immediately: www.baseballnews.com Once there, look on the right side of the page and scroll down until you see the 7 Amazing E-Books offer. Click on the ad. Then decide what you want. Or Call at (520) 623-4530 to place your order. Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page Veale, Laird Celebrate 1,000 Wins Having Fun Just Might Be TUCSON, Ariz. — Three NAIA coaches hit career wins milestones Magic Tonic That Cures All recently. Continued From Page 6 “Then when we went out to the William Penn’s Mike Laird and practice field or a game, we were Mount Nazarene’s Keith Veale players healthy except one. Now all more thoughtful and calculated both reached 1,000 wins while The we had to do was get hot. in our approach toward the team Master’s Monte Brooks captured “The talent was there. And that’s in how we would deal with our his 700th victory. pretty much what happened as we players. Veale captured his 1,000th win won the Regional, Super Regional “We really learned a lot as a when his team defeated Indiana and then the national title. coaching staff as far as managing Wesleyan, 11-3. MVNU was “In our Regional, we had to beat ourselves. trailing 2-0 in the 8th inning when Southern California twice and San “We had been used to a lot of the team rallied to score 7 runs in Diego St. success over the previous 12 years that inning and 4 in the ninth. “Then we had to beat a very fine at Virginia. Veale took over as head coach Maryland team twice in the Super “Over those 12 years, we haven’t of Mount Vernon Nazarene in Regional. They had knocked off been swept in series very often. In 1990 and his teams have won No. 1 national seed UCLA on the 2014, we went to Virginia Tech. and nine conference championships, KEITH VEALE MIKE LAIRD road the week prior. were swept three straight. four conference tournament After dropping an 8-7 decision to University to win 10-0. “Then at the College World “Then at home, we were swept Tennessee Wesleyan, the Fire have In the seven inning, mercy Series, we played Florida three by Louisville. We definitely learned since gone 19-1 heading into the rule game, he threw five 1-2-3 times and Vanderbilt three times the value of patience. In the sport NAIA NOTES month of April. innings. He also tied his season- as well. of baseball, that is vital. The Fire are ranked in the Top high strikeouts in a game with eight “It was a gauntlet of great teams “All of our players are on different championships and five NCCAA 10 of nine hitting categories and and walked just one batter. we had to beat. tracks with their development. World Series championships. He are leading the NAIA in hits per Seile is 4-1 with 29 strikeouts “We got really hot at the right Showing patience as they develop is the first coach at the school to game (11.9), home runs per game and was named NAIA National time and did something very individually and having patience in win 1,000 career victories and (1.84), runs scored per game (10.5), Pitcher of the Week. special. There were several teams the development of the team can’t one of eight active NAIA coaches, batting average (.366) and slugging LHP Jean Mutaner of Science & that could have won it in Omaha. be minimized. including Laird. percentage (.617). Arts of Oklahoma held Panhandle Vanderbilt could have along with “That’s what we were dealing Veale’s career record is 1,000- The pitching staff also has been State hitless over nine innings to Florida and LSU. with last season. It tested our 515. outstanding and posted a 2.95 team win 9-0. “There were some special teams patience, no doubt about it.” Laird has had a storied career ERA which had them in the Top 5 of Mutaner struck out nine and in Omaha that were right there. But The 2015 season turned out at William Penn as he has guided the NAIA statistics and they lead in allowed three walks. He retired the we happened to be the hottest team to be one of the greatest learning the Statesmen to ten league titles total batters struck out (355). Aggies in order through 3.2 innings during that stretch and played the experiences for O’Connor and his and 21 post-season tournaments. of the game and needed only 90 best during that two week span. coaching staff. In 2004, he took the team to the Home Run Barrage pitches to complete the game. “When we went on that great “It collectively was a remarkable NAIA World Series and was named The Master’s College hitters On the season, he is 7-1, 1.89 run at the end of the year, we as a coaching odyssey for all of us NAIA Region VII Coach of the dominated Menlo (CA) by hitting ERA, 53 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. coaching staff really tried to focus because it taught us how to deal Year. That 2004 team also won the 8 home runs over a doubleheader He ranks fifth among NAIA pitchers on having fun. with difficult situations. most games in any of his 36 years to win 11-7 and 10-6. The two with most wins and was named “I know a lot of people say that. “There was no question that it with 48 victories. victories extended the Mustangs’ SAC Pitcher of the Week. But our guys really embraced it. We was a great learning experience for He has sent 50 players on to win-streak to nine games that did a lot of things to make it a fun, the entire coaching staff. either be drafted by Major League included four doubleheader sweeps Doubles His Numbers loose environment. That helped “You look at things totally teams or signed to professional over recent weeks. IF Will Law of William Jessup tremendously. different as a player than the way contracts. Three of his pitchers SS Aaron Shackelford ended the doubled his season’s home run “Even in Omaha at the College you see it as a coach. Everything we made it to the majors. day with a combined 5-for-8 with total in one series against St. World Series, I made a conscious went through and how our players Laird’s career record is 1,000- two home runs (one a grand slam) Katherine. effort to be loose, patient and enjoy handled it was amazing. 565-3. and 5 RBI. He now has 17 homers The senior went 7-for-11 (.636) the moment because the players “We grew and learned as coaches Brooks has guided The Master’s for the season. with five home runs and 11 RBI, see that. through the experience. It made me baseball team since 1997 and he Roy Verdejo blasted three including a season-high 5 RBI “We tried everything as coaches a better coach and better person posted his 700th win when the homers while RF Will Batz slugged game. in 2015 when we struggled and even in handling situations and dealing Mustangs defeated San Diego a homer in each game. 1B/C Byron During the off-season, Law yelled at times at our players. with young people. Christian, 4-1 and 3-2 to complete Smith also launched a homer in the underwent surgery and has come “But we stopped short of going “While it is always great to a four-game sweep. second game. back to become a key component absolutely crazy. win a lot of games in a season, No Hitters in the Warriors’ lineup. Continues Winning Ways He earned Golden State Athletic “That’s why those staff meetings sometimes you learn the most when Southeastern (FL) stayed on top Senior Pitcher Philip Sieli tossed every day were so helpful because we are put in difficult, challenging a no-hitter against St. Andrews of the NAIA poll with a 34-4 record. See GREAT HITTING, Page 10 it let us let things out. positions.” The Ultimate Hitting Aid RADAR TEE™ “Best Of Show” Award Winner at 2016 American Baseball Coaches Association Convention
Optimize your swing efficiency to maximize ball exit velocity. Measure both with the RADAR TEE! • Maximize ball exit velocity by optimizing swing speed USE COUPON CODE: CBN19 and efficient energy transfer to the ball. • Train to hit hard line drives. • Develop bat control and directivity to hit balls into gaps. • Swing in an optimum plane for best hard contact probability. • Proudly made in the USA. wristbandsigns.com wristbandsigns.com
Powered by Powered by Own The Zone Sports Own The Zone Sports
Sign Up Now And Receive Renew Now And Receive Immediate Access Immediate Access (888) 542-9246 www.sportssensors.com WWW.OWNTHEZONESPORTS.COM Page 10 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Part 2: More On Balls That Go Into Dead Ball Territory ANSONIA, Conn. — In this go to MLB.com, April 30, 2018, Because the throw is the “first on the same play. ball has stopped rolling or it is clear Part II involving deflected balls, COL@CHC, “Zobrist hits double play,” the runner can only be The umpires awarded Baretto that the ball will not roll into dead I’ll cover batted balls that deflect off Arenado’s glove.” awarded third base, two bases second base. A’s manager Bob ball territory and a new impetus is off infielders that go into dead Deflections Not Plays from his original base at the start Melvin wanted to know why Baretta applied to the ball by a defensive ball territory and pitched balls that The deflection itself is not a play of play which is when the pitch is wasn’t awarded third base? player, the awards are two bases deflect off the catcher and go into and does not affect the “first play” delivered. To the satisfaction of Melvin, from the time of the act. dead ball territory. or “second play” in the infield rule. When the throw into DBT is the umpires (Gerry Davis, Ryan Under the Pro rule, there must Unless noted, the Pro, NCAA See Pro rule 5.06 (b) (4) (G) and the “second play” in the infield, Anderson, Pat Hoberg and Brian be intent to deflect when awarding and NFHS rule is the same. sections 19-20 of the 2018 MLB all runners are awarded two bases Knight) huddled and decided to bases at the time of the act. Deflected Balls Umpire Manual. from their position on the bases at place Baretta at third base. Under the NCAA rule, intent is The Rockies and Cubs played at Regarding throws from the the time of the throw. Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy not necessary. Wrigley on April 30, 2018. infield that go out of play, umpires (EX: runner on first is running then challenged the award of three Under NFHS rule (8-3-3d), if B e n Z o b r i s t w a s must determine if it with the pitch when the batter hits bases. Bochy argued that Baretto the catcher applies the force that batting in the bottom of is the “first play” or a ground ball to the shortstop who should only get second base. causes the ball to go into DBT, the second inning with “second play.” attempts the 6-6-3 double play. But To view the play, go to the the runner(s) is awarded two bases one out and the bases Ruleball By rule, when an the runner beats the shortstop to link: www.mlb.com/video/ from his position on the bases at empty when he hit a infielder initially fields second base. giants-overturn-a-call-in-3rd/c- the time of the act that causes the chopper down the third the ball, that is NOT A The shortstop then throws the 2297069583?tid=6479266 or go deflection. base line. PLAY. The infielder’s ball into DBT. to MLB.com, July 22, 2018, SF@ This parallels the NCAA rule. The ball deflected off “first play” is either: The shortstop’s “first play” was OAK: Giants overturn call, Baretto In cases where a catcher deflects a Nolan Arenado’s glove (1) a throw to a base his attempt to tag the base. His sent to second” rolling ball into DBT, if the umpire and caromed into the (most common), (2) an “second play” was the wild throw Who was right? judges that the force of the pitch seats for a unique book attempted tag of a base into DBT. Melvin and the umpires who caused the ball to go into DBT, the rule double. (running to a base), or Therefore, the runner who agreed that Baretto should be award is one base from the time of Zobrist was awarded (3) attempted tag of a reached second base would get placed on third base or Bochy, who the pitch. two bases per Pro rule runner. two bases and score because he argued that the runner should only This is foreign to both the Pro 5.06 (b) (4) (F), that reads, A deflection, muff or had that base made at the time of be awarded two bases on the play and NCAA rule because despite the the throw. and be placed at second base. fact the catcher touched the ball, “Each runner including With Rich Marazzi an error when initially the batter-runner may, Rules Consultant fielding a batted ball is Placing The Runner Bochy was correct. there is only a one base award. without liability to be put Blue Jays, Brewers, not a play. With all that in mind, let’s look The Replay Official ruled that From a defensive perspective, Cardinals, D’backs, out, advance two bases, if When an infielder’s at the following play and see if Baretto should only be awarded playing under all playing codes, Dodgers, Mariners, second base because Belt’s throw it is wise for a catcher to allow a fair ball bounces or is Orioles, Phillies, “first play” is a throw you can properly place the runner deflected into the stands Pirates, Rangers, and the ball goes into in question. into dead ball territory was the a deflected ball to roll into dead outside the first or third Rays, Red Sox, dead ball territory, The A’s hosted the Giants on “first throw” (or “first play”) in ball territory if he determines the Royals, Tigers, base foul lines…” all runners, including July 22, 2018. Franklin Baretto was the infield. rolling ball has enough momentum Twins, Yankees, the Therefore, Baretto should only to enter DBT. It should be understood Fox Regional Sports the batter-runner are batting in the bottom of the third that the award is made Networks, ESPN and awarded two bases from with the bases empty and no outs be awarded second base. In that case the award is always from the runner/s position the White Sox TV their position on the when he hit a shot that deflected off As stated above, the deflection just one base from the time of the announcers. at the time the pitch was bases at the start of play pitcher Johnny Cueto’s glove. itself is not a play and did not affect pitch. delivered. Readers can submit which is when the pitch The ball was recovered by first the “first play” rule. Dugout Dead Ball Territory Therefore, the batter questions to Rich at: is delivered. baseman Brandon Belt who threw If Baretto had touched first base Before we review the following [email protected] would always be awarded (EX: Runner on first wide of Cueto covering first. before the throw left Belt’s hand play, it’s important to note that dead second base. is running with the pitch The ball got by Cueto and he should have been awarded third ball territory in the dugout starts on base. You can view the play by going when the batter hits a ground ball was rolling toward the dugout the first step below the lip (top step) The approved ruling to rule 5.06 to the link below to the shortstop who air mails the when catcher Nick Hundley of the dugout. (b) (4) (G) reads, “If all runners https://www.mlb.com/video/ ball into DBT. unintentionally deflected the ball While the ball is on the top including the batter-runner, have zobrists-odd-ground-rule-double/ At the time of the throw, the into the dugout. step of the dugout, it is still in advanced at least one base when an c-1992524983?tid=6479266 or runner is on second base. That’s two separate deflections play. infielder makes a wild throw on the first play after the pitch, the award Two Base Award shall be governed by the position Former Yankees’ catcher Jorge Great Hitting Achievements Take Place Posada learned the rule the hard Continued From Page 9 In an 11-2 win over Lyon College team to a 4-1 week and earned RRAC of the runners when the wild throw was made.” way. (AR), RHP Jonathan McKinney Player of the Week honors. The The Toronto Blue Jays hosted Conference Player of the Week of Georgia Gwinnett threw seven outfielder’s week was highlighted If you look at the video closely, this almost happened. the New York Yankees on Oct. 2, honors for his efforts. scoreless innings of that game, by a four-hit game against Texas 2004. In the bottom of the fourth striking out eight. He scattered College when he belted two homers It would have been a “rare” three Great Hitting Efforts base award on the first throw or inning, the Jays had Eric Hinske Cumberlands (KY) OF Bryan three hits. and posted 3 RBI. on first base. McKinney’s efforts changed the For the season, Tamplet is hitting “first play” in the infield. Leef hit safely in all six games to If Hundley had complete Hinske took off on a Kevin help his team to a 5-1 weekly record momentum of that series after the .354 with 23 RBI. Brown pitch that caromed off Lyon hitters scored eight runs in the Aaron Gonzalez of Our lady of possession of the ball and dropped and extend his hitting streak to 10. it into dead ball territory before it Posada and rolled toward the first He belted five home runs, drove ninth inning to win the first game the Lake University (TX) tossed a base dugout. of the series. After that, McKinney complete game two-hitter against went out of play, Baretto would in 17 runs and scored 10 times. His be awarded two bases from his In an attempt to keep the ball week was highlighted by a 4-for-4 and other GGC pitchers were able Texas A&M-Texarkana for a 5-1 from rolling into the dugout, Posada to hold the Scots to just two runs win. He struck out 13 and walked position on the bases at the time the effort with two homers and 7 RBI ball was dropped. dove on the ball and carried it into in a 15-6 win over Cincinnati- over the final 18 innings to win three while allowing one earned run the dugout. the series. over nine innings. If Baretto had first base made, he Clermont (OH). would be sent to third base. By carrying the ball into the Leef leads the Mid-South McKinney improved to a 4- Gonzalez leads the RRAC with dugout, the base award for Hinske Conference in batting average 2 record with a 3.97 ERA, 50 a 2.38 ERA and ranks fourth in Catcher Deflections was changed from one to two bases (.413), slugging percentage (.942), strikeouts in 45.1 innings. He was strikeouts with 58. He was named In all playing codes, if a pitched from his position on the bases when RBI (46), home runs (13) and total named Association of Independent Conference Pitcher of the Week. ball deflects off the catcher and the the pitch was delivered. bases (98). Institution’s Pitcher of the Week. For the second time this season, force of the pitch causes the ball to Let’s go to Game Two of the He was named conference Player Bryson Lierle helped Oklahoma Shawn Barrowdale of Benedictine enter dead ball territory, the runner/ 1992 ALCS played between the of the Week. City to a 5-0 week by hitting .600 Unviersity-Mesa was named s are awarded one base from their Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland A’s. with a double, three homers, eight California Pacific Conference position on the bases at the time of In the top of the fifth inning, the A’s Around The Horn... runs scored and 10 RBI. He belted Player of the Week. In a series the pitch. had Willie Wilson on second base Bruce Bell of Pikeville (KY) two home runs in a 10-1 victory against William Jessup, he hit Under Pro rule 5.06 (b) (4) (H), threw seven scoreless innings to and Pat Bordick on first with one over Bacone. .471 with five extra base hits and the award for the runner(s) is one out when Jays’ right hander David help defeat Lindsey Wilson (KY), On the season, Lierle has a .343 13 RBI. He has hit safely in nine base from the time of the pitch 7-5. He allowed only three hits and Cone tossed a 1-1 pitch in the dirt batting average with 8 doubles, 5 games and improved his home run unless the catcher kicks, pushes to Walt Weiss. struck out seven while walking homers and 29 RBI. He was named total to seven. or deflects the ball into DBT in one. He improved his record to The ball caromed off the chest Sooner Athletic Conference Player Marymount (CA) pitcher Kyle which case the award becomes two protector off Jays’ catcher Pat 50 strikeouts in just 6 appearances of the Week. Cringan pitched the first seven bases from the time the pitch was and was named MSC Pitcher of Borders and rolled toward the Freed-Hardeman’s senior pitcher innings of a 11-5 victory over delivered. dugout. the Week. Tyson Campbell threw a complete Benedictine-Mesa and did not Sec. 20 of the 2018 MLB Umpire In a 5-0 win over Ottawa Borders smartly allowed the ball seven-inning game against LSU- allow a single run to score. He Manual states, “The ruling applies to enter the dugout without the risk University-AZ, Schuyler Hill of Alexandria, striking out 11 batters allowed just one walk and seven without regard to whether or not Vanguard tossed a complete game of deflecting it and changing the and walking none. He earned hits while striking out seven. It was the ball would have gone out of base award from one to two. shutout. He allowed just one hit American Midwest Conference one of the first times this season play had it not been kicked or while striking out 11 and walked While Borders was chasing the Pitcher of the Week honors. that the Redhawks had been shut deflected.” ball toward the dugout, Wilson, one. He was named Golden State Interestingly because Campbell down. NCAA rule (8-3n4) reads, “If, Athletic Pitcher of the Week. running like a scalded duck, crossed transferred from another conference Sheadion Jamanika of Texas during an attempt to field a wild the plate and Bordick ended up at OF Zach Cornell of Middle school, he is not allowed to pitch Wesleyan was named Sooner pitch, passed ball, or wild throw Georgia State had two walk-off third. this season against any AMC team. Athletic Conference Player of the on a pick-off attempt, the catcher But the umps properly returned hits in games one and two in a So his seven season appearances Week after hitting .545 and posting or any other fielder deflects the series against William Carey. He Wilson to third and Bordick to have all been against non- a 1.000 slugging percentage. ball into dead-ball territory, the second because Borders’ patience had multiple hits in all three wins conference teams. He has posted He recorded two doubles, a runner(s) shall be awarded two in that series. allowed for a one base award a 5-1 record with a 2.86 ERA and home run and 4 RBI to help his bases from the bases occupied at instead of two. On the week, he hit .533 with 50 strikeouts. team win a series over Oklahoma the time of the pitch.” 9 RBI to earn SSAC Player of the Yes, this is one situation where Kris Tamplet of LSU Alexandria City. For the season he has hit .344 That parallels the Pro rule. patience trumps hustle! Week honors. posted three home runs to help his with 12 doubles. But Note 1 to the rule reads, If the Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 11 Mercyhurst’s Minnick Fans 16 Of 18 Batters Faced ERIE, Penn. — Matthew win. Minnick of Mercyhurst struck Southwest Baptist’s Dalton NCAA Div. II out 16 California (PA) batters in 6 Morrow struck out 13 batters over innings of work during a 5-1 win. 11 1/3 innings in two appearances Baseball Poll All but two of the outs over six during one week. (As Of April 8) innings were via the strikeout by R H P Cam Monagle o f Rank School 2019 Rec. Points 1. North Greenville (31-7) 240 Minnick as he only allowed 2 hits. Merrimack pitched a complete 2. Colorado Mesa (27-7) 227 He faced 20 batters and allowed game shutout against Bentley. He 3. Catawba (33-9) 220 one unearned run. needed only 86 pitches to complete 4. Quincy (27-7) 216 5. West Texas A&M (28-8) 211 144 Stolen Bases the contest as he struck out 4 6. West Florida (27-11) 200 Bentley batters. 7. Tampa (25-10) 194 Benedict College leads the 8. North Georgia (26-10) 184 nation with 144 stolen bases in 22 Jake Engel of Dixie State 9. S. New Hampshire (24-7) 179 games which is an average of 6.5 reached base safely and had at 10. U.C. San Diego (21-7) 169 least 2 RBI and 1 run scored in four SECOND TEN per game. 11. Central Missouri (22-11) 155 straight games. He went 6-for-11 at 12. St. Cloud St. (22-6) 151 the plate with 2 homers, 11 RBI, 7 13. Ashland (26-4) 138 runs scored and walked 6 times. 14. Mercyhurst (17-5) 131 NCAA D-2 NOTES 15. Newberry (33-9) 124 Keishaun Clark of Lane 16. Missouri Southern (24-10) 111 Fifteen players have stolen bases collected 10 RBI and scored 13 runs 17. Lubbock Christian (25-9) 107 this season led by Bradon O’Connor over a 6-game span. In one of the 18. Delta St. (26-10) 101 with 39 in 42 attempts. 19. Wayne St. (23-8) 100 games, he belted a grand slam. 20. Augustana (22-9) 93 Monster Week Pitcher Jacob Schuster of Miles THIRD TEN 21. Millersville (24-7) 86 Freshman Tido Robles of Azusa tossed a complete game 2-hitter 22. West Chester (17-8) 66 Pacific had a monster week as he during a 2-0 win against Kentucky 23. Angelo St. (29-7) 58 belted 4 home runs with 13 RBI, State. He struck out 8 and only 24. Minn. St.-Mankato (22-8) 55 25. Mount Olive (24-11) 54 7 runs scored and a double as he allowed one runner to reach third 26. Adelphi (20-5) 47 was 7-for-13. base. He ended the game by retiring 27. Arkansas-Monticello (24-8) 30 28. Lincoln Memorial (28-12) 29 He had a slugging percentage the final 13 hitters he faced. 29. East Stroudsburg (22-9) 19 of 1.538. Sam Freitas of Tampa went 30. Nova Southeastern (23-13) 11
He also drew 6 walks and was hit 9-for-14 at the plate with 6 runs Source: NCAA Div. II Poll Committee by pitches twice for a .714 on-base scored, 4 stolen bases and an RBI percentage. over three games against Lynn. Teammate Griffen Herrera also Mitchell Carroll of Palm Beach had a memorable offensive outburst Atlantic threw 7 shutout innings streak snapped with an 11-3 setback during a 4-game sweep of Hawaii during a 2-0 over Saint Leo. He against Saginaw Valley. The Eagles Hilo. only allowed 1 hit and 1 walk while (26-4, 10-1 GLIAC) had not lost He went 8-for-16 at the plate striking out 4. since dropping the last two of their and hit 3 home runs, 3 doubles Florida Southern’s Austin Huber Florida trip March 9-10 to Northern and collected 11 RBI and scored Matthew Minnick Fanned 16 Batters In 6 Innings. hit a grand slam that paved the way State and Notre Dame (Ohio). 6 runs. He was named National Coach 5-for-12 at the plate with 9 RBI in for a 9-7 win over Rollins. Ashland’s offense is averaging of The Year both of those years. four games against Northwood. Huber’s grand slam, the first of 8.2 runs per game while the pitching Sets School Record staff is averaging 10.28 strikeouts Alex Roth of Western Oregon set He left the Gulf South Conference In the series finale, he collected his career, was the first by a Florida per nine inning. a school record with 15 strikeouts as the league’s winningest coach, 7 RBI as he belted a grand slam. Southern hitter since Hayden Marze North Greenville leads the nation against Saint Martins during a 3-0 capturing 11 Gulf South Conference The 7 RBI are the most since hit one against Florida Tech during with 57 home runs in 35 games. victory. division titles and appearing in the Kyle Zimmerman drove in 8 runs the 2018 season. The leader in runs scored per He only allowed one walk and NCAA Division II World Series against Urbana during the 2013 The Moccasins have now hit a game in NCAA Division II is North scattered 3 hits in 7 scoreless seven times. season. Sunshine State Conference high 40 Greenville with 9.8 runs per game. innings of work. He was named GSC Coach of Zach Dixon of West Texas A&M home runs this season. Delta State has the top ERA in the He became just the fifth pitcher The Year six times. fanned 9 Angelo State batters over Ashland University saw its nation at 2.50. in Great Northwest Athletic Winning Streak Snapped 8 scoreless innings during a 4-0 program-record 17-game winning Conference history to tally 15 Felician’s 9-game winning streak strikeouts in a single game. was halted by Jefferson, 8-2. Roth leads the league in The streak was the longest in 2017 Winner Best Of Show strikeouts (56), wins (5) and earned school history which had been gameSense
F n u io n t c run average (1.75) at the halfway accomplished on two other a t i v o o n n a n l I i t
point of conference play during the occasions in 2016 and 2018. y
B
u
i
l
y WINNER OF 2017 ABCA t
t
i T
v o
i
t
L
a
a 2019 season. e r s t
6 Home Runs C Amazing Pitching Chowan’s Marquise Lanier was Nick Bebout of Walsh was named the NCBWA Hitter of The virtually untouchable in a 15- Week after collecting 6 home runs Best Of Show Award strikeout gem against Ohio Valley. with 2 doubles during the course of Anaheim ABCA Convention The senior righthander faced just a week and recorded 14 RBI with Awarded By Collegiate Baseball 5 batters over the minimum as he 11 runs scored. scattered 5 hits over 9 innings and His best outing was in a 13-6 walked just 1 in the shutout effort. win over Mount Olive as he went His 15 strikeouts is the league’s 3-for-4 with 2 homers, 4 RBI and highest number for the season and 4 runs scored. is tied for the second most in Great 14 Strikeouts Midwest Conference history. John Bezdicek of Southwest Belts 4 Homers Minnesota State tossed a 7-inning Rosario Missiti of Post University 3-hit shutout with a career-high also belted 4 home runs as he went 14 strikeouts during a 2-0 win at g a m e S e n s e 16-for-33 at the plate. Upper Iowa. He recorded 14 RBI and scored No runner reached second base 11 runs and hit 3 doubles. until the sixth inning and had just Train Pitch Recognition Andrew Pratt of Lubbock one reach third base all game. Christian was on fire during a 3- Great Week & Visual Reaction game series against Newman. Wesley Wommack of Georgia He hit .700 with 4 home runs as College had a monster week, going he collected 21 total bases. 10-for-14 with 9 RBI and 5 runs Available On: Computer • Phone • Tablet Three of the home runs came in scored over 4 games. one game. He also blasted a pair of 2-run Emmett Kulick of Upper Iowa home runs. belted 4 home runs with a pair of doubles, 9 RBI and 7 runs scored as Around The Horn… he was 8-for-14 at the plate. Brian Morley of Cal. St. He also walked 5 times as had a Monterey Bay was remarkable Chase Less. .684 on-base percentage. against Cal. St. Dominguez Hills as he went 8-for-15 at the plate with 11 Do More Damage! Named To Hall Of Fame RBI and 4 extra base hits, including The Gulf South Conference 2 homers. Get access to 1000’s of pitch announced that the 2019 Hall of LHP Drake Norton of Arkansas Fame class will include former Tech. won his third straight start as Jacksonville State Head Coach he shut down Henderson State. In sequences, add opponents. Rudy Abbott. eight innings of work, he struck out Abbott served as the skipper for 10 batters which was a season high. the Gamecocks from 1972-93 and In four starts this season, he owns led Jacksonville State to back-to- a 1.50 ERA. back NCAA Division II national Justin Kelly of Wayne State was gameSenseSports.com titles in 1990 and 1991. Page 12 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball’s UCLA No. 1 NCAA Division I Bruins’ Pitching Staff Has Superb 2.55 ERA TUCSON, Ariz. — UCLA and then won two of three at Boston (23-6) is ranked No. 1 in the latest College. Get Latest 2019 Collegiate Baseball NCAA Div. Poll Notes: Several teams are TOP 30 POLL I baseball poll presented by Big red-hot. Florida Atlantic has won Standings, Stats Presented By League Chew. 17 of its last 19 games while U.C. The Bruins took two of three at Santa Barbara and U.C. Irvine have For NCAA Div. I TUCSON, Ariz. — Readers Stanford and have won five of their each won 5 straight. of Collegiate Baseball can get last six games as they sit at 9-3 in In key matchups of ranked teams, the most current NCAA Division the Pac-12 Conference. Arizona St. lost two of three at I standings by going to: www. UCLA has a 2.55 team ERA Southern California, Vanderbilt baseballnews.com and then clicking which is ranked second in the lost two of three at Georgia, the category Polls. nation as the staff has struck out Arkansas won two of three at Then click on NCAA Division I. 302 and walked 95. Auburn, Louisiana St. won two of Once there, click on NCAA Div. Offensively, the Bruins are three at home against Texas A&M, I Conference Standings. averaging 6.3 runs per game. Mississippi St. won two of three at For NCAA Div. I statistics, go to: N.C. State, ranked No. 1 the Tennessee, Clemson won two of www.baseballnews.com and then previous three polls, slipped to three at home against Louisville, click on Polls, NCAA Division I second after posting a 2-2 record Georgia Tech won two of three at and then NCAA Div. I Statistics. during the past polling period. home against North Carolina and Navigate from there to find the stats www.bigleaguechew.com The Wolfpack started the week Mississippi swept a 3-game series you are after. (As of April 8) with a loss against South Carolina at home against Florida. Rank School Record Points Prev. 1. UCLA (23-6) 495 3 Beats Lafayette 10-1, 24-13 In Doubleheader 2. N.C. State (29-4) 493 1 3. Stanford (20-5) 491 4 4. Georgia (27-6) 488 7 5. Oregon St. (23-6-1) 486 6 Navy Flexes Muscles 6. Vanderbilt (24-8) 485 5 7. Arkansas (24-8) 483 8 8. Louisiana St. (23-10) 481 9 With 10 Home Runs 9. Arizona St. (26-4) 479 2 EASTON, Penn. — Navy belted 10. Mississippi St. (27-6) 478 10 10 home runs during a doubleheader against Lafayette during 10-1 and 11. East Carolina (24-7) 475 12 24-13 victories. 12. Texas A&M (25-8-1) 473 11 Christian Hodge led the charge 13. Clemson (24-8) 470 13 for the Midshipmen with 4 home 14. U.C. Santa Barbara (23-5) 466 19 runs (2 in each game) while Liam 15. U.C. Irvine (21-5) 465 21 Lowery chipped in 3 home runs in the doubleheader. 16. Mississippi (23-10) 462 — Hodge finished with 9 RBI on 17. Baylor (22-8) 460 22 the day while Lowery added 6. 18. Georgia Tech. (22-10) 457 27 Over a 6-game span, Hodge 19. Texas Tech. (21-9) 454 15 belted 5 home runs with 16 RBI as 20. Louisville (24-8) 452 16 he went 12-for-26 at the plate with 7 runs scored. 21. North Carolina (23-9) 450 17 Drills 5 Home Runs 22. Texas Christian (20-10) 447 25 Virginia Tech hit 5 home runs 23. Auburn (23-9) 445 14 during a 13-1 win over Virginia 24. Florida Atlantic (23-9) 442 30 25. Coastal Carolina (22-11-1) 440 18 26. Texas (21-13) 439 26 NCAA D-1 Notes 27. Michigan (22-8) 436 — Military Institute. Dalton Harum led the way with 28. Central Michigan (23-8) 433 — a trio of circuit clouts. 29. Sam Houston St. (20-9) 431 — Harum finished 3-for-5 with 30. Southern Mississippi (20-9) 428 — 4 RBI as he hit home runs in the fourth, fifth and ninth innings for AMAZING WEEK — Navy’s Christian Hodge hit 5 home runs over Source: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper the Hokies. a 6-game span as he collected 16 RBI with 7 runs scored. Oklahoma St. slugged 5 home runs, including 2 in the ninth He finished 3-for-4 with a walk scored Longo to cut the lead to inning during a 7-6 win over Texas to Pace the Catamounts. 11-8. ATIONAL LAYERS Christian. Koehler has reached base safely Sebastian Fabik walked to load N P Eastern Kentucky also had a big in 21 consecutive games. the bases. offensive game as they collected 4 Over the last two meetings with Then Piechnick pinch hit and home runs during a 12-9 win over Marshall across two seasons, he has delivered the dramatic walk-off OF THE WEEK Southern Illinois. collected 5 base hits — all home grand slam to seal the victory. runs — and delivered 10 RBI. Itchy Burts hit a 3-run walk-off Powered By 21-Inning Game Freshman Tatem Levins of La home run as Texas A&M Corpus Dartmouth and Pennsylvania Salle hit 3 home runs during a 14-6 Christi beat Prairie View A&M played a marathon 21-inning game win at Lehigh. 8-5. which lasted 6 hours and 22 minutes Nick Ray blasted 3 home runs in Kyle Skeels blasted a 2-run and was ultimately won by the the series opener against Abilene walk-off home run in the bottom of Quakers, 21-15. Christian. He was 8-for-11 in the the ninth to give Coastal Carolina a It was not only the longest game series against and had a triple, 3 9-7 win over Troy. in Ivy League history but tied for home runs and 10 RBI. Jacob Olson hit a walk-off home www.diamond-sports.com the eighth longest ever in an NCAA run in the bottom of the ninth to beat Division I contest. 15 Strikeouts 3B Joey Polak, Missouri St.: Polak belted 4 home runs and N.C. State, 10-8. Dartmouth set an NCAA record A trio of Pacific pitchers drove in 8 runs over 5 games. for most plate appearances for combined for 15 strikeouts during Amazing Achievements RHP Adrian Mardueno, San Diego St.: Mardueno threw 11 one team in a game with 105 and a 5-3 win over Air Force. RF Jake Sanford, Western shutout innings with 2 wins as he only allowed 3 hits and struck combined with Pennsylvania with Tommy Costello fanned 8 Air Kentucky: Sanford hit 5 home out 12 in a pair of outings against defending national champion 208 which was another NCAA Force batters in 6 innings of work runs over 4 games and drove in Oregon St. and Nevada. mark. while Henrik Reinertsen added 2 15 runs as he went 12-for-20 and and Nick Swanson struck out 5 in scored 8 runs. RHP Tony Locey, Georgia: Locey went a career-high 7 innings NCAA records were also set for the final two innings. RHP Zak Kent, Virginia during a 3-1 win over Vanderbilt and only allowed 1 hit. He at-bats for one team (Pennsylvania Military Institute: Kent recorded struck out 5 and gave up 1 earned run. Locey retired 15 of the with 92) and both teams (176). Dramatic Walk-Offs 14 strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings final 16 batters he faced. Dartmouth left 27 runners on Tanner Piechnick hit a walk-off base, tying the NCAA Division I grand slam that led Ohio to a 12-1 during a 5-4 win over Samford. LHP Brooks Gosswein, Bradley: Gosswein didn’t allow a mark. win over Central Michigan. RF Brock Hale, Brigham hit over 8 1/3 innings in 2 outings as he struck out 13. Against Young: Hale hit 4 home runs with Home Run Bonanza Ohio was down 11-7 heading Southern Illinois Edwardsville, he came out of the bullpen to into the bottom of the ninth. 9 RBI and added 6 runs as he went retire all 4 batters he faced with 2 strikeouts. On his regular Matthew Koehler of West 8-for-16 at the plate over four Carolina belted 3 home runs and Jack Longo and Trevor Lukkes See NATIONAL PLAYERS OF WEEK, Page 14 drove in a career-high 6 RBI in a started the inning with walks. Rudy Rott singled to left field which 10-9 loss to Marshall. See LOPEZ, Page 14 Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 13
Big League Chew was invented by Rob Nelson, a former Cornell University lefthander who was pitching in Oregon in 1977 for the fabled Portland Mavericks when he came up with the idea for a new type of bubble gum.
Rob was literally sitting in the Portland bullpen, watching his team- mates chewing other less salubrious stuff, when he thought that shredded bubble gum would be a much more fun option.
Rob shared the idea with Mav teammate Jim Bouton who liked the concept so much he spent the next two years searching for a gum company to manufacture and distribute Big League Chew. He succeeded, and BLC quickly became the must-have bubble gum for ballplayers in the littlest leagues to the Big Leagues.
Today, over 40 years later, Big League Chew is the #1-selling shredded bubble gum in the world — with over 800 million pouches sold. It is manufactured in the USA by Ford Gum of Akron, New York.
™ BIG LEAGUE CHEW® AMERICA’S BUBBLE GUM Coaches Discount now available at bigleaguechew.com Page 14 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Lopez Catches Fire With Remarkable Hitting Feat Continued From Page 12 Chandler Stadium renovations and impossible to get out during a 3- a scholarship endowment for a game series against Jacksonville games. baseball player. State. He was 10-for-13 at the plate LHP Zack Thompson, Ken- Phase II of the stadium as he collected 2 doubles and 2 tucky: Thompson pitched a renovations include: home runs with 5 RBI and scored complete game shutout against New restroom facilities, 6 runs. In the series, he broke the Georgia during a 5-0 win over the concession stands and a premium Ohio Valley Conference record for Bulldogs. He struck out 13 batters club area and outdoor plaza. total bases, amassing 535 in just and only surrendered 2 hits. A concourse-level atrium that under four seasons. 1B Chandler Bengtson, will house the new Georgia Tech Clemson’s Grayson Byrd was Columbia: Bengtson hit 4 home Baseball Hall of Fame. It will serve 9-for-15 over four games as he runs over 4 games as he went 5- as an iconic point of entry to Rus reached base in 15 of 21 plate for-12 with 5 walks, 11 RBI and 7 Chandler Stadium and be open to appearances. He recorded 2 doubles, runs scored. the public on game days. 2 triples, 1 homer, 7 RBI, scored 10 R H P B o b b y M i l l e r , A new, expanded indoor runs and walked 6 times. Louisville: Miller tossed 7 no-hit training facility will be build which Tulane pitcher Kaleb Roper innings against Wake Forest before will include three 20-foot wide struck out a career-high 12 batters exiting at 109 pitches. He struck out batting cages, two 10-foot wide during a 6-2 win over Houston 8 batters and picked up his first win pitching tunnels and video analysis Baptist. He went 7 2/3 innings and of the season. room. did not walk a batter. During one RF J.J. Bleday, Vander- Also, an alumni locker point, he retired 16 consecutive bilt: Bleday became the first room will be available to former hitters from the end of the second Commodore since Aaron Westlake letterwinners in pro baseball as inning until midway through the in 2010 to homer in four straight they utilize the new, expanded seventh inning. games as he went 6-for-16 at indoor training facility during the Vanderbilt starter Mason the plate with 10 RBI and 6 runs off-season. Hickman struck out a season-high scored. Long Streak Still Alive 12 batters during a 3-0 win over O F J a b a r i R i c h a r d s , Brady Allen of South Carolina Belmont. Furman: Richards went 10-for- has reached base in 21 consecutive Pitcher Beau Keathley of 16 at the plate as he belted 3 home games dating back to the first Oakland struck out a career-high runs, including a grand slam, 2 weekend of the season. 13 batters in leading Oakland to an doubles, 1 triple and drove in 11 He has a .412 on-base percentage 8-0 win over Youngstown State. He RBI with 7 runs scored. If that this season. retired 4 straight batters between wasn’t enough, he hit for the cycle the third and seventh innings. against Gardner-Webb on the road Around The Horn… Dallas Baptist’s Austin Bell tied which was the first by a Furman Illinois State pitcher Brett a single-game school record with 6 hitter since 2006. Wicklund was brilliant during a hits and 9 RBI in the Patriots’ 30-7 Coastal Carolina’s Gary Gilmore Picked Up Win 1,200. 3-0 win over Eastern Illinois as he Hitter On Fire win over Air Force. He went 6-for-6 stopped a 7-game losing streak by with 3 doubles and hit a 2-run home Ubaldo Lopez of Dartmouth Elijah Eusebio. The two grand duel. the Redbirds. He tossed a 9-inning entered the week with only 5 hits slams are the most since 2008. With Texas A&M up 2-0 entering run in the seventh inning to tie the complete game and only allowed 3 program’s single-game RBI mark. in 50 career at-bats. Zach Minnick hit a grand slam the top of the ninth, Missouri pinch hits with 0 runs and struck out 3. But something clicked for the that lifted Campbell to an 11-4 win hitter Thomas Broyles hit a 2-out, Bell also drew a walk in the game Tennessee Tech. All-American to reach base safely in all seven of sophomore as he went 9-for-22 with over Presbyterian. 2-run home run on a 1-2 pitch to Kevin Strohschein was nearly 5 doubles, 2 homers and 11 RBI as Wyatt Young of Pepperdine hit a tie the game. his plate appearances. Dartmouth went 3-3. grand slam to lead the Waves to an Neither team scored the next He was directly responsible for 11-4 win over Cal. St. Fullerton. five innings. Base Running Strategies two of those wins with a 2-run Near No-Hitter Then in the top of the 15th, homer and grand slam — with two RHP Ryan Hare of UNLV came Missouri collected two singles outs in the 9th — during a 9-2 win close to throwing a no-hitter during sandwiched around a wild pitch Constantly Come Into Play over Bradley. an 8-0 win over New Mexico. to take the lead. The Aggies got By CHARLIE GREENE Then in the second game of a He had a no-hitter for 8 2/3 the tying run to third in the home Special To Collegiate Baseball doubleheader against Princeton, he innings while striking out a career- half of the 15th but couldn’t get the delivered a 2-out, 3-run double in high 8 batters. runner home. MIAMI, Fla. — Baseball the 9th inning to erase a 6-5 deficit At various points throughout Win No. 1,200 is a game deeply imbedded in enroute to a 10-8 victory. the game, he retired 18 and 8 Coastal Carolina Head Coach traditional, antiquated rules. Grand Slam Parade consecutive Lobos. Gary Gilmore celebrated the Base running strategies often Bryant Packard of East Carolina The no-no was broken up by 1,200th win of his career with a 6- come into question, when the do’s hit two grand slams over two games New Mexico’s Hayden Schilling 0 victory over Arkansas State. and don’ts often surface during the as he drove in 8 runs over a 3-game who hit a single through the left Austin Kitchen allowed only 4 course of a game. series against South Florida. side of the infield. hits and struck out a career-high 9 Such unwritten directions, such Florida Gulf Coast beat Towson batters in 7 scoreless innings to pick as do not make the first or third 15-Inning Pitchers’ Duel out at third base, tag up on a fly 20-3 behind two grand slams which Missouri beat Texas A&M, 3-2 up his fifth win of the season. were delivered by Jay Hayes and ball with no outs when on second in 15 innings in a classic pitching Historic Upset base, or go half-way with one out, Days after sweeping Bethune- score from third base with one out Cookman for the first time, North on a ground ball but make the ball National Players Of Week Carolina A&T earned the biggest go through with no outs need to be win in program history with a 2-0 challenged. Continued From Page 12 victory over South Carolina. The unwritten rule of not making It marked the Aggies fifth start Saturday against Robert Morris-Springfield, he threw the the first or third out at third base has straight win first 7 innings of Bradley’s 8-inning no-hitter and didn’t surrender a negative effect on an aggressive South Carolina has won two CHARLIE GREENE a hit as he fanned 11 batters. His 11 strikeouts were the most by a runner. He programs himself to not national championships and Bradley pitcher since 2012. try to go from first to third on a base ball, line drive, weakly hit. appeared in the College World hit, for fear of the possibility that he Game situation — Inning, 3B Carmen Sclafani, Rutgers: Sclafani collected 12 RBI over Series 11 times. might be breaking a cardinal rule. score, outs, count, home or away. 4 games as he went 8-for-14. He belted two 3-run homers and 2 Hits For Cycle This holding back attitude has Adjust with changes. doubles. Highlighted by a grand slam, about every phase of the game and Quality of opponent’s RHP Michael Gutierrez, Felician: Gutierrez struck out a Felician Jabari Richards of Furman hit for can plan a “calculated risk” with a pitching-depth of their bullpen. record 16 batters over 8 scoreless innings during a 1-0 win over the cycle and drove in 5 runs to greater degree of certainty. Quickness of your read. Jefferson. power the Paladins to an 18-3 win Whatever base running challenge Running speed. OF Andy Shadid, Bradley: Shadid hit 3 home runs with 3 doubles over Gardner-Webb. we face, do your homework and Depth of fielders. and knocked in 9 runs over 5 games. He doubled in the first, tripled plan for every contingency. Gamble when ahead, more in the sixth, hit a grand slam in the Safety first should not always be cautious when behind. 1B/RHP Tristan English, Georgia Tech.: English hit .533 on the seventh and led off the ninth with a our plan of attack. Some games afford more week with a trio of games against North Carolina and one against single to complete the cycle. Risk taking can produce great opportunities to score runs, Auburn. He collected 2 homers, 2 doubles, 1 triple and 9 RBI and It was the first since Case Cassedy game changing results. sometimes even a big inning. scored 7 runs. He also hit for the cycle. accomplished the feat against When developing a game plan However, many games are low SS Jackson Cluff, Brigham Young: Cluff had a monster game Appalachian State in 2006. avail yourself to all the possible scoring affairs and an offensive information concerning the skill during a 17-4 win over San Diego. He collected 9 RBI as he finished $1 Million Gift team must take more calculated 4-for-4 with 3 runs scored and 2 walks. He delivered his first career A $1 million anonymous gift level of all the opponent’s defensive risks. Sitting back and waiting for grand slam in the contest. For the week, he had 10 RBI, walked 7 has helped complete fundraising capabilities. things to happen, must be replaced times, had 1 homer and 2 doubles. for renovations to Russ Chandler When arriving safely at any base, by making things happen. RHP Tyler Peck, Chapman: Peck struck out 14 Whittier batters Stadium, home of Georgia Tech plan out all the available options. Even at the risk of breaking a over 7 2/3 innings. He set the tone early as he fanned the first five baseball. To be considered: cardinal rule of base running, you batters in a row and 6 of the first 7. The gift put Georgia Tech over Arm strength of defensive must take chances. If all signs its $9 million fundraising goal for players. indicate a high percentage chance LHP Ken Waldichuk, St. Mary’s: Waldichuk struck out a season- Right or left handed — Is he to be successful, don’t be afraid to high 12 batters over 7 innings against Portland. At one point, he the project. The $1 million gift will be split moving to his left or right? take a chance. It might turn out to struck out 5 consecutive hitters. evenly between Phase II of the Russ Batted ball — hard hit ground be your only chance.
Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 15 Page 16 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball’s Lake Travis H.S. No. 1 Cavaliers Keep Rolling With 22-1 Record National High School TUCSON, Ariz. — Lake Travis SB). Athletic Association 1 standings (Austin, TX) remains No. 1 in the Malvern Prep has a 29-game and have posted 6 shutouts. latest Collegiate Baseball National win streak dating back to the 2018 No. 14 Jesuit (Tampa, FL) is High School Poll presented by season. 13-2 and recently had a quality win TOP 30 POLL Diamond Pro with a 22-1 record. No. 8 DeSoto Central (Southaven, over Parkview (Lilburn, GA), 2-1. Presented By Despite a recent 9-5 loss to Akins MS) has a 21-2 record. In the last No. 15 Saint Xavier (Louisville, (Austin, TX), Lake Travis kept the 10 games, the pitching staff has KY) has an 11-2 record. Leading top spot due to a number of other recorded 5 shutouts. Top pitchers the offense is 1B Ryan Nicholson quality teams posting losses the past include Cade Smith (4-1, 0.78 (.500, 4 2B, 3 3B, 14 RBI) and OF two weeks. ERA, 49 K, 27 IP, not allowed an Brandon Tucker (.452 BA). Top The Cavaliers are hitting .346 ER in last 15 innings) and Colby pitcher is LHP Brycen Harkins (3-0, led by 3B Brett Baty (.630, 10 HR, Crocker (5-1, 1.24 ERA, 21 K). 0.45 ERA). 29 RBI) and RF/1B Austin Plante Kamren James has a .471 batting No. 16 Calvary Christian (.452, 8 2B, 4 3B, 4 HR, 28 RBI). average, 6 home runs, 4 doubles (Clearwater, FL) saw a 7-game The pitching staff has posted and 22 RBI and at one point in the winning streak snapped with a 5-3 a 1.47 team ERA led by Jimmy season had an 11-game hit streak loss to Barron Collier (FL). They Lewis (5-0, 0.68 ERA, 44 K, 9 BB, going. are 11-2. 30.2 IP). No. 9 Orange Lutheran (Orange, No. 17 American Heritage No. 2 Argyle (TX) has a 21- CA) posted a 17-3 record and (Plantation, FL) is 13-2. They 1-1 record with recent wins over recently won its third consecutive recently lost to Westminster Decatur (TX) 2-1, Bridgeport (TX) USA Baseball National High Christian (Miami, FL), 3-2 in a 10 14-0 and Springtown (TX) 19-2. School Invitational championship inning game. In the Springtown game, Argyle after defeating Harvard-Westlake No. 18 Harvard-Westlake (Studio PROFESSIONAL GROUNDSKEEPING PRODUCTS batters banged out 21 hits to score (Studio City, CA), 6-2. The Lancers City, CA) is 15-3-1 and were the 19 runs. Brenden Dixon belted a have moved to the top of several runners-up in the USA Baseball three-run homer. polls in California. National High School Invitational No. 3 Colleyville Heritage No. 10 Cypress (CA) is 19-3 and No. 19 St. Laurence (Burbank, (Colleyville, TX) is 22-1. Over went 2-2 in the Boras Classic South IL) started its season 11-0. Gatorade (As of April 8, 2019) the last 6 games, the Panthers have Division recently with wins over Player of the Year and All American Rank School Record outscored opponents, 58-4. Top Huntington Beach and Mater Dei. Matt McCormick is hitting .578 1. Lake Travis (Austin, TX) 22-1 hitters include SS/RHP Bobby Witt This year they have split two games with 6 home runs and 20 RBI. Jr. (.577, 10 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 37 with Orange Lutheran. No. 20 Mountain Vista 2. Argyle (Argyle, TX) 21-1-1 RBI) and C Nick Balsano (.514, 6 RHP Cameron Repetti threw a (Highlands Ranch, CO) posted 3. Colleyville Heritage (Colleyville, TX) 22-1 2B, 3 HR, 22 RBI). Leading the no-hitter against Tustin for a 1-0 an 11-2 record and has a 7-game 4. New Hanover (Wilmington, NC) 11-0 pitching staff is RHP Austin Glaze victory. He is 5-2 with a 0.75 ERA, win streak. Their only losses were 5. Barbe (Lake Charles, LA ) 27-2 (5-0, 0.62 ERA, 52 K, 34 IP). 48 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. The against teams at the Boras Classic- 6. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) 14-1 No. 4 New Hanover (Wilmington, pitching staff has posted a 1.55 Arizona tournament. In Colorado, NC) is 11-0. The Wildcats have not team ERA. Mountain Vista is No. 1 in 5A. 7. Malvern Prep (Malvern, PA) 14-0 allowed an opponent to score more No. 11 Cypress Ranch (Cypress, No. 21 Bryant (AR) is 19-2 and 8. DeSoto Central (Southhaven, MS) 21-2 than 3 runs in any game and have TX) has a 21-2-1 record. They are on an 11-game winning streak. 9. Orange Lutheran (Orange, CA) 17-3 posted 4 shutouts. The team is 10-0 in district play and have several No. 22 Mason (OH) is off to a 10. Cypress (Cypress, CA) 19-3 hitting .311 and the pitching staff early season wins over tough Texas 9-1 start. The Comets only blemish has a 0.91 ERA, led by LHP Blake competition. The team has posted a has been against Riverdale (TN), 11. Cypress Ranch (Cypress, TX) 21-2-1 Walston (6-0, 0.44 ERA, 71 K, 7 .314 batting average with 13 home 7-5. 12. Georgetown (Georgetown, TX) 23-2-1 BB, 31.2 IP). runs while the pitching staff has a No. 23 Owasso (OK) posted an 13. Benedictine (Richmond, VA) 14-0 Barbe (Lake Charles, LA) moves 1.10 team ERA and 220 strikeouts. 18-4 overall record and is 6-0 in 14. Jesuit (Tampa, FL) 13-2 to No. 5 in the poll after posting a JJ Goss threw a no-hitter in a 6-1 district play. The Rams have three 15. Saint Xavier (Louisville, KY) 11-2 27-2 record that includes a 17-game victory over Cy Springs followed recent wins — two over Shawnee winning streak. Three pitchers have by a perfect game over Cy Park. He (OK), 12-2 and 8-7 in 8 innings and 16. Calvary Christian (Clearwater, FL) 11-2 5 wins each in Jack Walker (5-1, is 7-0 with a 0.33 ERA, 11 walks Jenks (OK), 9-6. 17. American Heritage (Plantation, FL) 13-2 0.98 ERA, 57 K), Adam Guth (5-0, and 79 strikeouts. Zach McCombs leads the 18. Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, CA) 15-3-1 0.58 ERA, 44K) and Dylan Beier No. 12 Georgetown (TX) is 23- pitching staff with a 4-0 record, 2 19. St. Laurence (Burbank, IL) 11-0 (5-0, 2.18 ERA, 27 K). 2-1 with a 9-game win streak and Saves and 30 strikeouts along with 20. Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch, CO) 11-2 Five Buccaneers batters are 7 shutout games. Grant Wood has Hayden Tallman (3-0, 36 K) and hitting over .360 with LSU commit not given up a run in 23 innings and David Sandlin (3-0, 0.72 ERA, 35 21. Bryant (Bryant, AR) 19-2 Brody Drost posting 9 doubles and only surrendered one all season. K). On offense, Cam Thompson 22. Mason (Mason, OH) 9-1 5 home runs to go with his .372 He is 6-0 with 26 K, 17 hits and 9 leads the team with 7 home runs 23. Owasso (Owasso, OK) 18-4 batting average. walks. Jack Brinley has only given and 24 RBI. Connor Beichler has 24. Parkview (Lilburn, GA) 20-4 No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort up 4 runs all season and none in the recorded 15 stolen bases. Lauderdale, FL) is 14-1 with a 14- last 15 innings. He is 6-0 with 25 No. 24 Parkview (Lilburn, 25. Valley Christian (San Jose, CA) 14-4 game win streak. They are the No. 1 strikeouts and 13 walks. GA) is 20-4. The Panthers had 26. Rio Rancho (Rio Rancho, NM) 16-2 team in Florida’s 8A division. Georgetown has scored 203 two recent losses against Florida 27. Desert Oasis (Las Vegas, NV) 13-2 No. 7 Malvern Prep (Malvern, runs with 131 stolen bases in 25 schools, Venice 6-4 and Tampa 28. Mesquite (Gilbert, AZ) 20-4 PA) is 14-0. The Friars won all 10 games. They will play Lake Travis Jesuit, 2-1, but beat Sarasota, 3-2. 29. Har-Ber (Springdale, AR) 14-3 games they played on a spring trip on April 13. They remain the No. 1 in Georgia’s to Florida against various other Moving into the poll at No. 13 7A division. 30. Providence (Charlotte, NC) 16-1 cold-weather teams. Leading the is Benedictine (Richmond, VA) No. 25 Valley Christian (San hitters is Connor Offshack (.531, which started the season 14-0. Jose, CA) is 14-4. Source: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper 6 extra base hits, 13 RBI, 14 RS) They are the No. 1 team in the For the rest of the top 30, go to and Chris Newell (.400, 2 HR, 15 Virginia Independent Schools www.baseballnews.com High School Notes Orange Lutheran Wins Third National H.S. Invitational CARY, N.C. — Orange Lutheran strikeouts and gave up two earned Campbell Holt, Desert Oasis bottom of the 10th inning. West Division title for the second year (Orange, CA) defeated Harvard- runs for the victory. Karson Bowen Jack Leiter, Delbarton Ranch was able to score a run with in a row. Westlake (Studio City, CA), 6-2 to came in for relief to secure Orange B r e n n a n M a l o n e , I M G the bases loaded and Nikko Clarke They are the first team in the become the first team to three-peat Lutheran’s third consecutive NHSI Academy was walked. tournament’s 7 year history to as USA Baseball National High title. Dominic Martinez, La Mirada Clarke finished with both RBI win a back-to-back divisional School Invitational champions. The Lancer success in the Gavin Mortenson, Northwest in the game and Ryan Tucker had championship. JSerra will face the Evan Adolphus retired the tournament includes 13 consecutive Guilford two hits. winner of the North Division on first 13 batters he faced while the victories dating back to 2014. The Robby Post, Hagerty West Ranch’s Cade Nicol threw April 27 at the University of San Lancers’ offense supplied sufficient team has not lost in the tournament Max Rajcic, Orange Lutheran eight innings, striking out nine and Diego. That tournament is slated runs to keep Harvard-Westlake at since a 4-1 defeat to Venice (Venice, Anthony Volpe, Delbarton walking none. He allowed seven to begin on April 15. bay. Lancer hitters plated two runs FL) on March 27, 2014. Wins National Classic hits. JSerra went through the in the opening frame to kick off Connor was named the West Ranch (Valencia, CA) and The Wildcats went through the tournament undefeated, beating the team. tournament MVP after hitting .700 San Dimas (CA) were locked in a tournament undefeated. They beat California schools Etiwanda 8- Caden Connor crossed the plate with 9 runs scored through four battle royale in the championship Horizon (Scottsdale, AZ) 14-2, 5, Ayala 5-3 and Notre Dame four times in the game. games. game of the National Classic. After South Hills (West Covina, CA) 8- (Sherman Oaks) 5-2 to reach the Adophus had a perfect game 3, Redondo Beach (CA) 4-1 before title games. NHSI All-Tournament Team 10 innings, West Ranch prevailed going until the fifth inning when Caden Connor, Orange winning, 2-1. reaching the title game. OF Nino Vultaggio went 2-for-3 Wolverine’s Drew Bowser hit a Lutheran The game, which was held at Wins Boras Classic South with an RBI and a run scored to be single. In the bottom of the sixth Jag Burden, Huntington Beach Cal State Fullerton, saw amazing JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, named Offensive MVP while LHP inning, they pick up two runs. Sam Hliboki, Harvard- pitching from both teams as they CA) defeated La Mirada (CA), 8-1 Gage Jump received the Defensive Adolphus recorded four Westlake were stuck in a 1-1 tied until the to capture the Boras Classic South MVP award. Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 17 Progressive Skipper Utilizes Great System For Team Continued From Page 1 “I realized I needed to change and grow as a coach when it came players improve with repeatable to working with people outside mechanics. our program who were helping our Instead of having numerous kids and giving their advice. As voices in a player’s ear telling him the head coach of a high school, Why should I discard everything that to hit, pitch or field multiple ways, you are a window in time in your player has learned through his life prior to there is unison as everyone is on players’ lives each fall and spring “ the same page. for four years. coming here? There are different ways to Learning is enhanced with this “Then they are off playing each field balls as an infielder and many ways to common sense approach. summer. By embracing all of these Unfortunately, the vast majority people, it is better for the players. hit a baseball in addition to pitch. I feel it of high school coaches across “It is vital each athlete consistently the USA demand that players in hears the same information over is important to talk to coaches outside our their program only embrace their and over again from all of these program and have them explain why he hits, concepts on all facets of the game. voices. It is a my way or the highway “We don’t want our instruction to fields or pitches the way he does. Then I tell philosophy. be a solo voice while everyone else them what my system is. They want no part of outside around them is teaching mechanics — Mike Rogers, Head Coach coaches tinkering with the of the skills differently. It isn’t mechanics of their players. productive to have this going on. Lake Travis H.S. (Tex.) What many high school coaches It is absolutely imperative that don’t stop to consider is that parents everyone be on the same page. typically pay thousands of dollars “Most outside coaches are every year for instruction to better awesome and want their kids to be for each player, he was asked if I understand a parent being upset advice to help these young men. their players. successful. So they will embrace he ever has issues with parents as if they have invested thousands of “We try to include the parents When athletes are on baseball some of our terminology. We may many coaches do in high school dollars in instruction, and the high in with what we are trying to teams outside of their high school embrace some of their terminology. baseball. school coach never even tries to accomplish. If we see ”that their team during the summer, even more Whatever works.” “Parents are a different dynamic work with the techniques their son son needs to train in a different advice is given to these players. Dealing With Parents depending on where you are at with has utilized for years. way for improvement, we call the And of course, it costs parents Since Rogers works with outside their kid and family. “And that also includes club parents in and tell them what we even more money to be on these coaches and parents to come up “We try to include the parents with teams and elite summer teams teams. with a game plan for improvement what we are trying to accomplish. where coaches are giving their See PITCHING, Page 18 It begs the question: Why don’t all high school coaches have a constructive dialogue with anyone working with any of their players so that all parties give the same important advice when it comes to mechanics in the different disciplines of baseball. “I am old school with a lot of mechanics that I teach and believe in,” said Rogers. “But so many players are on club teams or go to instructors which shape their mechanics prior to coming to high school. “Why should I discard everything that player has learned through his life prior to coming here? There are different ways to field balls as an infielder and many ways to hit a baseball in addition to pitch. I feel it is important to talk to coaches outside our program and have them explain why he hits, fields or pitches the way he does. Then I tell them what my system is. “That instructor really appreciates being part of our teaching team as we come up with a plan that helps each kid. Sometimes outside coaches learn some things from me. And I have certainly learned things from outside coaches who have great ideas. “And you also bring in the parents into this discussion if they are working with their kids on the mechanics of hitting, fielding or pitching. “It simply is productive to do this.” Rogers said he rarely has an angry parent because he and his coaching staff demonstrate how much they care about their athletes as they become better in baseball and better people in life. “Back in the day, high school coaches were the lone voice of coaching for that group of kids. “That dynamic has now changed. Kids today have multiple voices who give them advice about all facets of what they do in baseball mechanically. “We reach out to people who are giving lessons to our kids outside of our program. That may be from knowledgeable people who work on hitting or pitching. These outside coaches may have academies or might be club coaches or coaches on select teams. “We reach out to those guys and share our philosophy and see where they’re at. It makes it an easier transition on the player. Page 18 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Pitching And Defense Fuel Lake Travis H.S. Engine Continued From Page 17 doesn’t help. these approaches for years, why “We would rather have the talk at should we change them if they are seeing and would like to go in home to be supportive in what we are successful? We simply try to this direction. are trying to accomplish. help them get better at doing those “If you include parents as a “You can strive to win the parents things. member of your team, most of over by sharing your concepts and “It makes it easier on the kid not the time they are on board. You talking to them with open dialogue. having to relearn something that he are dealing with their most prized They won’t make the lineup or tell has spent years and years doing. We possession. Thirty years ago, kids us who to play and that kind of have that same philosophy in hitting had to do what the coach said, thing. But they feel involved. as well. We start coaching and period. But not today. “The other dynamic in all of this tweaking things so they improve.” “Parents are even allowed to is when fundraising time comes. Pitching Instruction come to our practices and sit in Instead of having 10 or 15 people Rogers said that many pitchers the bleachers. They are welcome saying negative things about your come into his program with a to come to my office if they have program, people are much more tremendous amount of knowledge a problem. My expectation is that inclined to help. Fundraising is already. if they have a problem, they come much easier. Having parents help at “We start by watching new to me. I can tell them what we are the ball park also is easier.” pitchers throw for a week or two trying to do and why. They might Defense & Pitching First and take notes and shoot video. have a different viewpoint. But I Lake Travis under Mike Rogers is 22-1 this season. Rogers said at Lake Travis “Then we sit down with them always try to come to a resolution H.S., there is a 1-hour athletic and give them our feedback on what that is mutually beneficial for all work with parents is important. “I am worried how our players period for freshmen and one for the they are doing mechanically. We ask parties. “It’s a better scenario for the kids are treated at home once they leave upper level players which includes them who is giving them lessons, “As a coaching staff, we will if the parents are involved.” the field. Do you want them to get sophomores, juniors and seniors and we contact that person. ultimately do what we feel will help Rogers said he is concerned an earful of negative comments five days a week once school starts “Then we begin to develop a that young man be the best player about each and every player he about what we do from their mom in August and continues through portfolio of his mechanics, pitches, he can be, obviously. But trying to has. or dad when they get home? It just December up to the Christmas velocity, control and so many other break. things. Once we get this information “Our philosophy has always and find out what he is trying to been pitching and defense first. If accomplish, we go from there. your opponent doesn’t score a run, “With one kid, it might be the Nominate Top H.S. Players then all you have to do is score one way he is holding the ball with his run. This is why we spend a lot of finger positioning and pressure. time trying to not let opponents With the other, it may be a little For 2019 All-American Honors score. We spend large portions of more in the way of adjustments.” TUCSON, Ariz. — Coaches, our off-season meeting with kids Rogers said control is a cherished here’s your opportunity to every day at school and focus on commodity in his program. nominate your top player for Official Post-Season defense and pitching specifically. “We do a lot of target drills and our annual Post-Season All- “We have defensive routines throwing drills. American team. we do every day. One day we may “Even play catch works well if The 2019 Collegiate Base- Nomination Form cover bunts, the next first and third athletes are focused on throwing to ball High School All-Ameri- Fill out and mail or email this form by no later than May plays and the next relays. Once you the top or middle button. You have cans will be announced in the 25. Print or type information below. You may use a sepa- finish everything, you start over a point system for being accurate. upcoming June edition. rate sheet of paper, but please include all the information again as you become much better in We aren’t trying to make it too All nominations must be as listed here. the fundamentals of the game with scientific. Just have the kids throw mailed or emailed by May 25. Full Name Of Player: defense and pitching. it to a specific spot and develop that The completed form can be “We also hit. We will have a touch and feel. High School: mailed to the address listed at group on the field working on “Then it is repetition over and the bottom of the coupon or City/State: defense while another group may over again. We want the pitchers to can be scanned and emailed to be in the cage hitting. tell us how this feels or that when [email protected] This Player Is (Check One): “The recipe for each player it comes to grips on pitches or Here are the rules: High Draft Pick Major College Prospect getting better is different. So we different tweaks with mechanics. 1) PRINT (or type) all infor- keep that in mind as they progress “Listening to your pitchers mation legibly. You do not need Explain Your Choice (This information needed for all through the fall. Whatever that is very important. If they have to use the actual form if email- players nominated): might be, we work on that very success, we want them to understand ing the nomination as long as hard. We don’t overload them with why they were able to do this or you include all the information concepts as we keep things simple. that successfully. When players requested. We evaluate what they are doing verbalize what they are doing, 2) Provide as much back- so they are efficient and repeatable I have found they have a better ground info as possible, includ- with their mechanics. understanding of what they do.” ing his current or final stats for “We have no magic bullets. It is Rogers said while velocity is the 2019 season. You can use Name Of H.S. Coach: just a lot of hard work and repetition important, the command of pitches a separate sheet to outline the until they are confident in what is even more crucial to the success player’s honors or highlights. School Phone Number: they are doing. And confidence is of pitchers. 3) If the player is a senior Class Of Player (Senior, Etc.): the key. “Strikes are what we are after. and has signed with a college, “As this all takes place, you are Sometimes it gets frustrating please list the college’s name. Primary Playing Position: trying to find the chemistry of the because so many pitchers at a young 4) Provide a photo, prefer- Secondary Playing Position: team and positioning of kids and age are successful on select teams ably a digital image, of the seeing the knowledge they have and with good fastballs. Once the radar player on a CD. We are request- Throws: L R (circle one) Bats: L R S what they need to learn. guns come out, and they are trying ing a head and shoulders photo “It especially gives the freshmen to light them up. The first thing that with school baseball cap if pos- Final 2019 H.S. Spring Varsity Offensive Statistics: a good start to their high school goes is control. A lot of times we sible. Newspaper clippings will GP BA AB RBI R H 2B 3B HR SO BB HP SB/SBA baseball career.” have to reel them in and come up not work. It has to be a digital Teaching Skills with drills and challenges. image. If you have an action Final 2019 H.S. Spring Varsity Pitching Statistics Rogers explained how he teaches “We are big on competition. photo of the player, supply W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO the different skills to athletes For instance, when we do infield that as well. Digital images “The first thing we do is see practice, we might divide the kids can also be e-mailed to: cbn@ what the kid does whether that be into two teams. If the red team has baseballnews.com (Any highlights, honors, summer Other Key Information defense, pitching or hitting. less errors, then the black team runs. 5) Please be sure to properly stats, comments that can strengthen your nomination): “In Texas, baseball has Some aspect of defense is worked identify each digital photo with progressed so much where these on every day during the fall. the player’s name and school. kids have had lessons and been on “When you add the competition If you have any questions, select teams and travel teams since factor, now it becomes a little more please contact us at (520) 623- they were 8-9 years old. game like with more pressure. 4530 or email Lou@baseball- “So we see where they are at and “You can take the same concept news.com then improve upon that. We don’t to the bullpen. “A pitcher will throw certain (If statistics from previous seasons or summer team can reinvent the wheel for each kid. For instance, if we have a young man number of pitches. But a strengthen your nomination, include on a separate sheet of predetermined percentage of those paper and write down all pertinent information.) who comes into our program and is an infielder, he might have been pitches must be strikes. “If you don’t hit the strike Mail with digital image of player(s) properly identi- taught to approach a ground ball by percentage we are after, we have Deadline fied on a CD and this nomination form to: going right foot, left foot, catch and then right foot, left foot, throw. some conditioning for you. Adding that element of competition is Date: Collegiate Baseball “It is a great approach. But kids have also been taught the funnel huge.” May 25 P.O. Box 50566 technique where they funnel balls Special Pitching System Tucson, AZ 85703 on ground balls to the middle of Rogers said he purchased several their body and then throw it to first. Designated Hitter pitching aids Others are circle guys. “If kids have been doing one of See TECHNOLOGY, Page 19 Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 19 Technology Utilized To Hammer Home Points Continued From Page 18 supportive of our program and the and new sod and baseball equipment When they get to the ballpark, we philosophies we are trying to instill that we utilize for the players.” give them a T-shirt and have them which mimics a batter standing with the kids. Working With Youth Leagues play catch with the varsity player in the batters box while a pitcher “We have two functions a year Rogers likes to work with youth after the game. We want those throws his bullpen. for fundraising with our program. league coaches who work with young kids to get excited about “We will have right and The amount hinges on what we young players who eventually feed Lake Travis baseball.” lefthanded simulated batters in need for the program in any given into Lake Travis High School. Hiring Assistants the batter’s box during bullpens. year. If we don’t need much, we try “We reach out and visit with Rogers closed the interview by Sometimes we will put them in not to raise a lot. the coaches. We made a couple of talking about how important his both batters’ boxes before a pitcher “My first year at Lake Travis, videos for them and share within assistant coaches are to the success throws his bullpen so they only lock we built a covered indoor hitting their organization. We also have of the program. in on the tunnel they must throw facility which ran about $80,000. It some of the local academy guys “Without them, it would be into the strike zone. has two 90-foot cages, and we have come by and have lunch with them. impossible to do what we do. I feel “Concentrating on the glove and divided it into four sections. They have our kids as well. So we we have great assistant coaches. being able to throw pitches where “We have four pitching machines want to include those guys in the They bring a lot to the program. you want is crucial. We use them and rotate our hitters within the family. “When I hire an assistant, I am every day.” stations. So we raised $80,000 to “All of this makes a good looking for someone with new Former Major League pitcher complete that project. The next transition into our program. ideas. I want somebody who will Dennis Cook was extremely helpful year, we needed an outfield fence “We also have a Baseball Buddy bring a different dynamic and has a in formulating a daily pitching plan that cost $30,000. Program which I started about 25 passion to work with players. for Lake Travis. “We raised money for a halo years ago where we have elementary “I have been fortunate to get “We were fortunate to have which goes behind and to the sides kids in the area be involved with our those people to help. Lake Travis Dennis as our pitching coach. And of home plate that says Cavaliers. baseball program. Currently we is a special place. You have great it was a great learning experience “We also built a metal covered have 120 Buddies. community support and great watching him work with pitchers awning for the home side of the “We pair them with a varsity kid. administration support.” every day and how he taught all the MIKE ROGERS park. We added nice landscaping elements of pitching. knowledge. “Right at the top of his list was “In today’s game, technology having pitchers throw the ball every is huge, and players buy into day as they developed feel. He that. Twenty years ago, you could utilized flat ground every day with simply verbalize your thoughts our pitchers. to kids. Today you must show “He brought in a long toss routine them everything. Players like to for pitchers. He also showed us the be shown numbers, video and the value of having 40-foot bullpens technology that helps them be where they go off the hill and work smarter at what they do. at throwing pitches wherever the “Technology is simply a newer glove is located nice and easy at path that allows coaches to get that 40-foot distance. This doesn’t players to a successful outcome. put strain on the arm as they work Currently we use the Blast swing on control. analyzer for our hitters. It measures “An infielder might take 100 several different hitting dynamics ground balls every day. But how and prints out the numbers for them. many pitchers do you know who Now we can talk about launch throw to a target every day? We angles and attack angles with our want our pitchers to do this, and it kids but in a more scientific way. helps them tremendous in locating “It really is the same talk we pitches in the strike zone. had with kids 20 years ago without “Our target is defined as throwing the numbers. Utilizing video with a pitch right down the middle. Then our pitchers is important as well. we will work in and out to the Coaching is always an evolving corners. The priority is being able experience.” to control the baseball. For some Raising Money kids it’s easy. For others, it is a Several years ago, Rogers struggle. Our system gives each organized a Kickoff The Season pitcher a chance to reach his control Banquet where an auction was potential. initiated. “Coming up with different “We feature the players and verbiage and routines are important introduce the seniors. We show so each pitcher can discover a video of our off-season. It is a something that works for him.” special night as we get 400-500 Using Technology people come. Rogers said that being open “We have raised anywhere Outfi t Your Dugout With Major League-Style to new concepts and ideas from from $30,000 - $50,000 with this coaches outside the program has banquet depending on the year. Benches, Helmet & Bat Racks also allowed him to expand his The community has been very Special Deals Available From Our Advertisers In This Issue Continued From Page 7 gusseted pouch design. The product is now available in makes it impossible for opponents the two most popular flavors, Outta to steal your signs during a game Here Original and Big Rally Blue but allows players not to miss Raspberry. signs. Big League Chew is sold in This Spring, Collegiate Baseball various stores across the nation, but readers can receive up to a 20% also can be ordered online through discount on the computerized sign www.bigleaguechew.com system. Use the coupon code: CB Subscription Discount CBN19 at the online checkout at For a limited time, Collegiate www.ownthezonesports.com Baseball is offering coaches at all For more information, visit the levels a special discounted rate of website to learn how the product is $22 for a one-year subscription to utilized by baseball teams across our printed edition. That is a $6 the nation. savings on this subscription rate. Big League Chew This special offer will expire on Big League Chew is the May 15, 2019 (see ad on page 23). bubblegum that comes in a pouch. Order today at www.baseballnews. It was invented in 1977 by Rob com and click on Subscribe at the Nelson, a former pitcher for the top of the page or call us with credit Tarps • Wall Pads • Rail Pads • Windscreen • Netting Portland Mavericks, to replace the card orders at (520) 623-4530. use of chewing tobacco. Also Collegiate Baseball now Contact: Dave Payton The company recently came out offers an electronic version of its with a new Double-Size Pouch. It publication for just $25 per year as Bridgeview, Illinois carries as much gum as two regular well as our e-books for $5 each or Cell Phone: (708) 846-4119 pouches of Big League Chew and $25 for all 7 (see ad on page 8) or features a resealable stand-up visit our website. www.pytsports.net Page 20 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Value Of The Lowly Walk Ward: Run Production Can Be Generated With Disciplined Hitters By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. I did when I was with Oklahoma Editor/Collegiate Baseball State, my assistant coach at the time was Jim Schwanke, and I felt we STILLWATER, Okla. — Of did a terrific job of explaining what all the offensive statistics that are rhythm adjustment was all about. measured in baseball, the lowly “On the baseball field, we have walk is undoubtedly one of the most cones located from home plate important, according to Gary Ward, toward the pitcher’s mound at 48, one of the best hitting coaches of 36 and 24 feet to track pitches. all time. “We have hitters release their The most important number any stride into what we call tempo. offense ultimately produces is run Once the stride goes, then the tempo production. of the swing is pretty much the When Ward was the head coach same. The pitcher throws a pitch of Oklahoma State for 19 seasons, and lets the ball get to the 48 foot his teams led all NCAA Division I mark and then our hitter starts to teams in run production six times, stride. including four consecutive years “Sometimes we will see breaking from 1985-1988. ball rhythm there. Then we allow Here is the breakdown for runs the ball get to 36 feet, and we see per game during those years: a little bit more of a hit and run 1985: 10.56 runs per game. activity with our hitters. It allows 1986: 10.76 runs per game. them to be on time with a breaking 1987: 11.43 runs per game. ball and stay inside the ball and hit 1988: 11.28 runs per game. it the other way. 1995: 10.55 runs per game. “At 24 feet, we utilize 2-strike 1996: 11.36 runs per game. rhythm. We are trying to split the During those 19 years, his teams rhythm of all the pitcher’s pitches averaged 9.2 runs per game. And and fight off his fastball and handle what fueled that incredible run Gary Ward discusses the fine points of hitting and what produces runs. the zone as well as we can to extend production was a remarkable on- the count. base percentage by his hitters which on me. It was written many, many enough to handle the zone that they and fought pitches off. At the end of “We understand that if you foul was kick started by walks. years ago. When he played, he had can handle with their own unique the game, we came back and won, off a 2-strike pitch, the percentages When you look at the on-base that combination of discipline, athletic ability.” 14-10. Then we went on to win the show that a pitcher usually throws percentage of Ward’s teams during power and average that I felt was Through his 19 years at Oklahoma national championship that year. It another ball and then another strike. that time, his offense never had the ultimate offensive performer. State, Cowboy hitters had a superb was really a critical game. We do chart and keep in mind the a lower on-base percentage than “So we worked on having strikeout-walk ratio with 9,001 “After the game, a young man number of pitches each hitter sees .423 after his first two seasons with this type of hitter in our program walks and 6,916 strikeouts. came up to me from the Grand in each at-bat. the Cowboys. During the 1987 wherever I have been. The statistic “Every player has his own Junction crowd and said to me, “We try to carry through with and 1988 seasons, the on-base we valued was having a plan when strikeout-walk ratio. So it might ‘Coach, I was at that clinic that you rhythm adjustment drills in most percentages were extraordinary at you got to the plate, reduced the be higher or lower depending on gave here in Grand Junction. You of our live drills and certainly in .500 and .517. look, reduced the zone, and looked the hitter. And with the strike zone talked then about walk-strikeout our hitting stations. Rather than Breaking it down further, his to the power zone. changing the last 20 years in college ratio and being able to have enough change mechanics, the swing stays teams walked more than any team “We discipline our hitters in baseball, you have to keep that in mechanics to take the breaking ball the same, and everything we are in NCAA Division I history which relationship to their ability. Guys mind as well. At one time, a good instead of chasing it because so trying to do is rhythm adjustment. allowed the on-base percentage to who have the ability to control the barometer was one strikeout for many people can’t hit it. We find rhythm adjustment gives shoot through the roof. entire zone have a little more free every 1½ walks for the overall team “He asked me if I had any idea us maximum power, keeps us in the Over 19 years at Oklahoma St., reign. But I feel when an athlete’s strikeout-walk ratio. how many breaking balls my middle of the field and also allows his teams averaged 7.1 walks per ability and bat speed decrease at “But we found that it was better players swung at during that key us to hit balls the other way. Then game. In 15 of those 19 seasons, the plate, the zone decreases with to look at each hitter individually game in nine innings. I figured it the final rhythm adjustment is when his batters walked at least 415 times that. We have to be more precise for these numbers. Some hitters was probably four or five. And of we try to fight pitches off with an a season with a high of 607 walks as to what rhythm we are working with power swing extremely hard at those, one of our players probably emergency hack. during the 1986 season. That year, with as well. We can cheat a little pitches and tend to strikeout more swung at 3-4 of those. He said “The hitter needs to know how OSU batters walked an average of bit to the power zone or zone we often than others. So you treat the that is what he had on his chart. much information time he has on 8.5 times per game. are looking at, and it improves our numbers differently from player to He asked me why I felt one of my the pitch before he commits to the Ward was the architect of 16 bat speed a little more.” player. You keep working on it so players swung at so many breaking swing. That is the pure essence of straight Big Eight Conference Ward said that a common that they become better over time pitches? And I said that he is a hitting talent. How long do I get to championships spanning three question is how you hit the breaking with fewer strikeouts. The key is breaking ball hitter. His plan when see the ball travel? And what am I decades at Oklahoma State where ball. having strike zone discipline which he went to the plate was to look doing to get my body in a position he was the head coach from 1978- “Swing mechanics dictate helps the team.” for the breaking ball because that’s to hit? Then in the last 30 feet 1996. He guided the Cowboys to who will and who won’t hit the Taking Breaking Pitches what he hit well.” of travel, the hitter must make a 17 NCAA regional appearances breaking ball well. It’s a lot easier Ward said he identifies what When Ward was the head coach decision predicting where the ball and 10 trips to the College World for the lefthanded hitter to hit the batters can drive inside pitches at Oklahoma State, his teams were will be with its speed and location Series. Seven of OSU’s College righthanded pitcher’s breaking well, outside pitches hard as well involved in 10 College World and whether it will change plane. World Series appearances were ball so that he can get inside it and as others who can destroy breaking Series. When he compared the And it becomes a challenge. in consecutive years, an NCAA access it. pitches. walk-strikeout ratio to other teams “Its probably a little too much record. “It is much more difficult to hit a “We ultimately find out what in the CWS, his ball club always to expect out of a college hitter to He compiled a record of 953- breaking ball moving away from a each hitter’s strength is. If the had better numbers. do all this. But you must work at 313-1 in 19 seasons in Stillwater, batter. If the breaking ball is thrown hitter is a good fastball hitter who “Each year you qualify, you those kind of things in your daily Okla. before retiring prior to the consistently well starting on the can’t hit the curve, we want them pick up the respective stats of the drills and be relentless if you want 1997 campaign. inside of the plate and finishing to recognize the breaking ball and competing ball clubs. And almost a quality of discipline with your Incredibly, 108 of his players at on the outside at knee high, I’m take it. Getting in rhythm with what without exception, our hitters would ball club. OSU went on to sign professional not sure how many people can hit they can handle in a certain zone is have the best walk-strikeout ratio. “I think Jim Schwanke did one contracts. that. If you can hit that, you can hit important. People would look at the power of the really remarkable jobs in anything else. “Making the hitter more numbers and batting averages and college baseball history for Skip Why Walks Are Vital “So we talk about taking the the great players we had such as “The walk has always been aggressive in a smaller area will Bertman at LSU in taking our breaking ball and started the allow him to be a better athlete. Robin Ventura and Pete Incaviglia. system there as their hitting coach important,” said Ward. “It isn’t term ‘walk-strikeout ratio.’ Our Everybody thought we had a lot of about taking pitches. A lot of That is how I feel good power years ago. evaluation of hitters was not so hitters are developed. talent, and we did. “We simply call it the hitting people get confused about going much on batting average. We “But even within the context out and taking a bunch of pitches. “But the bottom line is at the plan per at bat. Although they had spent some time with on-base end of the day, what is your walk- of that, even the power hitters ‘gorilla ball’ at that time with many The reality is that you must value percentage and the number of walks were expected to have a degree of being disciplined at the plate. On strikeout ratio? How many times home runs, they still had pretty that increase and strikeouts which are you putting the ball in play? discipline. sound, disciplined hitters who the junior college level, you might decrease. “Their walk-strikeout ratio was find 3-4 guys who can cover the You may even chart hard contact valued the pitch and valued the “This obviously increases our by your hitters because some people constantly monitored and valued. base on balls. zone with the bat on a team. chances of having people on base. Along with that, we learned a “But the great majority of hit into bad luck through a series of “The greatest hitting situation If you hit a pop fly, the percentages 15-20 at bats, and you don’t want new technique called rhythm you can be in is ball one, ball two, athletes, if you can teach them are that it will be caught. adjustment during my early years their zone within the strike zone, to confuse batting average with ball three. We know statistically “But if you put the ball in play on execution. with Oklahoma St.” that the percentages go up as balls can have enough athleticism and the ground, one fielder has to catch bat speed to cover that with some “When I was the head coach at Rhythm Adjustment are taken. So the worst thing that it. Then he has to throw it. Then it Yavapai Junior College in Arizona Ward was asked to explain what can happen is see a hitter chase ability. So we have always worked has to be an accurate throw so the very hard at reducing the zone years ago, we qualified for the rhythm adjustment is. the zone. person on the other end catches it Junior College World Series in “During clinics, I usually refuse “And the worse the hitter, the down and used terms like ‘shorten properly. So we really emphasize the look’ or ‘center the ball more.’ Grand Junction, Colo. We found to bring it up because it is far too smaller the zone has to be because to our offense the base fundamental ourselves down 8-1 in one game, difficult to explain in a short period “Ted Williams’ book The Science of trying to get people disciplined Of Hitting was a great influence and we maintained our discipline of time. In one of my videotapes that See HITTERS, Page 21 Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 21 Hitters Must See Game Speed Pitches To Thrive Continued From Page 20 double, triple and home run power, then they can create their power he has a less of an ability to cover an through their skills. area. We want everything balanced “We really value and reward and quicker as far as our reaction disciplined hitters. The highlight of time. our day is who had the most pitches If you have the kind of drills established to “So again, how far should the in an at-bat. Who had the 8-9-10-11 replicate game speeds, game reads and game ball travel before I make a move on pitch at-bat and won it. “ the ball and/or initiate a swing? The “In order to play championship reaction times rather than guys going out greater the information, the greater baseball, we had to beat pitchers like and banging the ball around, then they will the discipline, the greater the strike Roger Clemens or Jack McDowell zone, the higher the walks and the when Oklahoma State was playing be better off. BP is not a social activity. It’s lower the strikeouts. in the College World Series. There business. We want to spend the vast majority “You must work on these drills. are a lot of times you don’t have the You can’t go out and let people start ability to beat these guys who will of our time practicing at game speed with using batting practice as a driving be in the Major Leagues. range. It can’t be like that. It is a “But you do have the ability coaching supervision. laboratory. If you’re not there every to make each at-bat so involved day, problems develop. Even in pre- and so important that when you — Gary Ward, Former Head Coach game hitting, I am there to monitor look up in the seventh inning and Oklahoma State University my hitters. Some people wonder playing Texas, because of your why I don’t leave them alone prior hitter discipline where strikes have to games. The way I look at it is that been fouled off, his pitch count is if you have 18 hitters, each one has at 128, and they have to go to the a variety of verbal clues that you bullpen. the ball on defense. Hitters don’t of 2-1 games where we lost one speed the game up. and he have developed over time. “We try to play that great pitcher control momentum. Momentum is and won one. I don’t know if the “This has been an emphasis in “It might be a comment, such as close and then have 2-3 innings to controlled defensively. The pitcher pitchers really had to throw it in the the game for years. Most umpires ‘stay in the seat,’ ‘keep your nose beat the guy out of the bullpen. I is the guy who leads all dances. He strike zone all game since both were feel if they can heighten” the zone can’t tell you how many times that up,’ ‘give me linear load.’ You terrific pitchers with command. The and widen the zone and get more system functioned where you get a may be an adversary. But you must might have 15 or 20 verbal clues hitters had no chance. strikes called, their day is shorter key pitcher out, and we get to the be in harmony with him. You must for each guy. There is no leisure “The umpire is a major, major and the game moves along. It also relief pitcher. understand who he is and what he batting practice ever taken in our player in games. If I knew what the is more enjoyable to spectators. “In an environment like the is doing. program. It is done with supervision umpire rotations were and knew the Most importantly, the television College World Series, the fear of “Yes, the zone hitting concept is and responsibility.” umpires, I would be much better off executives don’t want a 19-12 in the walk by the opposing pitcher important and hard to learn. It takes Power Hitters Overswing setting my pitchers in the rotation. the national title game.” is a great situation to hit in. That’s hours of work and great dedication Ward said that Oklahoma There are times when you have a been proven statistically. But more by hitters and coaches to execute it Pro Baseball & Walks State’s Incaviglia, a tremendous power pitcher who leaves the ball importantly, if you are able to properly.” The power of the walk has power hitter, even had his issues down the middle at 93-94 mph played a role on the Major League at times. pitch count a superb pitcher and Umpires & Walks Ward explained how home plate with a good slider. But you are level as well. Incaviglia had the most get that quality starter into 15-20 umpires come into play with walks. working with a home plate umpire Consider the Oakland A’s and impressive offensive year in NCAA pitches an inning or get him past Some call strikes three or four with a liberal zone who rewards what General Managers Sandy history as a junior in 1985 as he 100 pitches in the fifth, sixth and inches off the plate while others command. And you have a power Alderson and Billy Beane did to set NCAA single-season records seventh inning, you have a chance have an extremely tight strike zone. guy on the mound who can’t hit re-shape how Oakland was run on for home runs (48), RBIs (143), to break through. No two strike zones are the same his spots. a shoestring. total bases (285) and slugging “By utilizing this system, we with umpires. “This is particularly true of Oakland won a lot of games percentage (1.140). felt at Yavapai and Oklahoma St. “The umpire is the second umpires at the College World Series by drafting position players who He also set NCAA career records that we had a chance to compete most important guy on the field who are new to you. You’ve only had high on-base percentages in for home runs (100) and slugging against other teams with superior offensively to the pitcher. It is a seen them if you have been in that college which featured high walk percentage (.915). personnel.” variable we can’t control. We have venue a lot. I have been in games numbers. “Even in his good years, he Zone Hitting had games at the College World where our hitting discipline system The ability to control the strike would start overswinging the bat, Ward was asked to explain the Series where strike zones were is taken away from us because zone was the greatest indicator of separating and seeing how far he quadrants of the hitting zone he liberal. I can remember a couple umpires will broaden the zone to future success in pro baseball. could hit a ball. Then I would run teaches athletes to hit in. him out of the cage and send him “When we work batting practice, to the soft toss station so he could we generally work in and out. We go back to the basics. I would tell try to increase the horizontal strike him that this is not a driving range, zone. When I have had the chance and I am not interested in oohs and to go into Major League parks and aahs here. see great hitters over the years, “Batting practice is predictable almost all of them have a problem and at the same speed. You can with a part of the zone. make a bunch of mistakes and still “Every kid has a different length www.gripedo.com put on a show. You see an awful lot of lever. They have different arms of very good BP hitters because it and different power per inch with is at a predictable speed and many their levers. One hitter may be times at a predictable location. If wider through the chest or wider you don’t value it as a coach, they from shoulder to shoulder. One won’t value their time in BP as a person may have arms that are player. shorter or longer. “If you have the kind of drills “So you help the batter find his established to replicate game speeds, true bat path. That may be bottom game reads and game reaction times half, upper half, outside half or rather than guys going out and inside half. So as you are working banging the ball around, then they on zone discipline, you want him will be better off. BP is not a social to know what his plan is. Is he a For $10 off, activity. It’s business. We want fastball or breaking ball hitter? use promocode: BSN to spend the vast majority of our And what zone does he cover? And time practicing at game speed with do you have enough ability to get coaching supervision. And when enough information off the pitch we teach, that is what the cages and and enough reaction time with the off-site hitting areas are for.” bat to handle that part of the zone Ward said that batting averages with a degree of power. are way too overrated. “If the hitter stays disciplined “We don’t value batting average until he gets ahead in the count, he very much. With many baseball are usually better off. If a pitcher “Gripedo is an incredibly players, batting average becomes is pouring strikes at you and is on their identity. to your weakness, then with two versatile device that can be used “I try to detach my hitters from strikes you have to tighten the for not only the development of thinking too much about it. When rhythm and shorten the stroke as you have over 150 at bats, you you fight the ball off to win the next grip strength but the entire arm. sometimes have a lot of flares and pitch. Probably the most constant The number of applications are seeing eye ground balls that are hits. mantra that we have is ‘win the You might also have a lot of hard next pitch’ whether it is offense unmatched.” hit line drives that are caught. At the or defense. You must be able to — Mike Barwis, Senior Advisor of end of the year, it is better to look re-focus in 20 seconds and win the Strength and Conditioning at the on-base percentage. next pitch. “If I have a guy who can steal “You can’t be involved as a New York Mets 50 bases a year and walk 50 times, hitter in your previous failure Used by Arizona Diamondbacks then that is a powerful offensive or previous success or what the weapon. If I have a guy who has umpire did. Baseball is played with Page 22 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Chris Carpenter Finds Teaching After Big Leagues By JOHN ROBERTS lives; moments that were lost to a Special To Collegiate Baseball professor that has spent most of his life in a classroom. DEMOREST, Ga. — Cris They also shared stories of Carpenter was at a crossroads P l e y s i e r ’s s t e r n c l a s s r o o m during the fall of 1997. demeanor, unchanged through the As a professional baseball player, decades. he had pitched for the St. Louis “I never smile in the classroom Cardinals, Florida Marlins, Texas before Christmas,” says Pleysier, Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers. perpetually friendly outside the But after a storied 10-year career classroom. Then Cris Carpenter (where he compiled a 27-22 record says: “In my classes, I still find mostly as a relief pitcher) his myself impersonating you. You are journey had taken him back to the reason that I have been teaching his native north Georgia. over 19 years. I just wanted you to Carpenter had saved his money know that.” but was restless and energetic. He Pleysier nods, smiles and needed a purpose. He needed a enjoys the moment. A little more job. than a year ago, the professor, who Because he entered the draft has kept the same office since joining during his junior year at the Piedmont in 1982, was considering University of Georgia, Carpenter retiring to his home in the country. did not have a college degree. So, Should he continue teaching? needing that and a bit of career “I prayed for an answer,” he inspiration, he enrolled at Piedmont said. The master teacher who had College. provided guidance to so many was So, there he sat. In a third-floor SPECIAL PROFESSOR — Dr. Al Pleysier (middle), a professor of U.S. history at Piedmont seeking some of his own. room in Daniel. College in Georgia, was the catalyst who inspired former Major League pitcher Chris Carpenter About a week later, Pleysier The former ball player was 33, (far right) into teaching. Carpenter’s son Sam (far left) is a pitcher on Piedmont’s baseball team received an email from a student married, had one child and twins and also wants to be a history teacher after attending classes by Pleysier. who graduated in the 1990s and on the way. He was surrounded now works in higher education. by anxious college freshmen. It But he found much more in Carpenter graduated in 1999 how the same person had come to She thanked him for his class. “It was his first day of class, and he that first lecture. Inflecting and and began teaching and coaching inspire father and son to a small will be with me for a lifetime,” she felt old. gesturing, the professor made the at his alma mater, Gainesville baseball gathering last spring. But he wrote. At 12:58 p.m. Dr. Al Pleysier, long-dead characters of history High School. Modest, Carpenter had never told the story to Pleysier A month later, a similar Professor of U.S. History, strode come alive. His stories erupted with rarely spoke of the transformational until the two were reconnected note arrived – this one from into the classroom. Thin, angular color and emotion. experience. Only his wife, Jane, earlier this fall. a student who had taken Pleysier and dressed in a suit and tie, Pleysier As a ball player, Carpenter knew the entire story. During a warm, hour-long in the late 1970s as a high school had sharp features and blue eyes. had traveled the U.S. many times In 2016, Carpenter’s son, Sam, conversation in the Mize Athletic student in Texas. Another, from And he was all business. over. He had seen the historical enrolled at Piedmont. Like Center conference room, the a member of the Class of 2014, The professor dispensed curt attractions. his father, Sam pitches, and he two discussed baseball, shared arrived last October. pleasantries, took roll, and then – But suddenly they seemed wasn’t quite sure what he wanted memories, their careers With misty eyes and an easy in a soothing voice that belied immensely more interesting. to do beyond baseball. Until after and significant figures in U.S. smile, Pleysier reads the notes and his strict manner – launched into “Dr. Pleysier was so passionate the first day of a second-semester history. Jane Carpenter was there. hears the stories. “All of this came his first lecture: America during about teaching. And he could tell class. And so was Sam. so unexpectedly,” he says. “I think World War I. stories. For me, he opened up a “My son calls me and says ‘Hey, As is often the case bet- I have my answer.” Baseball is a game of emo- whole new world of learning,” says I want to be a history teacher. ween teacher and pupil, Carpenter tional measure, discipline, and Carpenter. You see I have this professor Dr. and his son conjured vivid This story was initially command. So, Carpenter was “After his class, I knew that I Pleysier...’ and I thought, Oh my.” memories of classroom quotes published in the Fall 2018 edition immediately drawn to Pleysier’s wanted to be a history teacher.” Linking past to the present, from Pleysier that helped shape of the Journal, a Piedmont command of the room. And he did. Cris Carpenter told the story of their thinking or impacted their College publication. Johnson First Springfield Pitcher Ever To Toss 2-No Hitters In Career SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Brian The nine steals equal the most Johnson became the first pitcher NCAA D-3 NOTES on record in the program’s 71-year in Springfield College history to history. Five different players stole throw two no-hitters. no-hitter against Wartburg during bases on the game. a 7-0 win. He faced 29 batters and Recently he recorded a no-hitter Mowing Them Down during a 7-1 win over Emerson. struck out 4 in his second collegiate start. Adam Zuk of Millikin faced the Johnson pitched all nine innings minimum 24 batters in his eight and fanned 9 batters enroute to his Colucci’s no-no is the third by a Luther pitcher since 2016. innings of work during a 4-0 win first win of the season. over Wheaton College (IL). During the 2017 season, he also Hits For Cycle He gave up only one hit with tossed a no-hitter during a 5-0 win Preston Ludwick of Centenary no walks and struck out 13 batters over Colby Sawyer. College (LA) had a week to while picking up his first victory of Before that, the last no-hitter remember. the season. at the school was by Kevin Cahill He not only hit for the cycle when he tossed a no-no against against the University of Dallas, but Fires 2-Hitter Western New England during the he drove in 8 runs, scored 4 times Ozarks’ pitcher David Beck fired 2001 season. and swiped a pair of bases. a 2-hit complete game to lead the He was named the National At one point, he was 9-for-10. Eagles to an 11-1 win over Howard Collegiate Baseball Writers Payne. Red-Hot Hitters The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Beck Association Pitcher of The Week Chris DeGiacomo of Johns for his latest no-hitter. faced 25 batters, struck out 6 and Hopkins went on a tear as he went issued 3 walks. 2 More No-Hitters 8-for-12 at the plate with 3 home Deauton Delgado of Louisiana runs, 7 RBI and 8 runs scored over 4 Home Runs College fired a no-hitter during a a trio of games. Nicholas Baham of Christopher 6-0 win over Concordia University The graduate student also walked Newport belted 4 home runs and (TX). two timed and posted a .714 on- collected 8 RBI with 5 runs scored He struck out 5 and only allowed base percentage and 1.583 slugging as he went 7-for-15 at the plate 4 baserunners on 3 walks and a hit percentage for the week. during a 3-game sweep of Mary batter in 7 innings. Ryan Serrato of Southern Washinton. Chris Atwood of Wisconsin Vermont extended his hitting streak Just Misses Perfecto Oshkosh threw the 10th no-hitter in to 12 games as he went 20-for-33 Pitcher Cam Graham of Husson program history during the Titans’ over a 7-game span. He collected came within two outs of a perfect 8-0 victory over Finlandia. 15 RBI, scored 15 runs and notched game against Maine-Farmington He threw only 88 pitches and 4 doubles and a triple with a home during a 7-inning contest. retired 27 of the 29 Lions he faced. run over those 7 games. But a single to centerfield spoiled Atwood struck out a career-high 13 Stealing Like Crazy the perfect game and no-hitter as batters, including two in the first, Juan Pena of New Jersey City Husson went on to win, 3-0. second, eighth and ninth innings. University stole 8 bases in 9 chances Graham struck out 6 batters and Only two Lions reached first over a 4-game span. walked 1. against Atwood. Isaac Rodriguez He also was 10-for-17 with 8 Amazing Week reached on a passed ball following RBI and extended his hitting streak Toby Welk of Penn State-Berks a strikeout in the eighth inning. to 11 games. went on a 4-game tear as he hit Devonte Fleming was hit by a pitch New Jersey City runners swiped a 2 home runs, 2 doubles, 1 triple in the eighth. single-game record 9 bases recently and collected 10 RBI with 9 runs John Colucci of Luther fired a during a 7-4 win over Baruch. scored. Brian Johnson fires second no-hitter against Emerson. Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 23 Collegiate Baseball A Valuable Coaching Resource For 62 years, Collegiate Baseball has offered baseball coaches at all levels valuable coaching knowledge from top coaches in the game, new product and technology information, discussions on news items that affect you as a coach and more. For a limited time, we are offering a special rate of $22 for a one-year subscription to our printed edition (save $6). Now is a great time to sign up and receive valuable information that you have been missing in ALL 14 of our editions during the year. Learn all the important secrets of coaching that readers of Collegiate Baseball learn issue after issue. Subscribe today!
Subscribe Any Time Day Or Night Go to our web site www.baseballnews.com and click SUBSCRIBE on the menu bar.
Collegiate Baseball News Subscription Form Individual Subscriptions: Name $22 for one year (14 issues) Print Edition Company/School (Save $6 off regular price — offer expires 5-15-19) Address $48 for two years (28 issues) Print Edition City State Country $25 for one year (14 issues) (Electronic version of newspaper) Zip E-Mail Bonus Rate Team Subscriptions: Payment Method: Credit Card Options (All papers must go to same address): Check enclosed (payable to Collegiate Baseball) Call (520) 623-4530 M-F Money Order (payable to Collegiate Baseball) 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (MT) or Coaches’ Bundle — 4 copies each issue $56 Credit Card FAX to: (520) 624-5501 11 papers each issue — $110 (Save $198) 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 one FREE E-Book below. Check one from the four E-Books that are offered: SECRETS OF PLAYING THE OUTFIELD (NEW!): In-depth teaching system utilized by the best outfield coach in history, Sam Suplizio. He worked in pro baseball for nearly 50 years, and his thoughts on teaching outfield play are carried in this special e-book. Learn all of Sam’s tricks of the trade in this 20-page publication which covers every type of scenario an outfielder will face. SECRETS OF PITCHING: The greatest pickoff 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, velocity improvement strategies with Ron Wolforth, effective velocity and secrets of deception with Perry Husband, video analysis plus much more. SECRETS OF GREAT HITTERS: Philadelphia Philliess’ Hitting Coach John Mallee taps into wealth of data which vividly shows how hitters are most efficient in launch angles for production. Pete Lauritson utilizes unique program that produces 18 mph exit speed gains. Tulane skipper Travis Jewett delves into how he produced so many great hitters over the years. SECRETS OF AMAZING INFIELD PLAY: Nevada Head Coach T.J. Bruce delves into a number of drills that will make every player better. Special instruction is given on how to work with third basemen so they can field bunts with throws that are perfect to first base. Page 24 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Teaching Pitching With Precision Louisiana-Lafayette’s Tony Robichaux Utilizes Great System By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. mentally in the classroom when That leads to the 3-run inning. Once Editor/Collegiate Baseball they are not throwing physically.” we trade the run for the out with Robichaux was asked what the bases now clear, we move on LAFAYETTE, La. — One of topics are covered in his pitching from there.” the greatest pitching coaches in classes. Teaching How Hitters Hit the game is Tony Robichaux, head “One big thing we cover is how Robichaux said another chapter baseball coach at the University of to manage a baseball game. All his pitchers work on in class is how Louisiana-Lafayette. great pitchers are able to manage a hitter hits. As he entered his 33rd year as a games when things go south. If you “We reverse teach. We want coach on the NCAA Division I level watch a baseball game, two things them to understand how a hitter this season, he compiled 1,149 wins typically happen. One team scores hits mechanically and mentally. I which was the eighth highest of any more runs in one inning than the tell our pitchers all the time that active coach. other team has scored throughout if a guy is going to hunt deer, he Robichaux has guided Louisiana the ball game. The second thing studies the habits of a deer. If he to the 2000 College World Series as is that the winning team has put goes duck hunting, he studies the well as 12 NCAA Regionals and together three or more runs in one habits of ducks as well. It should be four NCAA Super Regionals. inning. no different when we hunt hitters. He has coached six Sun Belt “We break the game down into “It is important to teach our Conference Pitchers of The Year. three mini games. Innings 1-3 is pitchers little things like how hitters Robichaux’s pitching staffs have game one, innings 4-6 is game get in the box, how to look for led the Sun Belt in ERA 12 of the two and innings 7-9 is game three. any sign of a breakdown in their last 17 seasons. You have to win two out of three swing. We teach them how batters His pitching system is all of those games. If you do, most of see the ball. The body can’t lie. So encompassing. the time you will win. That is where if you learn how to read the body Every fall pitchers spend 20-25 game management comes in. For of hitters, I really believe pitchers hours in the classroom learning how instance, if a batter hits a leadoff have an edge. to get batters out, how to manage triple against one of our pitchers, “This was what made Hall of games when everything is hitting we’d love to stop him from scoring, Fame pitcher Greg Maddux so good the fan and how to develop 10 but the odds are with no outs, he when he pitched for Atlanta and different pitches which destroy the will get in. other Major League teams. He was timing of hitters. “So instead of trying to stop him very good at reading subtle changes “When pitchers first come in from scoring, we will trade the run in a hitter’s body. Hitters will show our program, we don’t worry too for an out in that situation to clear you if they are seeing the ball well. much about mechanics,” said the bases. Then we stay away from And you can read this. When our Robichaux. the 3-run inning. Our whole teach is pitchers understand the concepts “First, we want to work on to stay away from the 3-run inning. we are teaching in the classroom, them mentally. We believe that Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach Tony Robichaux If we can do that, then our team will they are different pitchers on the the muscle in between the ears is be in the ball game. mound. the most important in the pitching in the outfield in practice during science of pitching. It is absolutely “How many times have you seen “We ultimately want to teach our system. the fall. They are in the classroom. vital. pitchers give up a triple and then try pitchers how to be the hunter and “Our pitchers and catchers spend We not only want to recruit high “Our pitchers can’t throw all the to stop the runner from scoring as not the prey and how to threaten 20-25 hours in the classroom with end pitchers. But once they get in time because of the potential of sore he presses? Before you know it, he us, and pitchers don’t shag balls school, they must learn the art and arms. But they can keep working has loaded the bases with no outs. See CHANGING, Page 26 Pettigrew Muscles Up With 5 Homers During 1 Week CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa —Zion have a .294 batting average with Pettigrew of Kirkwood Community JC NOTES 71 doubles, 32 home runs and 43 College (IA) belted 5 home runs stolen bases. The pitching staff has and knocked in 14 runs during the In seven innings, he gave up four a 3.11 team ERA. course of a week. hits, no runs and struck out 10 to SS/DH Garrett Martin was Incredibly, he was responsible improve to 35 strikeouts for the named NJCAA D1 Player of the for 23 Eagle runs as he hit .591. season. Week after posting a .857 batting Pettigrew scored 9 times as he He was named ICCAC D2 average in two games against North also collected two doubles. Pitcher of the Week. Central. He recorded a triple, two He has 37 RBI for the season and Pima (AZ) College’s Austin home runs, 6 RBI and scored 6 runs led the ICCAC’s D2 stats in RBI. Bryan pitched a complete game to help get the sweep. He was named the Conference’s giving up one run to defeat For the season, he is hitting .353 Player of the Week. Scottsdale, 2-1. He allowed 6 hits, with 4 doubles, 3 triples, 7 home two walks and struck out a season- runs and 34 RBI. No. 1 For Over A Year high 12 batters. He improved to One March 27, 2018, LSU- 7-1. Around The Horn... Eunice took over the No. 1 spot in Meridian (MS) CC SS/2B Colton the NJCAA D2 poll. School HR Record Hipp helped his team to a 4-0 week Since that time the Bengals have OF Jackson Wenstrom became and was named NJCAA D2 Player won an NJCAA championship Hudson Valley (NY) College’s all- of the Week. He batted .333 with 3 and have successfully defended time home run king after recording home runs and 10 RBI. the top spot for an entire year and 18 career home runs. Hipp belted a three-run walk- counting. In six recent games, he batted off homer against Southwest The Bengals were 29-4 at the .550 with three doubles, one triple Mississippi CC which was his end of March. and four homers to hit the mark. In second in the game and drove The team is hitting .340 and the 26 plate appearances, he has driven in five runs. In an 11-4 win over pitching staff has posted a 2.96 in 15 runs, scored 10, slugged Nunez CC, he hit a homer and drove team ERA. 1.400 and has a .615 on-base in four runs. percentage. 600th Career Victory On the season, he was hitting He was named NJCAA Region .431 with 6 home runs and 21 Long Beach City College (CA) 3 Baseball Player of the Week and head coach Casey Crook captured RBI. the national NJCAA D3 Player of Over three games against his 600th career victory when his the Week. team shutout Mt. San Antonio Kirkwood’s Zion Pettigrew had a huge week. American River, 1B Matt Lopez College, 12-0. No-Hitter of Sierra College (CA) hit .672 Crook, now 600-461-7 overall, walks and struck out 14 of the 15 Alex Haynes of Walters State Connor Churchill of Santa Fe with 4 runs scored, 4 doubles, 2 is in his 26th year as head coach batters he faced. (TN) tossed a two-hitter against College (FL) pitched a 5-inning home runs and 10 RBI. One of his at LBCC. For the season, he was 3-1 with Volunteer State to win 6-1. He no-hitter to defeat Florida State bombs landed in the tennis courts In 2006, Crook led LBCC to a 1.84 ERA, 51 strikeouts in 29.1 struck out 13 batters and allowed College-Jacksonville, 10-0. at American River College. its first state championship in innings. He was named NorCal no earned runs. The game was stopped due to the SS Cooper Bowman of Iowa 30 years and received California Pitcher of the Week. Spencer Walker of Lincoln Land 10-run rule. Western hit .473 over a 7-game Community College’s Coach of the Massasoit (MA) College RHP (IL) College tossed a seven inning Churchill struck out 6 and walked period that included two doubles, Year honors. Ian Nadeau was named NJCAA shutout to defeat Lewis & Clark, 9- 2 in the complete game outing. 2 RBI and 8 runs scored. He stole D3 Pitcher of the Week after firing 0. He struck out 8 and walked just 1 two bases and was named ICCAC On A Streak Pitching Feats Player of the Week. a complete game one-hitter to in the effort and was named NJCAA The McLennan (TX) CC baseball LHP Alec Gamboa of Fresno SS Frank Sanchez of South- defeated New Hampshire Tech- D2 Pitcher of the Week. team had a 16-game win streak that City College (CA) helped his team western (IA) College hit .411 with Concord, 3-0. For the season, Walker was 4- dates back to Feb. 9. to a 12-2 victory over Porterville a triple, three homers, 8 RBI and Nadeau fanned 10 and walked 0 with a 2.12 ERA, 11 walks, 27 The Highlanders are 30-7 for (CA). 6 runs scored over 5 games. One one. He allowed only two base strikeouts in 34 innings. the season. In the first 5 innings of the game, the season, he was leading the runners total in the game. His 10 RHP Carter Lawler of Kirkwood On offense, the Highlanders he allowed no hits, no runs, no strikeouts marked a career high. (IA) CC beat Iowa Central, 10-0. team with 4 homers and 16 RBI. Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 25
“Ron develops velocity, but it’s much more than that. He promotes arm health, control, command. He’s also an excellent communicator, with a unique way of encapsulating information and making it usable.” — Brent Strom, Pitching Coach, World Champion Houston Astros Some of Your Pitchers Need to Pitch in Games This Summer…
Justin Verlander using the same connection tools The Ranch pool used as summer for post-throwing program recovery. attendees. …But a Few of Them Desperately Need to Train and Make Critical Adjustments.
We ALL have 1-3 pitchers on our staffs (minimum) that • They need to rehab and develop a return to throwing need something significantly different than simply going to program or need to add 3-5 mph to their fastball. pitch against hitters in games this summer: • They need to improve their command — fastball or • They need to solve their arm/shoulder/elbow issues. secondary offerings. • They need to improve their ability to recover between • They need to develop a better second pitch, if a reliever, outings or limit their workload and iron some things out. or a third pitch if a starter.
What your pitcher will receive Ranch Program Basics: this summer at the Ranch: 2 hours, 4 times a week: Building a Bigger Motor, • Pain assessment. mobility, flexibility, strength, stability and explosive- • Recovery assessment. ness training. Our training is focused primarily in • Performance assessment. the Frontal, Transverse and Diagonal Planes, and we emphasize work on one leg. • Movement pattern assessment with high speed video. 2.5 hours, 4 times a week: A customized/hyper- • Pitcher specific functional movement screen. personalized throwing protocol with specialized • Mindset assessment. emphasis on one of the following 5 Macro Cycles: • Pitch analysis data assessment (spin rate, Pain, Recovery/Consistency, Command, Second- release point, horizontal & vertical axis and ary, Velocity. break, etc.). • Macro and Micro plan design. 30 minutes every day: Mindset/Grit Training For more info visit www.TrainAtTheRanch.com *Early Bird Registration Savings Deadline Is April 30th!* Call us at: (936) 588-6762 ***Enrollment limited to first 60 pitchers Page 26 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019 Changing Speeds On Linear Path Like Maddux Vital Continued From Page 24 next level in pro baseball, you get released for two reasons. You either the hitter before the hitter threatens aren’t healthy or can’t pitch.” him.” Robichaux said pitching Robichaux was asked what command is an outcome of what a other hitter tendencies he teaches pitcher’s body does. his pitchers. “The ball doesn’t leave a “I have been a learner my entire pitcher’s hand and halfway to the life and still enjoy learning from the catcher decide what it’s going to do. best coaches in the business. One The ball doesn’t have a mind of its of my best friends is Karl Kuhn own. The ball does what the body (pitching coach at the University makes it do. of Virginia). I have known him for “What we do here is a lot of body years going back to when he was framing with the colored plate so it the pitching coach at Arkansas- helps them train their bodies. They Little Rock. We talk a lot over will become so good with command the phone on pitching. I realize after a period of time that they know you aren’t supposed to fraternize immediately where the ball will end with your opponent. But when we up when a ball leaves their finger traveled to Little Rock to play them, tips. I don’t know how many times the night before he would cook, and I have heard a kid say, ‘damn’ as the we would just talk pitching. ball comes off his hand in reaction “I think you not only have to to an errant pitch. learn your craft, but you must study “He already knows it won’t get successful people also and see what to the color he is trying to lane. I they are doing. Glenn Cecchini Specially designed plate with lanes helps pitches throw with precision. don’t worry about the alignment of (head coach at Barbe H.S. in Lake but it changes the plane. While that how to get hitters out. We wanted “I would rather have our their feet as they stride to home or Charles, La.) is also a great friend is a good pitch, we want to master him to call his own game which he pitchers throw the wrong pitch any of that. If a pitcher can throw of mine. We both played together in change of speeds on a linear path is extremely good at now.” wholeheartedly than the right pitch to the green lane, I don’t care if the college and are great friends.” pitcher is throwing between his on-line because hitters have a Process Of Calling Games halfheartedly. If I call a fastball, and Robichaux said that listening to difficult time handling pitches with maybe it’s the right pitch, but my legs. It doesn’t matter because he great hitting coaches can give you Robichaux said that new pitchers is throwing precision strikes. different speeds on a linear path. and catchers have pitches called all pitcher in his gut doesn’t want to a new perspective on pitching more That’s why Maddux was so good. throw it. He feels his slider is the “We don’t cookie-cut our effectively. fall so they can learn the pitching pitchers. I don’t care what they “We have found that hitters hit system at Louisiana-Lafayette. perfect wipeout pitch. The smart “One day Gary Ward (former what they see. It’s not what they move is to let him throw the pitch look like. What I care about is if Oklahoma State head coach) was “Once we are ready to put them he can throw pitches over the color want. Maddux, because of the on their own, they begin calling he firmly believes in as he throws it speaking on hitting. He is one of great sinker he had, forced batters with conviction and command.” we are working on. I am outcome the best hitting coaches of all time. pitches in games. It’s that simple. based. I truly believe if a pitcher can to only see the top of pitches to Psychologists claim if you let a Studying Hitters Vital Any time I can listen to Gary talk a great degree. Former Yankees’ throw a ball in the colored lane he about hitting, I go. One of the things child make a decision and hold him Robichaux said he watches is working on, then his mechanics closer Mariano Rivera threw a accountable to his decision when numerous batters struggle on I took from him that we utilize in cutter, and hitters never saw the are good enough for him at that our pitching system is that when the heck hits the fan, he will make different levels of the game that time.” whole baseball. With our pitchers, better decisions under duress. pitchers don’t exploit. a hitter gets in the box, we call it we teach them movement so that Keeping the game simple for Quick Zone No. 1 and Quick Zone “If you make all of his decisions “I have watched so many high pitchers without them over thinking hitters swing at pitches they think for him, and heck hits the fan, he school games in recruiting. You will No. 2, which is what he called it. they see.” is of paramount importance to “That is the distance between the will look for you the coach for see a pitcher throw a fastball in as Robichaux. Robichaux said during the first help. I see it all the time in Little he handcuffs him with the bat being kneecaps of the hitter, the distance two weeks of fall baseball, pitchers “What we ask for is simple. between the elbows of the hitter. League. A kid walks up to the plate late. Then he will throw another Just throw it in the green lane or to are limited in what they can do on or pitches and is looking up in the fastball in and do the same thing to That will be the distance that the the field until classes are finished another color. We give scholarships bat must travel to get it to maximum stands for his dad to see what he him. The batter is again extremely to our team managers and train them on pitching. needs to do. late. Then the pitcher spins a curve extension. We can work to adjust “Our pitching system is intricate, to be bullpen catchers as they learn those by throwing certain pitches. “That pitching rubber is 24 ball with a 2-strike count, and the our pitching system. These are kids and not everyone can pick it up. It inches long. I tell our pitchers that batter hits it off the wall. “Gary Ward also showed me that takes some time to put in. And we who want to go into coaching later the back knee cap of a hitter is like there isn’t enough room to have “The pitcher allowed the batter in life. Having these extra catchers have to teach the catchers as well. your dad, mom and grandmother. to speed up the bat which caused a rudder on a sail boat. If a batter While we want the pitchers and are important in the bullpen. If turns on a ball, his back knee spins It will be you on the rubber. We him trouble. There are certain times one of our pitchers misses a color, catchers to call their own game, we want to train them to call their own when our pitchers haven’t thrown in toward the pitch. If we can make still have the catcher look into the we don’t go to another pitch. He a righthanded batter spin his back games. But we won’t let them just a curve ball during an entire inning has to fix that. We don’t move to dugout for signs as well. There is walk out there and do it. They have because it wasn’t warranted. If you knee cap toward the third base line no dictatorship here with the coach another color until he throws with on one pitch and then make another to go to class first to learn how to look at Greg Maddux, there were precision.” calling every pitch. We call it three do it. They also study an enormous games that he didn’t throw many qualty pitch after that away, which (pitcher, catcher, pitching coach) What Great Pitchers Do causes a different movement by the amount of film. The training which curves at all. He changed speeds versus one (hitter). goes on helps us stay aggressive. on a linear path and laned out the Robichaux pointed out that you back knee cap, it will disrupt that “One of the biggest points of can pick out 10 different pitchers in back knee rudder. We really want “If I get spooked a little, and plate. emphasis here is that the pitcher, it isn’t my day at calling pitches, the Major Leagues at random, and to pay attention to the hitter’s back catcher or pitching coach will not Colored Plate With Lanes all of them do something different leg in pitching since that will take I stop doing it and let the catcher Robichaux designed a home be second guessed if a ball leaves take over. There are times when the mechanically. you to the ball. the yard. It’s not about who got him plate that has worked like magic “One thing the best pitchers in “I love Perry Husband’s thoughts catcher gets spooked in a game and for his pitchers when it comes to out. It’s all about getting him out. didn’t have a rhythm that day. Some Major League baseball do is that on Effective Velocity. We use his “While there is some merit to gaining more command. they command the strike zone, they information. There is a big mixture have asked me to take it from there Since he began using the plate calling pitches by a coach from the and finish the game by calling the can change speeds, can go back and of things I have pulled from people dugout since they might have more for his pitchers, his pitching staffs forth and probably can read hitters. over the years that has helped us rest of the pitches. have finished first or second in the experience and more data in front “There are also times when the Look at what all the great pitchers arrive at our pitching system.” of them, especially for a freshman Sun Belt Conference 13 of the 16 can do in managing the plate.” pitcher gets spooked. We can still years in fewest walks per game. Linear Path Pitches on the mound or a freshman catcher, make him be aggressive. That is Robichaux said that learning Robichaux said that teaching we have found the three on one “We have painted 17 inch wide to lane pitches is important in the why the 3-way system is so good. home plates with lanes in different pitchers how to change speeds on system to work the best. “The Navy SEALs use the words development of linear pitching as a linear path is vital. “However, there have been colors. We use blue, green, yellow, well when pitchers are throwing Fail Forward Fast as one of their red and white. Then we have our “This is what made Greg Maddux certain times in games where I do teaching techniques. Our pitchers a fastball easy, fastball extra or so effective. We want to teach call pitches when I am absolutely pitchers throw to different colors. changeup. In the mix is also a 4- and catchers will fail at first when We train each pitcher so they can pitchers how to change speeds on sure. We might see a weakness they call games unless they have seam fastball and 2-seam fastball their fastball. That’s one of the on the chart or the batter is a first lane out a plate. I start out every which move differently. been trained properly. It might not fall with the same pitcher/catcher toughest teaches. A lot of people pitch hitter. There might be a hit be pretty in the fall. But we aren’t “We basically want to start our don’t do that. and run which we are trying to meeting. I will ask them how wide pitchers throwing over the middle playing anybody at that time. the plate is (17 inches). I have now “The human eye has a very destroy. Whatever the case, at times Development is never pretty. of the plate as we utilize a radar difficult time detecting the path we have certain signals that go in been coaching 33 years, and believe gun to find out the speeds are with “I started all freshmen pitchers it or not, no kid has answered it of pitches on a linear path. If an that the pitcher and catcher can’t during the past season on weekend linear pitches. If you take 3-4 mph airplane is coming directly at you, shake off. They can’t deviate from correctly yet. off a fastball, you won’t be able to 3-game series. My Friday night “The reason is that they have or train, it is hard to tell how fast that pitch. starter was a true freshman. My see it velocity wise like you can the they are coming at you. If you get “Beyond that, I want our pitchers been throwing to a white piece of changeup vs. the fastball. Saturday starter was a true freshman, rubber. They don’t need to know to the side, you will see the velocity to know why they are throwing and my Sunday starter was a true “We want to make sure that when very well. This is why infielders what they’re throwing. I don’t want how wide it is. What we want to the pitcher throws his easy fastball, freshman. If that wasn’t enough, my do is break that plate into lanes and struggle with balls hit right at them them to be robots. closer was a true freshman. it is anywhere from 3-4 mph off his or outfielders with balls hit right at “If you look at catcher Jonathan lane their pitches. Pitchers who can best fastball. We call that going back “We were 15-13 after half way throw into pre-defined lanes are them. While it might appear easy to Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers through the season in 2015. Then and forth. Some people call it plus the casual fan, it is far from it. who played at our school, his paid very well at the next level. and minus. One pitcher may throw all of a sudden, we took off and “Most of the pitchers who come “So what we want our pitchers manager made a comment when went 27-10 the rest of the way. an 88 mph fastball extra down the to do is throw a fastball easy and he got to the Big Leagues that he in to our school can throw hard but middle in the radar session. Then Why? Our freshmen had a better with no ability to lane. If you don’t a fastball extra and learn how to was extremely advanced in game understanding of how to pitch. he will throw his fastball easy down change speeds on a linear path. The calling. That’s because we taught have command on our level, it will the middle. We want to make sure Learning to pitch is not easy and be difficult to be effective. At the curve ball lets you change speeds, him how hitters hit, and he learned never has been. it is 83-84 mph. “ Friday, April 19, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 27
COVERAGE EQUALS CONFIDENCE • High-visibility design with EXT flap provides additional facial coverage • IMPAX foam absorbs and disperses force • Sleek profile with optimized ventilation • TPU rubber piece conceals hardware for a seamless design
Visit your local authorized Rawlings dealer for OFFICIAL BATTING HELMET OF MLB® availability and color / size options or Rawlings.com Page 28 Collegiate Baseball Friday, April 19, 2019