Collegiate The Voice Of Amateur Baseball

Started In 1958 At The Request Of Our Nation’s Baseball Coaches Vol. 63, No. 10 Friday, May 15, 2020 $4.00 Elbow Surgery Epidemic Doesn’t Stop Important reasons exist Trio Of Great Coaches Rarely why numerous surgeries Had Injuries To Their are being performed on To minimize surgeries in baseball, every level of baseball. researchers should closely study world class pitching coaches Don By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. Rowe (), Tom Editor/Collegiate Baseball Dunton (Stanford) and Leo Mazzone (). See pages 6, 8, 11. OS ANGELES — The study of surgeries over the past and analyst Jon Roegele. L47 years in baseball is fascinating. Since 2014, pro baseball has had over The first experimental surgery was 100 Tommy John surgeries five of the last performed by Dr. on Los six years. Angeles Dodgers’ Tommy John in Roegele keeps an active database for September of 1974. tracking such numbers at: https://docs. During a 24-year-period from 1974- google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gQujXQ 1998, there were never more than 10 QGOVNaiuwSN680Hq-FDVsCwvN- Tommy John surgeries performed in pro 3AazykOBON0/edit#gid=0 baseball on a yearly basis. It even tracks college and high school Then a dramatic increase took place Tommy John surgeries through the years over the next eight years as Tommy John as well. surgeries jumped to 58 in 2006. The question begs to be answered. From 2006-2015, another incredible What has changed that has caused such a spike took place as the numbers in pro massive increase in Tommy John surgeries baseball jumped to an all-time record 121 Tommy John surgery on elbows won’t slow down for baseball. in 2015, according to data tracked by writer See AVERAGE MLB, Page 3

Forced Of Baseball For 430 Excruciating Days Alcohol Nearly Destroys Louisiana’s A broken man, he Kathy and the separation of his Never Give Up remarkable children Kyler, Klaire wanted to die and This is a special story in our and Khloe. He was booted out of didn’t know how to continuing about great the house multiple times. stop drinking problem. comebacks in life. Collegiate “Nine years ago, I was fired at Baseball knows the coronavirus Texas A&M as the associate head By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. will be brought to its knees in the ,” said Deggs. Editor/Collegiate Baseball future just as every other serious “I was broken, and I was drunk, bug has over the years such and I wanted to die. AFAYETTE, La. — Alcohol as polio, the bubonic plague, “I was unemployed and couldn’t abuse nearly destroyed smallpox and many others. get a job. I would have done anything Louisiana-Lafayette Head to get a job back in baseball.” L Deggs said his life was a Coach Matt Deggs nine years ago. kids crying. Deggs passed out on It had a vice-like grip on him that the couch and woke up early the shambles. wouldn’t let go as it caused him to next morning not knowing where “There are two people in the be fired at Texas A&M University his truck was. world — people who are humble as the associate head coach by He called Childress and asked if and those who are about to be,” said his best friend Head Coach Rob he could pick him up for work since Deggs who is a devout Christian Childress in 2011. his truck was at the area the hunt now. His drinking problem all came to took place the previous day. “I was arrogant, cocky and a head on a hunting trip on Jan. 3, When Childress arrived, Deggs conceited, and I was humbled as 2011 with Childress and his son just got in the vehicle. everything was stripped from me. outside College Station, Tex. “Rob looked at me with “Gather your wife and three kids Deggs brought a backpack full heartbreak, disappointment and and inform them daddy is going to of whiskey and beer along with disgust in his eyes,” said Deggs. rehab. That will humble you. hunting gear. “He said two simple words I will “As you try to walk out the door, Childress and the ranch foreman never forget: ‘You’re done.’ your kids, ages 10, 4 and 2 are found Deggs passed out drunk in a Deggs was fired from his position grabbing your pant leg begging you deer stand. There were empty beer at Texas A&M and would go 430 not to go as they are crying. That cans everywhere, a whiskey bottle days without a job in baseball. will humble you. and a loaded rifle in his lap. He went from being paid hundreds “Spend 430 days away from the He was driven home by the Texas of thousands of dollars at Texas only thing you know — baseball A&M skipper, and Deggs stumbled A&M to being unemployed. — because nobody will hire you onto the driveway which led to an The addiction of alcohol nearly Photo by Ben Massey argument with his wife and left his resulted in a divorce with his wife See DEGGS FACES, Page 2 Louisiana Head Coach Matt Deggs Inside Collegiate Baseball Web Site: www.baseballnews.com Incredible Power Of The Brain Greatest Coaches Of All Time Time To Adjust Fly Rule Gary Ward explains how working Nobody had the powerful tool Rob Nelson has a great fix to knowedge of this organ can pay set that the famous John Scolinos this rule which has caused many dividends in performance/Page 10 had to get points across/Page 13 issues over the years/Page 4 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 Deggs Faces Alcohol Demon Collegiate Baseball The Voice Of And Beats It Into Submission Amateur Baseball Continued From Page 1 “I tell everyone that I have been around the block not once, but because you are unemployable. twice. What I mean by that is I have Collegiate Baseball (ISSN 0530-9751) is published twice a month That will humble you. been to the top of the mountain in January-May and once in June, July, September and October “Put a for sale sign in the front college coaching. However, I have (14 total issues) by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc., 2515 yard of your house and then not fallen butt over teakettle all the way N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. Periodicals postage paid at have the house sell for 17 months, down the mountain and landed with Tucson, AZ. and you have to live in the same a resounding thud. city you were fired from. That will “How many people can say that Postmaster: Send address changes to: humble you. you have worked for hundreds of Collegiate Baseball “Have your children change thousands of dollars with your best P.O. Box 50566 schools in the middle of the year friend in one of the best baseball Tucson, AZ 85703 because daddy can’t afford a private conferences in America? I had that school any more. Your children privilege at Texas A&M (with Rob Overnight Mail: 2515 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 now won’t be with all their friends Childress). I threw it all away for a Past Publishers: Abe Chanin, Lou Pavlovich, Sr. because they are forced to change beer bottle. 1-Year Subscription Rate: $28 for 14 issues. schools because of my actions. That “I’ve been a part of teams Single 1-Year First Class U.S. Subscription: $45 will humble you. that won five Big 12 Conference Single 1-Year Foreign Air Mail Subscription: $50 “I want to tell you something championships and also the SEC. Special Team Subscriptions: 11 papers each issue sent to one that will really knock you to your Winning the SEC is probably address — $110 ( $198 off the single subscription price), and knees. Sit down with your kids and harder than going to the College 21 papers each issue sent to one address — $189 (save $399). Other Multiple Subscription Offers: Please inquire with sub- explain to them that this is how you Photo by Brad Kemp .” go through the lunch line now. MATT DEGGS Many of the recruits Deggs scription department at (520) 623-4530. “You have to sign your name excruciating 430 day wait. landed were at center stage for to a sheet, and they will give you Head Coach Louisiana-Lafayette during the Directory lunch for free. That will humble you hired him after an interview Feb. 2014 season as the Cajuns posted because daddy has blown through 18, 2012. a 58-10 record and were one win Area Code (520) all of the family’s savings. “When I met with Matt, he never from qualifying for the College Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530) “Daddy has a $400,000 house really talked about getting back World Series. Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530 to report stories) that he can’t pay for anymore. in baseball,” said Robichaux who After hitting just .263 with 18 Advertising Director: Diane Pavlovich (Call 623-4530) Daddy is unemployable because he talked to him for several hours. home runs in 2012 when Deggs Subscription Department: (Call 623-4530) is a drunk. My kids and wife have “If all he talked about was arrived, UL-Lafayette was ranked Fax Machine: (Call 624-5501) lost everything because of me. getting back in baseball, I probably in the top five in eight offensive E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.baseballnews.com “I was living on my very last wouldn’t have hired him. He kept categories one year later in 2013. dime after being the associate telling me that he didn’t want to His hitters were highly successful head coach at Texas A&M. I was lose his family over this. That’s all in 2014 as well. 2020 Publication Schedule there for six years and was the he kept talking about. His priorities In two full seasons (2012-2013), the Ragin’ Cajun program amassed recruiting coordinator at Arkansas were right, and it really impressed January 3 March 6 May 1 September 4 prior to that. Don’t you think there me. a 101-30 overall record. January 24 March 20 May 15 October 2 was some pride involved? You February 7 April 3 June 12 “Baseball is just a game. I don’t Hired At Sam Houston St. February 21 April 17 July 10 darn right. think you should ever hook your On June 27, 2014, Deggs was “I went from that to not having identity to a game. He is very good hired as the head coach at Sam anyone want to employ me. I could at what he does (recruiting and Houston State. not even get a job interview at hitting instruction). He led the Bearkats to a 187-118 Moving? Texarkana Junior College when “Being with him every day for record with Southland Conference Make Sure CB Moves Along With You! their head coaching job opened up. I a period of time, I tried to hammer regular season championships in To change your address, please write us 30 days in advance if spent five years there, and probably home the point that he still has three of his last four seasons. you can. Mail to: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper had the best anybody has ever value. Just because somebody else Deggs also guided the Bearkats Dept. Address Change had at Texarkana. We went to the has a perception of him doesn’t to a Super Regional in 2017, P.O. Box 50566 JUCO World Series one year and have to be reality. becoming the first-ever Southland Tucson, Ariz. 85703 almost made it a second time. “I continued to tell him that program to accomplish the feat. 1. Please print OLD address here. “But they wouldn’t touch me. I when you make a mistake, God The 2017 season saw Sam interviewed at South Dakota State wants us to take our mess and Houston State qualify for the NAME and wasn’t hired. I interviewed in turn it into our message so we can Tallahassee Super Regional after STREET APT. # Nashville at an NAIA school and help other people who have gone knocking off Texas Tech. and CITY STATE ZIP wasn’t hired. through tough times as well. The Arizona in the Lubbock Regional. “I ultimately found work at a devil doesn’t want us to help other The Seminoles ended the DATE OF feed mill about 20 miles outside people. He wants us to believe we Bearkats’ season with two losses. MOVE: of College Station, Tex. loading have been devalued and we are the Sam Houston State University is 18-wheelers full of corn and cattle mistake. That’s not true. located in Huntsville, Tex. 2. Please print NEW address here. feed with Guatemalans who didn’t “Matt came to work every day According to the Texas NAME speak English. and turned his life around. I couldn’t Department of Criminal Justice, STREET APT. # “They were great people, and be more proud of him.” Huntsville is home to seven prisons CITY STATE ZIP I became really tight with them. Ironically, Deggs would with more than 13,000 inmates. That became my life, and that will ultimately be hired as the head It has the busiest execution humble you.” coach at Louisiana-Lafayette on chamber in the United States a sentence. Deggs then switched jobs and were alcoholics. One kid’s mom July 18, 2019 after Robichaux nicknamed the Walls Unit where “But when you perpetuate a lie began selling pharmaceuticals. had been married five times. One passed away two weeks earlier at more than 500 lethal injections have like I did with a life of deceit, it “I was an absolutely horrible player’s brother had just died. We the age of 57 due to complications taken place since Texas reinstated is the most miserable and darkest salesmen for pharmaceuticals. I were surrounded by brokenness. from heart surgery. the death penalty in 1982. place on earth. couldn’t wait to get off work and “I looked up, and I was the chief Deggs will always be grateful for “Right behind the leftfield wall “So I drove by that prison every go drink. broken one among them. I made a what Robichaux did for him during at Sam Houston State, which is single day on the way to work. As “That was my life as I was promise to myself at that time to this dark time in his life. probably two blocks away, is the I drove by, I told myself I would humbled once again. never drink again.” “I want to thank Tony,” said Walls Unit which is where people never, ever be a prisoner again. “The second thing I learned was Deggs said responding was the Deggs. are executed for crimes committed,” “I haven’t had a drink in more that God will not save you until you key to turning around his life. “I would not be in the position said Deggs. than seven years. You would have decide to take action yourself. No “I don’t care if you are hitting, I am today without this man along “There were a myriad of ways to put a gun to my head and pull the change will ever happen without and the pitcher strikes you out. You with my family sticking with me I could drive to work every day. I trigger before I drink again. Society action. must respond to that . Have through the tough times. choose to drive right by that prison. is better off without me drinking, I “I was famous for being in the the mindset that you will see that “That guy was a man who Why? Driving by the Walls Unit promise you that.” middle of a 12-pack of beer and pitcher in 30 minutes. I don’t care believed in second chances. He reminded me of two things. One, if you have lost everything. Get pray to God that he would take was a man of wisdom and became for the grace of God, I should be in Finally Stops Drinking Deggs came to the realization up and respond and do something this beer from me as I drank can much more than a boss to me. He that facility. I promise you I am less that he couldn’t stop drinking for about it. after can. I was living in darkness. became a mentor, big brother and of a human being than anybody in himself, his wife, his children or “That is the most important thing Darkness does not live in the light. best friend. that prison. his career. you will ever do in your life. By its very definition, it is an “Remember this. Every person “The second reminder is that the When he was finally given a “A lot of people say adversity absence of light. deserves a second chance. What only place more agonizing than an chance to work in baseball again makes you a man. Adversity doesn’t “It wasn’t until I stood up and you make of that second chance is actual prison with four walls where at Louisiana-Lafayette under Head make you a man. The only thing it took action that good things started up to you. somebody put you is a prison with Coach Tony Robichaux, he stopped does is show everyone around you to happen to me. God was there “It’s been a difficult journey. four invisible walls where you drinking. where you are at as a man.” after one step and grabbed me. “There are two beings that live put yourself because you have “I was put in charge of hitters by Deggs said tying your identity My life turned around from that within me, and they are constantly perpetuated and lived a lie. Tony Robichaux when I got there to what you do in life is a recipe point.” at war with each other. One is good “There are guys in that prison and was paid $42,000. I looked for disaster. that has a big heart. The other is more free than I ever was. At least Gets A Second Chance around, and the team was full of “You will crash and burn, I Deggs ultimately made it back greedy, self absorbed, arrogant, full when you are in prison because you broken players. One kid’s dad promise you, if your identity is into baseball as an assistant coach of lust, selfish and opportunistic. I were sent there, they know they was in jail. Two players’ moms at Louisiana-Lafayette after that have to fight that guy. have been caught and most serve See HEARTBEAT, Page 3 Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Average MLB Has Risen 10 Straight Years Continued From Page 1 for the last decade, and that is truly amazing. across all of baseball in the past “I’m not talking about the top 30 years? in the league. This is just At All-Time High the average. A big part of arm health is creating great scaps The highest amount of strikeouts “College baseball seems to be over the past 50 years of NCAA mirroring this velocity increase and shoulder health. You can train all of this Division I baseball took place with pitchers throwing harder and “ stuff. But you can’t train the ulnar collateral during the 2019 season. harder over the past 10 years. The 2019 NCAA Division I “Look at pitchers in the Pac-12, ligament in the elbow. It is untrainable. So Strikeouts Per 9 for each ACC or SEC. Half of pitching team was a record 8.08. staffs in these leagues are throwing despite everything around it being stronger It marks the first time in history fastballs 90 mph or above. That was and more stable than ever with our throwers, the average has eclipsed 8.00 unheard of a decade ago.” Each of the last five years have More Elbow Surgeries you can’t throw, work or train with a weighted featured strikeout numbers that Thompson feels higher velocity ball — anything — to strengthen or improve have gone over 7.00. fastballs than ever before in pro and For the previous 45 years prior college baseball are causing more that ligament. to 2015 (1970-2014), only twice Tommy John surgeries to elbows — Butch Thompson, Head Coach did strikeout totals rise over 7.00, than ever before. and that was in 1998 (7.07) and “I am blessed. The team doctor Auburn University 1999 (7.12). here at Auburn is Dr. James The strikeouts per 9 innings per Andrews, the world’s top orthopedic game for each team the last five surgeon when it comes to Tommy years include: John surgery. collateral ligament in the elbow. and Leo Mazzone of players from the 1950’s & 1960’s, 2015: 7.02 “He has told me that it isn’t “It is untrainable. So despite the Atlanta Braves. were advising against it saying, ‘It 2016: 7.17 rocket science. Kids are bigger, everything around it being stronger All four were from the same will tighten you up.’ 2017: 7.54 faster and stronger. There are ” and more stable than ever with era and shared a lot of the same “To prove that weight training 2018: 7.88 different people helping pitchers our throwers, you can’t throw, philosophies. was a grand experiment, and as 2019: 8.08 throw harder than they ever have work or train with a weighted ball What are pitchers doing today insane as this may sound today, our Butch Thompson, head coach at thanks to Ron Wolforth and the — anything — to strengthen or that pitchers in the 1950’s, 60’s, program at LSU initially required Auburn University, feels velocity Texas Baseball Ranch, Driveline improve that ligament. 70’s and 80’s did not? our pitchers to bench press their is playing a big part in baseball and Alan Jaeger, just to name a “Dr. Andrews has told me that Other Reasons For Surgery body weight 10 times. While it today. few. we can do all of this stuff for didn’t seem so insane back then, “If you look at Major League “It is interesting to note that In 2015, former LSU assistant training. But understand that any coach John Mugarian wrote a story we know how dangerous it is today Baseball pitchers, the velocity has many pitchers’ bodies, forearms time a ball is thrown over 90 mph for a pitcher to flat bench heavy gone up the past 10 years. The and shoulders are in better shape for Collegiate Baseball that built with an already unnatural throwing a case for weight training being a weight. average Major League fastball is than ever. A big part of arm health motion, the ligament in the elbow “Many other high profile now 93.1 mph. The velocity of is creating great scaps and shoulder major cause of elbow and shoulder (UCL) is not built to withstand over injuries to pitchers in the past three college baseball programs were pitchers has gone up almost a half health. You can train all of this 90 mph. incorporating extensive weight mile per hour each of these years stuff. But you can’t train the ulnar decades. “Every time you get above that He pointed out that the steroid lifting programs as well.” threshold of 90 mph, the ligament era began in 1994. The Need For Speed Heartbeat Of His Daughter is in more jeopardy time and time To maximize the effects of Extreme desires to get ahead again. The other issue is that young steroids, the focus on weight made athletes, parents of athletes pitchers 11-14 are playing travel training became more intense to and coaches do some pretty risky Kept Deggs From Dying ball more than ever. Their growth build strength and size. things in hopes of getting to the next Continued From Page 2 The team I had recruited and helped plates aren’t closed up yet. These The two went hand in hand. level, said Mugarian put together as well as coach for kids are throwing harder earlier in It was during this period in time “When weight training and wrapped into what you do instead years was without me as a coach. life than ever before. that we began to see a dramatic conditioning programs were first of who you are. For years I was Do you know what they did without “We are seeing 15 year olds rise in Tommy John surgeries and implemented, there were no long Matt Deggs the baseball guy, Matt me? throwing 90 mph now. If it is shoulder injuries. term studies to show potential side Deggs the baseball player and Matt “All they did was win the Big 12 dangerous for an older pitcher Weight training for baseball effects. Deggs the baseball coach. Conference, Big 12 Tournament, with their growth plates closed players came into vogue in the early “In the short run, weight lifting “When disappointment hits, host and win a regional and then who throw 90 mph, imagine how 1980’s. Since it was relatively new programs revealed immediate embarrassment hits or when you go to Florida State for the Super dangerous it is throwing 90 mph to the sport, off season weights results and the instant gratification are picked first but finish last, who Regional, win there and qualify for pitches for a 15 year old because his were done on a small scale, mainly that we all crave. As pitchers got are you going to take it out on? You the . body hasn’t come to full maturity through circuit training for muscle bigger and stronger, throwing will become transactional because “I watched all of this happen on yet. tone, fat loss and cardiovascular velocities began to increase. you’re embarrassed.” my parents’ couch. You talk about “Some of this damage is endurance. Steroids were around, Everyone began thinking they had Deggs said the best advice he can a kick to the privates. Why was I happening to pitchers before they but mainly used by bodybuilders, found the magical elixir. give a young coach when it comes watching from my parents’ couch? get to us in college. power lifters and football players. “Over time though, and at to leadership is to never, ever be Because I was kicked out of our “It’s Russian roulette when you When Mugarian was coaching different intervals, pitchers arms afraid to be embarrassed in front home because I was a drunk, and I get above 90 mph with pitches as at LSU in 1983, he helped began breaking down. of your team. was broken. I wanted to die. far as that ulnar collateral ligament implement an aggressive weight “Radar gun numbers were “Let them see you love, laugh, “The hardest part of being fired or you throw too much. We know lifting program. Weight lifting more now about arm care than we cry, compete and work — warts and is waking up every day. Everybody programs for baseball were very See WEIGHT, Page 5 all. The only way you do that is if else is getting up and going to a job, ever have and we still are having new back then, and more of a grand your identity is wrapped into who but not me.” numerous arm injuries.” experiment through trial and . you are as a man. If it is wrapped Deggs said he started exercising Collegiate Baseball has “In the 1980’s, no one knew what into you as the baseball guy or and jogging in 2011. written many stories over the the long term effects would be on coach, you are certain to crash and “I was jogging about three miles years from great pitching coaches pitchers’ arms and shoulders if they burn. and saw this piece of paper on the who explained not only training weight trained,” said Mugarian. “When things don’t go your way, ground. programs but how to keep pitches “The old-timers, former pro you won’t like the outcome.” “I picked it up, and it was an healthy. unused ticket stub. Where do you Several stories are in this issue Heartbeat Of A Child which explain the programs and Deggs said he slept with his think it was to? Believe it or not, it philosophies of master pitching CheapBats.com 4-year-old daughter Khloe during was to a Sam Houston State baseball instructors who rarely had injuries that trying period of his life when game. This was a good three years 1-800-589-HITS to their hurlers, including Don he was out of baseball and wanted before I was hired at Sam Houston Rowe of the Milwaukee Brewers, Order today to die. State as the head coach. Tom Dunton of Stanford along with “She kept me alive because I “Don’t quit and never give up have it tomorrow could hear her heart beat. because there is always hope out “You want to hear about really there. being humbled. I lost my job at “Just keep going, take Texas A&M in January of 2011. action and do something.”

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Collegiate Baseball Must Be Revised In Game The Voice Of Amateur Baseball By ROB NELSON is a basic “do-over.” The batter has Special To Collegiate Baseball the same he had before the Enfield Fly was . Likewise, the PORTLAND, Ore. — The Infield runners return to where they were Fly Rule was put into the rulebook before the pop-up was hit. for just one reason…to prevent the 4. The fielder who failed to OPINION team on the field from pulling off a make the is charged with an Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. duplicitous (or even ) error (even if the ball lands in foul Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. play when there were runners on territory) if the Official Scorer first and second (or bases loaded) believes an error has been made. and less than two outs. The Enfield Fly Rule simplifies Before the Infield Fly Rule things. There is no gray area. The Topic: became an official rule, an infielder Catch the ball, the batter is out. Receiving Extra Money could subtly (but purposefully) not Fail to catch the ball, the defense Each issue, Collegiate Baseball explores a major catch a routine fly. gets punished and the batter gets development in the world of baseball. This issue’s He could then quickly pick up a do-over. editorial explains why athletes should receive com- the ball after it hit the ground and It’s not fair to the pitcher, of pensation for third party endorsements. throw it to a teammate at third base course, but an Enfield Fly almost who could step on third and then always gets caught. fire the ball to second base, where Note: Howard R. Wasserman his teammate would catch the ball ROB NELSON is a professor of law at Florida NCAA Makes Prudent and step on second base, completing nobody out (or with one out) any International University College of the tainted . easily catchable ball shall be called Law. In 2019, he wrote a fantastic Decision For Athletes Pre-Infield-Fly-Rule, runners an Enfield Fly by any umpire. This 185-page book, “Infield Fly Is In In late April, the NCAA Board of Governors supported rule who did not run when a routine fly means: Effect.” changes to allow student-athletes to receive compensation for third- was lofted into the air were stuck 1. If the pop fly is caught, the He found that over a recent party endorsements both related to and separate from athletics. between a rock and a hard place. batter is out. Runners can eight-year MLB period, there were It also supports compensation for other student-athlete The current Infield Fly Rule if they want to (to try advance one 1,912 Infield Fly Rule calls made, opportunities, such as social media, businesses they have started can create chaos in many ways, as base) but it’s probably not a good and only 30 of those pop flies were and personal appearances within the guiding principles originally was the case on the 2019 Opening idea. not caught (and it’s likely that outlined by the board in October. Day game at Yankee Stadium. (It 2. If the pop fly is not caught and five of the not-caught balls were While student-athletes would be permitted to identify themselves might still available on the MLB it lands in foul territory, it is simply dropped intentionally in an attempt by sport and school, the use of conference and school logos, Network). a . to confuse the base runners). trademarks or other involvement would not be allowed. This confusion can be eliminated 3. If the pop fly is not caught That means, on average, each The board emphasized that at no point should a university by implementing the Enfield Fly and it lands in fair territory, it is MLB team had an infielder who or college pay student-athletes for name, image and likeness Rule, which works this way: a . The runners and the misplayed an Infield Fly just once activities. With runners on first and second batter return to where they were The board directed all three divisions of NCAA sports to (or with the bases loaded) and with before the Enfield Fly was hit. It See INFIELD FLY, Page 5 consider appropriate rules changes based on recommendations from its Federal and State Legislation Working Group. Collegiate Baseball endorses these changes. For too many years, athletes have been exploited for monetary gain by numerous outlets while they are still in college, including Letters To The Editor the universities they play at. It will be interesting to see how many baseball players can take Never Giving Signs John Smith U.S. advantage of this rule change. I was fascinated by the story in your May 1 17 Mockingbird Lane Mail Pullman, WA 99164 “Throughout our efforts to enhance support for college athletes, edition about how to pick proof your signs and the NCAA has relied upon considerable feedback from and the what Marc Rardin did at Iowa Western. engagement of our members, including numerous student-athletes, He took full advantage of the new NCAA Collegiate Baseball from all three divisions,” said Michael V. Drake, chair of the board rule that allowed pitchers to wear quarterback P.O. Box 50566 and president of Ohio State. wristbands with a signal card insert on the glove Tucson, AZ 85703 “Allowing promotions and third-party endorsements is side wrist or forearm. uncharted territory.” It sounded like many of his pitchers wear this The board’s recommendations now will move to the rules- on their belt in front of their body as well. making structure in each of the NCAA’s three divisions for further The pitcher and then can receive the 3 You can also FAX letters to consideration. digits from the coach in the at the same the editor or The divisions are expected to adopt new name, image and time. There is no need for the catcher to give any E-Mail them: likeness rules by January to take effect at the start of the 2021-22 pitching signs to the pitcher with this efficient academic year. process. FAX: E-Mail: (520) 624-5501 [email protected] The board is requiring guardrails around any future name, image It is a much quicker way of receiving signs in and likeness activities. a game and allows the game to be faster. Collegiate Baseball welcomes letters from These would include no name, image and likeness activities Plus, and this is a huge plus, nobody on the readers. Letters must include the writer’s that would be considered pay for play; no school or conference opposing team will ever be able to pick the name, address and telephone number. We involvement; no use of name, image and likeness for recruiting by catcher’s signs that are typically given to the reserve the right to condense or reject any schools or boosters; and the regulation of agents and advisors. pitcher because he never puts down a sign for letter and to limit frequent writers. The board’s action is the latest step by the Association to support him. college athletes and modernize its rules regarding name, image If a runner is on second, he has no idea what sense as the catcher also receives those digits at and likeness. is coming. the same time. In October, the board identified guiding principles to ensure that The only way to find out what pitches are Therefore, the catcher never has to give signs any changes support college sports as a part of higher education. coming is to closely look at pitchers to see if they to the pitcher. Any changes adopted by the divisions must be in concert with the are tipping pitches in some fashion. It speeds up the game, allows the pitcher to pitch following principles and guidelines: I plan on going back to your article about Rob fast and even quick pitch on occasion because he  Ensuring student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete Klein, the greatest pitch picker in history a few is ready to go before the batter. students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate. issues ago. He explained all of his techniques for It also makes sense that your opponent will  Maintaining the priorities of education and the collegiate uncovering what pitches were coming. have a tough time figuring out what pitches will experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success. Who would ever have predicted that baseball be coming because the catcher never gives a sign  Ensuring rules are transparent, focused and enforceable, and could be played without the catcher ever giving to the pitcher. facilitating fair and balanced competition. signs to the pitcher? With all this being said, it just isn’t baseball!  Making clear the distinction between collegiate and Marc Rardin has hit on something that could be I am old school and have a couple of problems professional opportunities. a huge change in the game of baseball. with this system. First of all, I want my catchers  Making clear that compensation for athletics performance He really did his homework before to always call games. The game plan for opponent or participation is impermissible. implementing the quarterback wrist band system hitters is determined by the pitching coach, catcher  Reaffirming that student-athletes are students first and not for his pitchers. and entire pitching staff on the team before a employees of the university. I also love the idea that his pitchers get into a game.  Enhancing principles of diversity, inclusion and gender better rhythm between pitches, and the defense is If a member of my staff has faced certain batters equity. ready to go as well which doesn’t allow them to before, I want their input. So that is why everyone get frustrated or bored. is involved. Jose Rodriguez The idea of a catcher never putting down a sign UOTE Dallas, Tex. for the pitcher is crazy in my book. Unquote” Granted, it is a fascinating concept and one that “Q Just Not Part Of The Game many programs may adopt. “Make up your mind to act decidedly and take the consequences. I have coached baseball for many years and But I will never, ever go to this system. No good is ever done in this world by hesitation.” never heard of anything like I read in your last My catcher wants to call games, and it is — Thomas Henry Husley issue (May 1). important for his development as well. Over time, Everything that Marc Rardin (Iowa Western) they take great pride in calling games and working “Cherish your vision and your dreams as they are the children of talked about in regard to having his pitchers utilize with pitchers during innings to outsmart hitters. your soul…the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” a quarterback wrist band to translate the 3-digit Bill Lancaster — Napoleon Hill numbers given by a coach in the dugout makes Milwaukee, Wisc. Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Weight Training Could Be Factor In Injury Epidemic Continued From Page 3 of the competition, be part of the throw at all,” said Hook. problem? “While at Northwestern during determining the level of the award Dr. Jim Andrews, one of the the off-season, I would play a pitcher would receive. leading orthopedic surgeons of handball and racquetball with Ara “Pitchers were throwing 86-88 our time who has done thousands Parseghian and Bo Schembechler (junior college), 88-91 (4 year of elbow and shoulder surgeries and run. college), 89-93 (major college & over the years, was quoted in the “Ara came up with this program Pro), 93 and above (top 10 draft Cleveland Plain Dealer as saying: for his football team using ropes pick). So, ‘lighting up the gun’ “I started seeing a sharp increase and bands, and I started doing that became a major focus. in youth sports injuries, particularly to build strength.” “For some, strength training baseball, beginning around 2000. I Arm Is Like A Whip provided the desired results. started tracking and researching, Mugarian wonders if the use of “For instance, a pitcher throwing and what we’ve seen is a five- to weights, adding unnecessary bulk to 86-88 embarks on a strength training sevenfold increase in injury rates the shoulder and arm, might be the program and sees his velocity jump in youth sports across the board. leading contributor to an increase in to 88-91. The guy throwing 88-91 I’m trying to help these kids, given shoulder and elbow injuries. begins to see a jump to 89-93, etc. the epidemic of injuries that we’re “Is allowing a pitcher to add “The danger zone for arm seeing.” unnecessary muscle/bulk to a part injuries occurs when a pitcher Why the spike in youth of the body that is supposed to act wants more than his body is capable injuries? like a whip or rubber band creating of handling. “Specialization leads to playing unnecessary stress to where muscles “For example, a pitcher may the sport year-round. connect to joints? think, ‘If I do X, and my velocity “That means not only an increase “If you take a rubber band and increases, maybe if I do Y it will in risk factors for traumatic injuries stretch it, it can snap back in place increase even more.’ ” but a sky-high increase in overuse with very little pressure on both injuries.” Unusual Powers & Injuries ends (joints). The immediate gains from Is money at the root of the “If you tie knots (adding bulk/ weight lifting is similar to the story problem, for example, the pursuit muscle) at the ¼, ½, and ¾ points of Aladdin’s Lamp and the genie of college scholarships or pro on the rubber band, the middle who was let out of the bottle. contracts? becomes stronger, but the strength The masters were granted three “The almighty dollar has a lot of the ends of the band (elbow/ wishes that gave them unusual to do with it, yes. Some parents shoulder) remains the same. are putting a football or baseball powers. They were told to choose JOHN MUGARIAN “Pitchers who have increased wisely since each wish could result in their kids’ hands when they are muscle mass to the shoulder and in disastrous consequences. three years old.” throwing again until January”. do any strength exercises, just bicep temporarily see velocities As if Tommy John and shoulder Dr. Andrews believes that kids Isn’t this the rest that Dr. Andrews stretching. I’d use a rope to help increase. labrum injuries weren’t enough, need at least two months off each recommend? me stretch. “We saw this happen during the bizarre injuries began occurring year to recover from a specific In the 1950’s and 60’s, Major “The day after a start, Gus would steroid era. among pitchers. sport. Then he adds, “Preferably, League pitchers were on a 4-day give us a massage and do what “Put a knot in a whip, and it adds “You saw a rash of surgeries called three to four months.” rotation and were expected to they called ‘Milking the Arm.’ I strength to the whip. thoracic outlet decompressions This being said, what about pitch late into games every start. don’t remember seeing any career “But put knots (muscle/bulk) on where pitchers had a rib removed applying the same principles of rest Sometimes, they even pitched in ending injuries from throwing. I a human, and it puts undue stress to take pressure off the nerve of the to a college or professional player? extra- games. saw some from sliding into a base, and strain on the joint. throwing arm,” said Mugarian. Wouldn’t the same theory apply? The pitchers during this time or something else that happened “You can make muscles bigger “Big league pitchers such as Chris Veterans Get No Respect period threw extremely hard but during the course of the game. I saw and stronger, but you can’t make Carpenter (2012), In a recent discussion with Jay had more endurance, less injuries pitchers get strains in their arm, but a labrum, ligament or tendon (2013), Mike Adams (2013) and Hook, who pitched in the Major and threw more innings. the trainers would just work it out stronger. You can strengthen the Jamie Garcia (2014) have all had Leagues with the Hook added, “Our trainer was (massage).” muscles around these areas, but the surgery. Minor leaguers and (1957-61) and the Gus Mauch, who came to the During the off-season, these you can’t make these attachments college players have also had this (1962-1964), Mugarian asked when Mets from the Yankees with Casey players from the past would go stronger. surgery. he started throwing again to get Stengel. Gus talked about having home and get jobs to supplement “Labrums, ligaments, and “This is like Twilight Zone ready for ? long, loose, supple muscles in the their incomes or go to college in tendons are nothing more than stuff. He said the season ended in arm. hopes of cramming in a semester of human washers, anchors and hooks. “When I looked up the definition September, and he would not start “During the season, we didn’t school during the off-season. When they break, you have to of thoracic outlet syndrome, one of “During the off-season I wouldn’t replace them.” the causes said, ‘Can be caused by lifting weights.’ Infield Fly Rule Is Flawed “Is anyone surprised? “When you remove pitchers from the equation, what’s left to explain But Can Be Easily Fixed The Ultimate Hitting Aid the increase in Tommy John injuries, Continued From Page 4 rule than the current Infield Fly shoulder and labrum injuries, and Rule. The Enfield rule will speed up ™ thoracic outlet syndrome among over that eight-year span. play, and it will make us all feel less position players?’ My view is that the -off confused, and a little bit smarter. RADAR TEE Mugarian said people should is acceptable. Sure, one pitcher That’s a good thing. every eight years has to deal with “Best Of Show” study professional golfer Tiger Award Winner Woods. an unsuccessful attempt to make a routine catch by a usually steady Bat Testing On at 2016 American “His body was supple & loose Baseball Coaches when he first joined the PGA teammate, but baseball has many Hold For D-2, 3 Association and was winning tournaments other such moments - foul pop flies INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Convention consistently. Then all of a sudden, dropped by catchers, for example. Playing Rules Oversight Panel Woods hired a trainer, got bigger The Enfield Fly is just one more approved delaying rules changes and stronger and started jumping of those rare occurrences. It’s in five sports for a year on April out of airplanes at Ft. Benning with not that big a deal. Considering 30 to mitigate the financial impact Green Berets. Is it a coincidence how much simpler baseball will on athletics budgets in the wake of that his body continually broke be when the Enfield Fly Rule is the coronavirus pandemic. down? implemented, it is clearly a rule The sports where the “Yesterday’s great experiment, worth implementing right now. implementation will be delayed are steroids, was wrong and gone. The Six points to consider: baseball, men’s basketball, men’s only experiment still remaining that • If you are a coach, virtually no lacrosse, softball, and swimming was ushered in at the same time as time at all is required to teach this and diving. steroids is weight training. new rule to your players. In baseball, Divisions II and III “Through the simple process of • No chicanery of any kind were scheduled to begin regular- elimination, it is the only thing left takes place during the play. No season bat barrel compression Optimize your swing efficiency to maximize ball to explain why pitchers are getting unsuspecting base runners get testing in the spring of 2021. exit velocity. Measure both with the RADAR TEE! injured at historically high rates? deked into running to the next base Instead, Division II and III • Maximize ball exit velocity by optimizing swing speed “Why no one wants to bring up when they need not do so. baseball programs must be and efficient energy transfer to the ball. the possibility that weight training • No player is embarrassed for compliant with the rule by spring • Train to hit hard line drives. may be a major cause of throwing not fully understanding the rule. 2022. • Develop bat control and directivity to hit balls into gaps. arm and shoulder injuries is beyond • No umpire takes any heat from The rule was in effect for • Swing in an optimum plane for best hard contact probability. me. players for making a late Enfield Division I baseball programs this • Proudly made in the USA. “Maybe it’s because everyone Fly Rule call. spring. has been doing it, and no one wants • There will be no arguments The panel’s decision to delay to admit they are wrong. Whatever between umpires and coaches and/ the implementation of these rules the reason, maybe it’s time to put or managers. was based on feedback from each the genie back in the bottle.” • Fans will understand right of the corresponding playing rules away what is going on down on committees, as well as the Division I Dr. Andrews Weighs In the field. Competition Oversight Committee, (888) 542-9246 Could parents, in their quest In summary, The Enfield Fly to help their children get ahead the Div. II Management Council and www.sportssensors.com Rule is a simpler, kinder, gentler the Div. III Management Council. Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 Rowe Rarely Had Pitching Injuries By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. injuries occur. Editor/Collegiate Baseball “There is controversy with static stretching, ballistic stretching LOS ANGELES. — The and dynamic stretching. I am a importance of staying away from combination guy. There is room pitching injuries is crucial to the for all of them. If you go one way I did a series of exercises which I got from a success of baseball teams. or the other, you are flirting with guy named Gus Hoefling of the Phillies years ago. But year in and year out, some danger. “ teams sustain injuries to key “With static stretching, you put a Most baseball people don’t understand training. pitchers which inevitably cause a muscle in a stretch, and you stretch Gus is the man who trained . Carlton quick change in the makeup of the it out. It’s nice to be flexible. But team as losses begin to mount. there becomes a point where you pitched 300 innings a year for 10 years. That’s However, some teams continually become too flexible. Then you a lot of innings. Now we have guys pitch 180 stay away from the injury bug. lose power. One of the greatest pitching “Ballistic stretching, at least innings who feel they did something. So there has coaches in history was Don Rowe what most people think it is, occurs got to be a problem in training procedures. of the Milwaukee Brewers who when you bounce. You stretch and — Don Rowe, Former Pitching Coach passed away in 2005. bounce. Dynamic stretching is a Rowe is a rarity in baseball. He form of ballistic stretching where Milwaukee Brewers not only was a skilled pitching you change direction but you don’t coach, but he was an expert in bounce.” kinesiology, which is the study of Training A Problem human muscular movements. Outside of stretching, Rowe was He had decades of knowledge asked what causes some Major top sprinters in the United States “What you want is overload, but Throwing Programs about baseball-specific weight League teams to suffer injury after who are usually black? How did there is a thing called stabilization. Rowe was asked what pitching programs and had been a strength, injury with their pitching staffs they do that? It hasn’t been until If you are in a machine, you will routines tend to work the best to lately that we have started finding stabilize. You can isolate” certain stay away from injuries. running and rehabilitation coach while others seem to stay away during his esteemed career. from the injury bug. out what they were doing.” muscles, and it is . The machine “A common routine is to pitch, helps keep everything in line and Before Rowe came to Milwaukee, “It all goes back to their training,” Follow Certain Pattern rest, rest, throw on the sidelines, the Brewers had the worst injury said Rowe. Rowe said he feels the training protects you. As soon as you go rest and pitch in successive days. ratio in the league. “Whether you have a guy who of pitchers should follow a certain to free weights, you have taken Or you can switch that throwing In 1989, nine pitchers were on knows what he is doing when he pattern. stabilization away. Now you have around to: Pitch, rest, throw, rest, the disabled list. trains the players or a guy who “If you grab the bottom of your more range of movement. rest, pitch. Both are with a 5-man In 1990, they put 10 on the list. doesn’t is crucial. It’s that simple. rib cage, then everything from “What I like to do is use the rotation. And in 1991, they put 11 on the Baseball is a very conservative that point to the bottom of your machines, especially Nautilus. “What Atlanta did when Leo disabled list. sport. feet is where you do your heavy I have bastardized about four Mazzone was the pitching coach “Injuries are always waiting to work. From the ribs up through machines. I have developed my was pitch, rest, throw, throw, rest, Dramatic Turnaround own exercises in there which pitch. What’s good about that is it’s Rowe came to Milwaukee in happen. If someone breaks a leg the shoulder girdle and the arms pertain to pitching and how to great for control. If you do more 1992. or breaks a finger or something only have to be strong enough to get strong quick. I want them to short workouts, you will have better Out of 162 games, Milwaukee’s like that, there is nothing anybody hold your arm and upper body in be baseball players. I don’t want control. In this system, you only top pitchers made 160 starts. The can do about it. But what happens the groove when the lower body them to be in the weight room for throw at about 80 percent. Brewers only had one hurler go on is many players are going on the develops the power. 18 hours. They should have done “We keep track of every pitch the disabled list that season. That disabled list because of pulled “What happens is that most that in the off season. Also in the which is thrown by using a hand person pulled a groin muscle and groins, pulled hamstrings, and all injuries are to the rotator cuff off season, you have got to throw clicker (which is normally used by was out 15 days. that. In my opinion, that reflects muscles. The one they operate on so you don’t change your muscle ticket takers at the entrance to ball “The importance of these right back to static stretching. every time is the superspinatus. The memory. I don’t care if you throw parks to count crowds). In between numbers is that we were right in “I did a series of exercises which I problem is that often times there is a football, softball or whatever. It’s starts, our starting pitchers throw the thick of the pennant race simply got from a guy named Gus Hoefling too much overload from the bottom important to just throw. between 47-55 pitches at 80 percent because Toronto had four of their of the Phillies years ago. Most of the ribs up. “I have seen guys who are real if they are going to throw one day five starters go on the disabled baseball people don’t understand “An interesting study is Calvin conscientious and go on a weight between starts. list during the 1992 season,” said training. Gus is the man who trained Eldred. I feel he hurt his arm not program designed by Joe The “If they are going to throw two Rowe. Steve Carlton. Carlton pitched 300 from the number of pitches he Butcher down the block. And what days between starts, then throw “They had and innings a year for 10 years. That’s threw and not from the number of happens is that they come back the 35 pitches one day and 35 pitches a number of great pitchers. But a lot of innings. Now we have guys weights that he lifted. But he never next spring and can’t play.” the next day at 80 percent. That is they ended up beating us out of the pitch 180 innings who feel they did gave himself a rest. The weight Rowe was asked about training 70 pitches between starts instead pennant by two games. Even though something. So there has got to be a program was OK and the throwing with slightly lighter and heavier of 47-55. Frankly, we have been they had all that pitching talent, we problem in training procedures. program was OK. But he was trying for pitchers. doing that same system just like the were putting better pitchers out on “Baseball usually hires people to do the same workout in July and “Somebody came up with the Braves for years. the mound than they were because who are inexperienced in the August which he did in March and idea that if you made heavier balls, “As far as relievers, if a reliever of injuries. Keeping away from training area. April.” you would be able to throw harder. does not get up for two days, then injuries is the secret to success in “Orthopedic doctors think they Rowe was asked what the Years ago I came across an article we get him up early in the , the Major Leagues. know about training. Most of the advocates as far as an in-season about the Eastern European javelin and he throws 20 pitches at 80 “In 1995, Cleveland had a great time they don’t. What they really pitching and conditioning program throwers using slightly lighter and percent. That’s to keep him sharp. club. But what people might not know about is operating on patients. for his starting and relief pitchers to The weakness of physical therapists stay away from injuries. heavier javelins to increase speed He can still pitch in a game.” realize is that very few of their and also strength. So this concept players got hurt. They had six guys is their rehabilitation guys.” “Where baseball messes up and where football is right on track is was put into practice in baseball. play defensively over 900 innings European Training that all their grind work in football “Since a regulation baseball Sinclair Shuts with the shorter season. That was Rowe said he came back from a weights 5 or 5 ¼ ounces, the remarkable.” trip through Europe giving baseball is performed in the winter. Where you do the heavy work is in a well underweight ball can’t be any Down Sports Everywhere Rowe has been, the clinics and discovered some DAYTON, Ohio — Sinclair thought out off-season program. more than 20 percent under which injury bug rarely followed him. interesting training techniques. Community College announced “Then you bring in your players is about 4 ounces. My heavy ball During the 1988 season with the “I went to Sweden and Norway. in early May that it is suspending the first of December and January can’t be any more than 20 percent White Sox, he had only one pitcher Norway is a small country, but all intercollegiate athletics for the 15 and have tests for them. Pay over the regular ball. So that will on the disabled list. they win more gold medals than 2020-21 academic year due to the your incentives there. People are be about 6 ounces. If you go any “That was who any other country in the world coronavirus pandemic. motivated to stay in shape. You further than that in either direction, got hit in the left forearm with a proportional to the number of That includes the baseball must educate your players on how it doesn’t work. line drive,” said Rowe. He was the people they have. So when I was in program that has been a perennial to lift. Most players don’t know “You also must have a scheme only guy in 1988 who went on the Norway, I wanted to see how they national powerhouse under Head how to lift. For 25 years, I ran the with this process. For increasing disabled list.” trained their athletes. Coach Steve Dintaman. weight programs in college, so I pitching strength, you throw 10 “I went to the National Training Entering the 2020 season, the Getting An Edge know what I’m doing. pitches with the underweight ball, As you can vividly see, the fewer Center in Oslo and talked to a Tartan Pride had captured nine “Everything I ask my players 20 pitches with the regular ball and the injuries, the better your chance physiologist in charge of exercises, of the past 11 Ohio Community to do I’ve already done myself. I 20 pitches with the overweight ball. of winning at any level. a kinesiologist and a biomechanics College Athletic Conference titles hear guys talking about lifting light Pitchers go through that sequence He has some sound reasons why guy. What was interesting was that and finished 2019 with a 51-10 weights all the time. Now wait a three times. injuries to pitchers have become they don’t use static stretching record and 27-1 league mark. minute. If I come into the weight “The next time they work out, more common in the last 20 years. exclusively. Over the past six years, Sinclair room, what is light for you might they have a speed workout as the “The reason we have all the “They use a combination is second in the nation in wins with be heavy for me. You must find out repetitions change a little bit. They problems is because the flexibility program. Most of their training is 293 and sent over 100 players onto where these guys are.” do 20 with the light ball, 20 with programs are mainly aimed toward controlled ballistic. It’s not where the regular ball and 10 with the 4-year schools. static stretching,” said Rowe. they bounce. They got their program Free Weights Vs. Nautilus overweight ball. The sequence is Sinclair also announced all “I brought static stretching to from the Russians. The Russians for Rowe was asked what weight again repeated three times. student-athletes enrolled on a team the Big Leagues through a guy 25-30 years were way ahead of us training program he prescribes for “This balances it out. You roster “in good standing” during called Bob Anderson a long time in training methods. But since we his pitchers. are gaining strength or speed, the 2019-20 academic year and ago. Static stretching is good. But had the cold war going, they didn’t “Every program has a strength depending on the workout, but you all athletes who signed an NJCAA a problem develops when you let us in on what they did. and weakness. The Nautilus are always kicking it back to the letter of intent to attend Sinclair stretch the muscles out and then “Have you ever wondered why machines have some pluses and ball in the middle. If you follow that and participate on a team during the you explode them. The muscles Russian track sprinters, who happen some minuses. The same can be scheme, you are fine. But I see very 2020-21 academic year will receive are not ready to take that strain as to be white, could compete with the said for free weights. few people follow that scheme.” free tuition and regular fees. Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Coaching Resources

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ABCA Website: www.ABCA.org • ABCA Videos: www.ABCAvideos.org • Twitter: @ABCA1945 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 Tom Dunton’s Secrets To Success Pitchers Under This Former Stanford Coach Rarely Had Injuries By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. speak about his . It took the other team’s lineup and who Editor/Collegiate Baseball him a number of years to refine will do what to whom and what the it. He finally got the release and assignments will be for the day. STANFORD, Calif. – Pitching everything that goes into it when he “Then the pitchers stretch the has been the hallmark of Stanford was in the shagging balls. neck area out so it is nice and University baseball teams for He was throwing balls into the man limber. Then the pitchers do a trunk decades. behind second base with the bucket. rotation with both sides getting The genius behind the He was working on throwing his work. Then we do big arm circles development of Cardinal pitching changeup from long distance. All forward with the elbows above the staffs for a quarter of a century was of a sudden, the release and grip shoulder. We have the pitchers do Tom Dunton. came to him. them to tolerance. This kind hearted gentleman, “At Stanford, we do a lot of long “When I see them wince a little who coached baseball in different toss anyway. But you really get a bit, then I have them do a few capacities for 42 years, retired great feel for your changeup by more. Then we have the arms go in 1999 and was instrumental in working on your changeup while backward with arm circles. helping many Stanford pitchers long tossing balls. “Following those, we do side reach their potential. Dunton said the circle change is stretches to both sides. Then we He also was baseball’s best kept a great way to grip it. do more arm circles. But this time secret. “Most of our guys like to grip we have them do small, tight arm Injuries to pitcher’s shoulders it that way. circles going forward with their and elbows are a nemesis to many “That is the fashionable way to palms down. That can be very baseball programs. But not at throw it. I agree because if you can fatiguing. You do that until the back Stanford where Dunton had the master that, your arm speed is so of your neck begins to feel it. Then cleanest injury record of any college similar to your fastball. But it is a we have the small, tight arm circles pitching coach in history. little hard to control. Some of the go backward. In all the years that he coached guys will start with that. If they “After the arm circles, you pitchers at Stanford, he can’t are successful, we will certainly grab the pitching arm and stretch remember a single instance where stay with it. The one I teach with it across your chest and push it a a front line pitcher suffered a someone who has trouble with that little bit so you get a bit of isometric career-ending pitching injury on is the 3-finger changeup where you work. Next, you pull the elbow over his watch. put all three fingers on top of the the head and grab it with the other Here is a partial list of the ball. I call it a pitchfork change. hand. Following that, they have the pitchers who Dunton churned out: The pressure is on your second or arms down to their side and then , Jack McDowell, middle knuckles, and you work each players’ hands go over their , Chad Hutchinson, from there. The ball is in the deep head with the back of their hands Kyle Peterson, , Rick MASTER AT KEEPING PITCHERS HEALTHY — Former part of you hand. touching together and then going Helling, Jeff Ballard, , Stanford pitching coach Tom Dunton (left) was a fabulous “The idea with the circle change back down. It is close to the arm and just to teacher. But he may have been the greatest college pitching is that the righthanded pitcher can movement in pitching. name a few. coach in history at keeping his pitchers from sustaining serious get a lot of sink and movement “Next, the pitchers go through During Stanford’s two College elbow and shoulder injuries. This article explains his system. downward and in to a righthanded their delivery. It is similar to a World Series championships, like teaching a tennis serve to a a ‘working fastball’ as opposed hitter. We had a guy here in the early mirror or shadow box drill where Dunton’s pitching staffs were degree. You teach the good, basic to a maximum one. The working 90s by the name of John Reid who they work on their delivery a little remarkable as the 1987 staff had fundamental delivery and go from fastball is the one you should hang was just a college pitcher. But he bit to simulate the throwing action. a combined 2.34 ERA in Omaha there. That’s the basic premise we your hat on and not overthrow it. had a natural way of throwing that And after that, they use the towel while the 1988 club had a 2.38 have operated on. That’s a very common problem. changeup which would run away drill where they have a small towel ERA. “I have been extremely fortunate Your fastball is your fastball. As from lefthanded hitters. It was between their middle and index His 1968 Stanford pitching staff to have great kids to work with. you go up the line, velocity is not extremely effective.” fingers and folded in half. still holds the Pac-10 ERA record That stems from , necessarily at the top of the list. Velocity Not No. 1 “Then the pitcher simply with an astounding 1.68 team who I considered the best college Location, changing speeds and Dunton was asked why simulates his throw with a guy mark. baseball coach in the country. movement I would put ahead of professional scouts put such a high in front kneeling down with his Looking through Pac-10 history, “We spent a lot of time getting velocity.” premium on pitchers who can throw hand out as the pitcher tries to hit his 1986 staff broke the school and all our pitchers to have workable, Dunton was asked how he teaches with great velocity when the art of the hand with the towel. Pitchers Pac-10 record with 511 strikeouts. comfortable deliveries which are movement through different finger pitching may be more important like this because it gives them a The 1990 staff then broke the record mechanically sound. pressure. than speed. consistent release point where they with 529 strikeouts, and the 1997 “You sell them on the idea that “We talk about it all the time. “Sometimes pitchers who are reach out and release the ball at the squad shattered that mark with 549 it lessens your chance of injury and There is finger pressure and off drafted high who possess great same time.” strikeouts. increases your control if you are centering the ball to one side or the fastballs work out and sometimes Warming Up In 1999, the Cardinal pitching efficient in you delivery. Beyond other. When they play catch and they don’t. But there comes a time After the pre-game ritual is staff again eclipsed the Pac-10 that, what I try to teach pitchers warm up, it is always with a purpose when you have got to learn how completed, pitchers are ready to single-season record with 605 is self coaching. When they are and is always with another pitcher. to pitch. By the time you get to warm up throwing balls with good strikeouts. out there, they get into different Pitchers always use a full range of , the guys who mechanics and go over the first His greatest year as a coach? situations where they get off track motion and work on mechanics. At couldn’t hit your fastball aren’t couple of hitters in the lineup for Take your pick of many, but a little bit. If they can self coach the same time, they throw easily playing any longer. You better be the opposition. the one which gets the nod in this themselves, they know what they and experiment with different able to do the other things to be a Pitchers also practice throwing corner was 1999. have to do to get themselves back. finger pressures and maybe 2-seam true pitcher.” from the stretch as well as the The incoming pitching staff I feel that’s important.” and 4-seam pitches where they can Dunton was asked how he normal delivery. had no career starts between them Diagnosing Problems generate movement. develops “pitchers” and not “One thing a few programs entering the 1999 campaign. Dunton was asked what he feels “It takes a little time and throwers which many programs do, which isn’t a bad idea, is that They had to fill the shoes of are the key elements of diagnosing confidence to actually throw these have. the for the game high draft picks Jeff Austin, Chad pitching problems. new pitches in a game.” “Every team in the Pac-12 is goes through 3/4s of his pre-game Hutchinson and Brent Hoard (all “There are many different areas Teaching Changeup physical and can hit the ball well. throwing and then stops for 3-4 three chosen in the first 80 selections to look at. The No. 1 thing pitchers Dunton said one of the most You have to learn to pitch in a hurry minutes. He then gets up and of the 1998 June Draft). fight their entire pitching lives is important pitches to throw is the and have to command at least two finishes it off. Sometimes that is The returnees included two rushing their delivery. Their body changeup. pitches to be successful. There is very effective.” sophomores by the name of Jason gets ahead of their arm. This is “We spend an inordinate amount no other way around it. To survive, Dunton said he always stresses Young and and a common because they get excited of time to develop the changeup they have to do it. the importance of warmup pitches freshman named Brian Sager. out there and especially if things get properly. Next to the fastball, it is “It is much easier for a college between innings. This trio responded by posting a tense and you tend to rush. the most important pitch you have. pitcher to go into professional “Make those count instead of combined 28-4 record with a 4.11 “Your body then gets ahead of The goal with our guys is always baseball, I think, than a high flipping pitches up there because ERA. That compares to the 1998 your arm and your arm drags, and to throw your changeup with the school pitcher to go into college the hitter will be up there before numbers of 25-12 and 4.31 ERA. it is not where you are throwing on same kind of control you throw a baseball.” you know it, and your tempo may Young fanned a nation-leading 178 a downward plane. We stress this fastball. Really, it is just a fastball Pre-Game Ritual change when the batter comes to batters with only 55 walks. He also as much as anything. with a different grip. If you can get the plate.” hurled 10 complete games. Wayne Stanford has a routine which “We also stress pitching from that concept across to the pitcher, the pitchers go through prior Dunton was asked what points of was 10-1 with 135 strikeouts and a good balance point. If you are they seem to develop it better. the he wants his pitchers 43 walks. Sager was 6-0 with a 4.17 to games which allows them to gathered and balanced at the top of “Good hitters have trouble with prepare properly for the scheduled to zero in on. ERA and was named a Collegiate your delivery, then the rest of the the changeup. When is the last time “Every pitch has a location. But Baseball Freshman All-American. contest. delivery will be pretty efficient. But a good hitter worked on hitting a “With the exception of the I really believe in strike one. The And as mentioned earlier, the if you miss that balance point, the changeup? It cuts down the number first pitch you throw is hopefully 1999 Cardinal pitching staff set a starting pitcher, who is on his own, rest of the delivery will break down of pitches incredibly. If you can everybody else comes into the park down in the zone and at glove level new school and Pac-10 record with to some degree.” throw it in predictable fastball or below on the outside half of the 605 strikeouts. and takes a lap to warm up. If we Dunton was asked if most counts, there is a good chance you have time, there is a team stretch plate. It all depends, obviously, on “Pitching is definitely a learned pitchers try to throw pitches too will get an out with it. Pitchers all the pitcher and batter. skill,” said Dunton. where the entire team is together hard and cause control problems for realize the importance of it. But it is as they do a complete body stretch. “Our spots are normally fastball “If you have the right ingredients, themselves in the process. easier to talk about than master. it can definitely be taught. It’s After practice, I will get “Our players have what I call “I have heard them all together and will go over See DUNTON, Page 9 Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page  Dunton System Prevented Serious Injuries To Pitchers Continued From Page 8 “It’s a matter of monitoring their a career-ending injury at Stanford One drill we use, especially if one between starts at lower speeds arms. We have a lot of pitchers who while I was there. of our pitchers is having control to remain sharp throughout the away on the outside and down. have turned down a lot of money “We have had to make pitchers trouble, is simply to shorten the season. Then it is in on the bottom of the to come to Stanford. So you try back off a little bit from throwing catcher up six feet and let “Yes, we do. I would rather have strike zone. to be very careful in taking care because of pain here and there. Any the pitcher throw there. At a shorter our pitchers throw two efficient “We aim for up on the top of the of them. time we see a pitcher who has pain, distance, there is less stress on the rather than one long, hard strike zone and in which will never “We shut Mike Mussina down we act accordingly. I believe in a lot arm and it is easier to control. one where guys are overthrowing. be called a strike, but many hitters halfway through his sophomore of throwing – but not necessarily “Some of our pitchers pitch It also depends on the guy. go after this pitch. The one which year. He had a strain in his ulnar stress throwing. To me, stress their bullpen and might request “He may want to only throw is shoulder high out over the plate nerve in his elbow. We shut him throwing is when you try to get additional work. So we may shorten one bullpen. If they do throw just that is hard to hit by batters is a down completely for a period of people out. Obviously, that is when our catcher up for him to work a one bullpen, he will throw only flat good one as well, and hitters tend time. you are most likely to get hurt. little bit more.” ground and go through a full range to chase this pitch.” “Fortunately, it was fine after “But you can throw on the Multiple Bullpens of motion. that. He came back and was 100 side and work on different things “Sometimes that is just as Pitching Inside Dunton was asked if he subscribes Dunton said his pitchers throw percent healthy. To answer your and build your arm up with long to what the Atlanta Braves under beneficial as throwing off a mound inside more than a lot of teams question, I can’t think of any front throwing and throwing off the Leo Mazzone did when he had and less stress on the arm and do. line pitcher who has ever suffered mound without extending yourself. their pitchers throw two bullpens shoulder.” “Even with the aluminum bat, I feel pitching inside is important. If you don’t, some of these big, aggressive hitters who dive into the plate will take away the outside portion of the strike zone. There is no outside half of the plate the way some of these guys hit. It is an art working inside. “It is so valuable. When pitchers get into professional baseball with wooden bats and have the ability to pitch in, they are much better off.” It was pointed out to Dunton that every pitcher on every level of baseball wants to throw the ball harder. He was asked if he has found any tricks of the trade in allowing pitchers to gain higher velocity. “I really like pulling the glove side in to generate more power. That certainly helps the follow through. Using the lower body properly is really helpful. A lot of guys don’t understand this at all. The lower body for a pitcher is very much like a hitter. It really comes into play once that front foot lands where you rotate your hips and that picks up the arm speed a little bit. “You might have the pitcher load up a little bit on the balance point where you get a little more behind it. Beyond all these things, I have found at the end of a workout that pitchers can try to throw a bit harder for only five pitches and in the process raise that comfort zone of the working fastball. “We have seen increases in velocity with this technique. But Big League Chew was invented by Rob Nelson, a former Cornell keep in mind we work on the total delivery to achieve this as well.” University lefthander who was pitching in Oregon in 1977 for the Preventing Injuries fabled Portland Mavericks when he came up with the idea for a new Dunton explained how his pitchers stay away from career- type of bubble gum. ending injuries. “We are very aware of pitch counts and rest between starts. I get real nervous when a pitcher Rob was literally sitting in the Portland bullpen, watching his team- throws 100 pitches. If we can have our pitchers throw 13 pitches per mates chewing other less salubrious stuff, when he thought that inning, then you have a pretty good outing. A lot of things go into shredded bubble gum would be a much more fun option. that. But if a pitcher throws 20-25 pitches the first inning, you know his chances of being around too Rob shared the idea with Mav teammate who liked the long aren’t great. I don’t like to ever exceed 120 pitches in a game. concept so much he spent the next two years searching for a gum “Normally if you are a weekend starter, you do not pitch during company to manufacture and distribute Big League Chew. He the week except during bullpens at regular-scheduled times. This succeeded, and BLC quickly became the must-have bubble gum for particular pitcher won’t throw in a game except on weekends. We don’t ballplayers in the littlest leagues to the Big Leagues. ask our pitchers to overthrow. “The only time we ask our pitchers to throw a bit more is during the post-season. At that Today, over 40 years later, Big League Chew is the #1-selling time, we may ask them to go on short notice or exceed the normal shredded bubble gum in the world — with over 800 million pouches . And that hasn’t been any cause for injury. You just sold. It is manufactured in the USA by Ford Gum of Akron, New York. watch your pitchers. There is a difference between soreness and ™ pain. Soreness is normal after you have pitched. So we watch that. ® But if it is a recurring pain, then BIG LEAGUE CHEW AMERICA’S BUBBLE GUM you shut them down. The problem a lot of times is that the pitcher Coaches Discount now available at bigleaguechew.com keeps testing the arm and never does recover. Page 10 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 Ward Explains How Crucial Brain Is To Performance By GARY WARD The four stages of brain patterns it often allows you to disengage Special To Collegiate Baseball and the athlete’s state of mind from conscious activity to go to a include: dreamland. STILLWATER, Okla. — Your Beta Have you ever driven a car late body is your business. This is a brain wave rate of 13-30 at night and completely forgotten You are the chief executive per second. a segment of the trip that you officer. Here are a few fundamentals This stage is the state of intense travelled? about the human body that you attention, strongly engaged in Delta must know to be the CEO. mental activity such as active This is a brain wave rate of 0.1-4 Your body can survive for conversation, debate, while being per second. approximately 5 minutes without alert to external stimuli. A rate of 0 means that you are oxygen. For a minute or so after 5 This state is where we humans brain dead. minutes, you will need assistance spend most of our lives, constantly This stage is associated with to recover. changing our focus from one thing deep and dreamless sleep, a period At 8 minutes without oxygen, the to another. When you use mental where the body repairs itself. average person is dead. A person imagery and visualize vividly Buy sleep masks and ear plugs can survive for 6-7 days without the process of executing a skilled and create a sleeping environment water. movement, you are in Beta of darkness and silence. The average person might make Many researchers of sleep it 30 days without food. This Alpha This is a brain wave rate of 7-13 and brain wave patterns are now vividly shows breathing is critical making strong recommendations to life. Former Oklahoma State Skipper Gary Ward per second. This stage is the state of being for frequent naps or breaks Research the topics of abdominal activated. engineering the skill on which you where silence and solitude can be breathing, the relaxation response, awake, alert, but relaxed. Our brain The smarter training program are training. is functioning most efficiently, and acquired. diaphragmic breathing and rhythmic is based on and emphasizes two Take it apart component by The relaxation response can breathing. we can focus deeply on one thing. key routines of training to achieve component and then put it back Athletes that experience “Being be used to control the state of the The latest research states there myelination. together. brain through proper breathing are 37.2 million cells in the human in the Zone” are usually operating It includes he power of spaced Work the puzzle piece by piece. in Alpha. techniques. body. repetition of 8-10 exposures to a Train with full focus and Coaching is assisting the athlete There are 85-100 billion neuronal This is the optimal brain wave set of information completed over a concentration. state to experience while attempting in identifying these different cells in the human brain that are period of 14 days and understanding If you lose one of those elements, stages of brain wave activity and conductive and have the ability to to learn. that it takes 20-30 days to practice a quit and take a break and let your Alpha waves have the greatest providing the feedback needed to contain an electrical charge. new skill technique into game ready struggle incubate until your mind acquire methods of controlling that Neurons are the nerve cells that amplitude of the four types. They automaticity. can hatch a new direction. are the most powerful. process. transmit information within our The speed and clarity of neuronal Training for 10 minutes with full The incredible thing about brains. Recently, sports scientists have response becomes obvious to the focus and intent is much better than shown that increases of Alpha brain feedback is that your brain is These neurons connect to other coach as he observes your skill set spending an hour in the frustration accustomed to receiving it neurons in huge, complex networks waves precede every example of improvement. of confusion. peak performance in every sport constantly from every part of the and communicate with each other The brain is only 2 percent of Training time in your personal body except for the brain itself. through electrical impulses. where this was tested. the total body mass, but it uses 20 skill laboratory is spent on When you execute a skilled So while your brain uses feedback Your body contains the same percent of your available energy experimentation and trial and from your body to develop mastery number or more of glial cells which movement in game competition, supply. error. you must be in Alpha. of movement and motion, your supports and protects the neurons. Training is about deliberate Experience new ideas and new brain has no feedback about itself The glial cells also produce thinking, analysis and body body awareness of each component Theta and what it is doing. myelin, the material that insulates awareness. of a skill. This is a brain wave rate of 4-7 Therefore, brain wave feedback the neurons through the process of These actions can exhaust Brain wave frequency and the per second. is an obvious and critical missing myelination. your currency of time and energy power of relaxation, learning, sleep, This stage is associated with link in skill set of most athletes. The myelination process quickly. focus and other executive functions the entry into sleep and deep First, the coach provides the increases the conduction velocity A coach who lectures at a clinic are important. meditation. athlete with feedback until the of the neuronal pathways by coating or camp for hours experiences the The human brain is an amazingly Memories are processed and athlete learns how to think. them with myelin each time they level of exhaustion that he can reach complicated organ that the great stored when the brain is in Theta Second, the athlete learns the are activated. while talking and demonstrating his scientists on earth are researching state. skill of metacognition — learning Neurons that fire together wire presentation subjects. with intensity. Good sleeping habits that avoid to identify and assess their personal together, creating a process of The advice to any player in Yet, there are some functions of sleep deprivation encourage the thoughts and how their very own improving the original pathway into training is to slow down, deliberate, the brain that remain unexplained normal activity in Theta of learning brain works. a super highway. think, feel and visualize between and there are as many opinions as and memory formation. Third, the athlete takes ownership Commands become clearer each repetition. there are scientists. A coach needs Theta states enhance the process of training and develops the skill to and increase conductive velocity Limit your physical work to know a few basics about the brain of ideation, the free flow of ideas give feedback from his brain to of the message to the motor skill as much as possible by reverse function of the athlete. without censorship or guilt, and another.. Rich Marazzi Explains What ‘Intervening Play’ Is In ANSONIA, Conn. — When is and one out in the top of the third threw home a bit wide to catcher (3) Keep in mind that a batter- ground ball to an infielder who the last time you heard anyone in inning when Jose Peraza bounced Russell Martin, who was able to runner is not required to run in the is playing at normal depth, it’s a baseball, including broadcasters, a ball to Braves’ Dansby record the out. Martin then fired off Runner’s Lane. But if he is not in good idea to run directly to first use the term “intervening play” as Swanson. balance to first base, and his throw the lane and hinders or impedes the base because they will get there part of a batter-runner The throw home, the intervening hit Jones in the back. defensive team from making the quicker. call or any call? play, was late, but Peraza was The ball squirted toward second at first base, he should be When the ball is fielded by When batter-runner thrown out at first base by base, and it appeared that Trey called out for interference. the , shortstop or interference occurs in catcher Tyler Flowers. Mancini, the runner on second No runners can advance on the third baseman from their normal the 45-foot, 3-foot wide Ruleball In this play, if Peraza at the start of play, scored for the play, unless a runner scores on an position, chances are their throw Runner’s Lane with less was ruled out for BR O’s. intervening play with less than two will not be in line with the batter- than two outs and a play interference, the run But plate umpire Chris Segal outs prior to the BR being called out runner, unlike the throw going from at the plate precedes the would count because called Jones out for running out of for interference. the area to first base. interference, if the runner the interference would the runner’s lane the last 45-feet and (4) The Runner’s Lane is more Therefore, I think it would be is safe, the run scores. have resulted in only interfering with Jays’ first baseman, of a challenge for right-handed wise for the right-handed batter- The play at the plate the second out, not the , who was taking batters because they must cross runner to ignore the Runner’s is referred to as an third out. the throw from Martin. It was over to get into the lane. This slows Lane and get to the base ASAP. In “intervening play.” You can view this scored a 1-2-3 inning-ending DP. down the batter-runner’s advance to legging-out a possible double play If, however, there is play by going to the link You can view the play, by first base which is why RHBs often or attempting to reach first base on an intervening play at the below: clicking on the link below: ignore the lane and consequently an away from the bunt plate and the runner is https://www. https://www.mlb.com/video/ are more at risk for interference. area, I think the RH batter-runner safe, but the batter-runner dropbox.com/ blue-jays-turn-unorthodox-dp/c- (5) In my opinion, when the should run directly to the base. This interference at first base With Rich Marazzi s/18pwbifqg323e9p/3- 1920795283?tid=6479266 ball is thrown from the plate or of course is a coaching decision. is the third out, no run Rules Consultant 6-20 Boston Atlanta. bunt area to first base, such as I think the reward is greater than Blue Jays, Brewers, Ruleball Comment can score because a run Cardinals, D’backs, mp4?dl=0?​ (1) If Peraza was running out the two plays above, both right- the risk. cannot score when the Dodgers, Mariners, The Orioles and Jays of the lane with even one foot handed and left-handed batters (8) In summary, the penalty batter-runner makes the Orioles, Phillies, played at Camden Yards and prevented the Braves from should follow Peraza’s example and for BR interference, without an third out before touching Pirates, Rangers, on April 9, 2018, when get in the lane. This will prevent intervening play, is an immediate Rays, Red Sox, recording the putout at first base, he first base. Royals, Tigers, batter-runner interference should have been ruled out, but the any interference call that could dead ball, and the batter-runner is The rule almost came Twins, Yankees, the was called for the run would score because that would potentially nullify a run. out in all playing codes. Any other alive in the March 6 Fox Regional Sports third out following an only have been be the second out of (6) LHBs should always stay runners return to the base occupied spring training game Networks, ESPN and “intervening play.” in the Runner’s Lane since they are at the time of the pitch except in the White Sox TV the inning. between the Boston Red announcers. Adam Jones was (2) In the Jones’ interference already positioned on the side of NFHS where runners are returned Sox and Atlanta Braves at batting in the bottom of play, his interference caused the the lane when they exit the batter’s to the base occupied at the time CoolToday Park in Nort Readers can submit the fifth with the bases box. But I think RHBs can take a of interference (NFHS 8-4-1g, 8- questions to Rich at: third out and no run can score when Port, Florida. [email protected] loaded and one out when the batter-runner makes the third different approach. 2-9; NCAA 7-11p; pro 5.09a11) Here is what happened. he tapped back to the out of the inning before touching (7) In my opinion, in most unless the interference causes the The Red Sox had a runner on third mound. Jays’ pitcher J.A. Happ first base. situations when a RHB hits a third out. Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 11 Best MLB Pitching Coaches Ever Johnny Sain, Leo Mazzone Knew How To Keep Pitchers Healthy By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. more often with less exertion. giving positive reinforcement when Editor/Collegiate Baseball When you throw more often with pitchers weren’t at their best. less exertion and make the ball do “You are never as bad as you ATLANTA — Johnny Sain was something without maxing out your think you are. It’s a feel and instinct considered the greatest pitching effort, then you lower the risk of type of thing as well. As far as coach of all time with the A’s, arm injury.” dealing with pitchers, I have faced Yankees, Twins, Tigers, White Sox 2 Bullpens Between Starts numerous situations where the and Braves. It was brought up to Mazzone mental side came into play. I Sain passed away in 2006 at the that he has been given credit for feel I have earned a degree in age of 89. changing the philosophy of many psychology but never went to He was a gifted major league Major League and college teams college. It came through the school pitcher who won 20 or more games when it comes to the number of of hard knocks. four times from 1946-50, including bullpens thrown between starts for “One of Johnny’s favorite sayings a best 24 in 1948 pitchers. was: ‘If you can’t think, you can’t for the Boston Braves. He has been given credit for pitch.’ One of the final times I talked During that same year, he also having pitchers throw two instead to him, I told him how difficult it led the league in complete games of one bullpen between starts. was becoming to get pitchers to with 28 and amazingly completed “I realize I have been given throw as much as we would like nine games over a 29-day stretch. credit for that, but I got the idea because of the environment we When his pitching career was from Johnny. He was the one who are in. His comment to that was: over, he turned to coaching and came up with that concept. Johnny ‘If they are scared, tell them to go produced a Major League record was fortunate enough to have a home.’ ” sixteen 20-game winners over 17 4-man rotation a lot. We had a 5- Power Of Common Sense years. man rotation when I got into the Mazzone was asked if common His keen insight allowed Whitey Big Leagues as a pitching coach. sense is a big ingredient lacking in Ford of the Yankees to win 66 games What I tried to do was have them baseball today as far as pitching in three years as he suggested Ford throw two bullpens so they would instruction. experiment with a and stay as sharp as if you had a 4-man “That’s because there is so much and change his rest period between rotation. Yet the baseball world said technology involved in sports today outings from five to four days. that you stayed healthier in a 5-man that common sense seems to be the Those who knew Sain best said rotation. last thing people turn to.” he had a remarkable touch and feel “When you look back on all the Mazzone was asked if he and for the mental side of pitching. starts that Johnny’s pitchers had Johnny Sain believe in running Jim Bouton, who won 21 games over the years with all those wins pitchers long distances to condition under Sain as a Yankee during the and mine as well, you can’t do that their legs. 1963 season, said he was not only unless your pitchers are healthy. “Sain didn’t run pitchers that a great teacher who turned careers Another key factor in all of this much because all he cared about around, but he was a tremendous is throwing more often with less was how often they could get on communicator who always knew exertion. the mound to work on their pitches. how to calm you down on the “A lot of coaches discourage Sure, they did some running. But mound. their pitchers from throwing so it wasn’t marathon running where Sain was given a great share of much because they fear they will they ran mile after mile. He wanted the credit for re-shaping the Twins get fired on the pro level if their pitchers to be in pitching shape. as an power and pitchers get sore arms. But you And he believed that to be able to do league champion in 1965. Then can’t coach that way. that, you had to throw the baseball he went to Detroit in 1968 as the “As far as the number of pitches as often as possible to perfect your Tigers’ pitching coach and helped my guys throw in bullpens, I never craft. define Denny McLain’s career with KEEPING PITCHERS AWAY FROM INJURIES — Leo Mazzone count them at all in this setting, and “Then if you wanted to run a 31-win season as Detroit qualified (lower left) was a remarkable pitching coach for the Atlanta neither did Johnny. We do what is some after that, it was up to the for the World Series. Braves for many years and also for the Orioles late in his career. called feel and touch. You go to individual. I personally share the McLain said several years His mentor was Johnny Sain (superimposed top, left) who taught the bullpen, get the dust off, locate same philosophy. I don’t think you ago that Sain had the unique and him many aspects of pitching. Both of these incredible coaches some fastballs, change speeds, spin can run the ball across home plate. uncanny ability to impress on a utilized the same coaching system which kept pitchers healthy a few breaking balls, and you are You have to throw it. It makes pitcher that he could win. as they rarely went down with serious injuries. done. When you do it that way, you absolutely no sense to me to run In 1971, the White Sox suddenly he also talked to me about dealing Mazzone was asked whether he can do it more often.” somebody in the ground and then became winners after hiring Sain as When Mazzone hears about expect him to go out and pitch. Here their pitching coach. Only a year with people, personalities, the front feels the radar gun is important in office and different managers. evaluating pitchers. pitchers who take long periods is where common sense comes into earlier, had the highest of time off, unless they are play once again.” ERA in at “He took me under his wing and “Johnny would have thrown the always wanted someone to pass all radar gun out the window, and that’s rehabilitating an injury, it makes Mazzone was asked his thoughts 4.54 and allowed the most homers him cringe. on icing arms after pitching outings. and hits in the American League. of his thoughts on pitching down how I feel about it as well. I try to to. Remarkably, there were a lot of watch action on pitches. I feel the “I encourage our guys to pitch in Many people in the medical field Sain orchestrated a change as if winter ball if they want to. They get feel this is vital to start the recovery he were a magician once again as people who feared his knowledge. radar gun can lie. I’ve seen guys But I was going to take advantage supposedly throw 95 mph and get back with about six weeks before process with damaged tissues. But the White Sox ranked fourth in the spring training or just over a month. quite a few trainers also feel that American League with a 3.12 ERA of this brilliant man who produced their brains beat in. But you also the most 20-game winners of any saw throwing 78 mph And I tell them not to stop throwing. pitchers use icing as a crutch and in 1971 and improved in the win Get out and play catch all the time can’t perform unless they have ice column by 23 games. pitching coach in the history of and made people look silly.” baseball. As a pitching coach, he The veteran pitching coach, just to keep the dust off.” at every turn. Sain’s last job in baseball was Mazzone was asked if he likes “That’s not really my area. as a minor league pitching coach has appeared in more World Series who guided six Award than any other in history. winners, was also asked what his pitchers to participate in long Whatever they do in the trainer’s for the Atlanta Braves organization toss and what his definition of long room is up to them. I don’t even in the late 1970s and early 1980s “He produced sixteen 20-game philosophy Sain used in teaching winners and I produced nine 20- the or curve since he toss is. enter into it. Once they are done as he worked closely with a man “Long toss to me is anything in the trainer’s room, it is my job named Leo Mazzone who may be game winners. So between us, had one of the best in major league we had twenty-five 20-game history during his playing days. further than 60 feet 6 inches. If to get them on the mound in a side the second greatest pitching coach you have to grunt and groan and session in a couple of days to get of all time. winners.” “He called them controlled Mazzone, who led the Braves’ breaking balls and bigger breaking throw every gut into a throw to them ready for their next start.” Learned From Master pitching staff to a first or second balls. There were three steps to it. your receiving partner, then that is Routines Are Vital Mazzone soaked up everything place ERA finish in the National You would throw it first, turn it too far. I have my pitchers utilize Game day routines are very Sain told him and led the Braves League in 12 of 14 seasons he was and then pull it in. The further you this important common sense rule important for pitchers. Mazzone to unparalleled pitching success with them, was asked what Sain extended out, the smaller the break. because everybody is different. I was asked if he prefers his pitchers over 14 years. preached to him concerning how The more you pulled in, the bigger can see a guy getting as much from to have a regimented routine prior In a special interview with pitchers can be effective. the break. You also teach pitchers a 90 foot throw as a 120 foot throw to starts on game day. Collegiate Baseball, Mazzone “He had a philosophy that you that when you throw, turn and pull or longer. It all depends on how he “Whatever each pitcher likes to explained what he learned from get hitters out five ways — (1) in, you cushion your elbow so that is unloading the ball.” do as far as a routine, that’s fine Sain as a rookie coach and what stuff, (2) movement, (3) change of you can protect it a little bit. Mazzone was asked what Sain with me. I just want them to be he utilized during his coaching speed, (4) location, and (5) motion. “As far as the grip on the did to prepare his pitchers mentally consistent with it. Every pitcher is career. Those five areas are essential to breaking ball, Johnny liked the ball for all the failures of pitching. a little different and might like to “The first thing that you noticed master. With some pitchers, one pretty much centered in the hand as “No. 1, you have got to have warm up slightly differently. You when talking to Johnny was that will come before the other, and they opposed to being on the side. He a good selection of pitches to allow the individual to express he didn’t use the usual clichés will vary. liked pitchers using both fingers, work with. No. 2, you have got to himself. when talking about pitching,” said “He was a firm believer in change not just one, so you could control trust your pitchers. Even though a “You see a lot of pitchers on our Mazzone. of speeds. He told me that he would the ball in your hand. pitcher might give up some runs level who are great in the bullpen “Most people in the game have love to have all his pitchers throw “He also was very good at in a game, you pick out something but not so good in games. That’s answers after the fact. But he had with power. But he realized that positive reinforcement and enticing positive in his outing. You might because there is a lack of trust in some before the fact. He taught me there weren’t that many who can do pitchers to get on the mound and say, ‘You gave up a couple of one’s ability. the intricacies of pitching as far as it and locate it, so change of speeds practice their craft. The big thing runs here, but you made a good mechanics and spins on the ball. But is very important. he taught me is that you throw pitch here.’ He was very good at See SYSTEMS OF, Page 12 Page 12 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 High School Sam Blalock Blazed An Incredible Trail By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. “First, always do your best, no Keep Message Simple season starts. Editor/Collegiate Baseball more and no less. Keep in mind Blalock said he tried to keep “Once the season is finished, that your best will never be the things as simple as possible for his we try to play as many games as , Calif. — One of same from one moment to the next. athletes. possible with all of our kids starting the greatest high school baseball Regardless of the quality, keep “Offensively, being aggressive the first week of June. I watch to see coaches in history was Rancho doing your best. is the most important ingredient we who will be our leaders, who fits Bernardo High School (San Diego, “Second, embrace failure strive for. Defensively, we are very in which roles we have available, Calif.) skipper Sam Blalock. because no excuses are needed. conservative. We do certain things what younger kids will be able to He retired after the 2017 season Failure is a big part of baseball, so very well in that area of the game play with the older kids. It’s really and won 946 games over 43 seasons. learn to deal with it. Part of being because we consistently work on more of an observation time for He began his varsity coaching your best is accepting your mistakes sound fundamentals that produce me. If you sit back and watch, the career in 1975 at Mt. Carmel H.S. and learning from them. Fear not good fielding and good throwing kids will show you who to play as and won 298 games in 16 seasons. failure. Have awareness, learn athletes. I don’t work on trick plays you watch the team dynamics take Then he moved to Rancho from your mistakes and move on. to fool runners. Many years ago, I shape. Bernardo H.S. in 1991 and coached Excuses after failures only delay did that. But it just wasn’t worth the “Once our kids come back to the Broncos for the final 27 years your learning. time and effort. school in the fall, they play in a fall of his career. “Third, focus (mental toughness). “I feel it’s important to have league. Once a week on Thursdays, He retired as the second- Focus on things you can control. teams that are sound fundamentally our kids come out to the field and winningest coach in California Control of emotions allows for as we have fun and focus. participate in a unique training high school history behind John control of behavior. Practice like “We try to get all these concepts session. A is Stevenson who won 1,059 games in you perform. Perform like you across to our kids.” set up on the field. Each batter is 50 years at El Segundo High. practice. We try to focus in on Blalock said he borrowed allowed to see two pitches, and he Only 26 other baseball coaches today. Somebody asked me about information from two special has to hit one of those two pitches or nationally have hit the 900-win my career. I responded that all a coaches years ago in John Scolinos is out. The coaching staff watches plateau. SAM BLALOCK career embodies is a bunch of days. (former head coach at Cal Poly and makes corrections on plays that His teams won 23 league Wheatland, Scott Heard, Jamie Have a good day today and work Pomona) and (former take place whether it be offense, championships and 12 section Jones and Alex Jackson. on what you need to do today, and skipper at Cal State Fullerton and defense or running. titles. Blalock gave a succinct answer your career will be an accumulation Texas). “They play the game without He sent numerous players to as to why he was such a successful of many good days. “While I didn’t play for coach too much structure during this professional baseball, including coach for so many years. “It’s important to get this concept Scolinos, my assistant did when I setting. It’s fascinating to watch. first-round draft picks Billy Beane, “We have five simple steps across to our kids. Don’t worry was coaching Mount Carmel H.S. Defensive players are put in many , Danny Putnam, to having a successful baseball about last week when you were I was fortunate to hear him speak different situations which they have Allan Dykstra, John Drennen, Matt season,” said Blalock. 1-for-20. Let’s look at today and on several occasions at clinics. to figure out how to be efficient. be as good as we can be. Focus Coach Garrido had a lot of great Baserunners are faced with many is what you have control of and information to share as well when different scenarios as well as a what you don’t have control of. So he was at Cal St. Fullerton.” hitters. It allows all the players Systems Of Leo Mazzone, do your best to control what you Blalock said his system more a way to figure out how to play can whether that be emotions that closely emulates the pro style of the game of baseball properly as Johnny Sain Are Incredible need to be corrected as you take a baseball rather than college. a coaches watch over everything Continued From Page 11 thrown changeup. The batter would deep breath and relax or whether “My style is essentially to let and give helpful advice in a relaxed often yell at the pitcher to throw him you need to kick yourself in the the kids play. I don’t try to control atmosphere. “What I mean by this is that a fastball next time with a few well butt and pick yourself up because every aspect of the game. With the “Defensive players are trying pitchers must trust their ability to chosen swear words tossed in. you’re down.” college game, the first two guys get to stop the runner from getting an throw pitches where they want 90 to “Nothing made him laugh more Blalock gave a vivid example on base and you’ll likely see the extra-base. At the same time, the 100 percent of the time. When this than this because a great changeup concerning pitcher plays. third guy bunt. I will let my No. 3 runners are trying to get that extra- happens and pitchers truly believe can be extremely powerful if thrown “If a pitcher is on the field and 4 hitters in the lineup hit away. base. Virtually everything that this, then control gets better, and properly.” working on reading pickoff signs They hardly ever bunt. happens in a game will happen in their effectiveness gets better. Teaching The Changeup and executing a pickoff play, all of “We are very aggressive on this setting as players are developing “If a pitcher feels that he has to Mazzone was asked how he our other pitchers are on the side offense. And I emphasize to our important instincts for the game. throw at over 100 percent effort to teaches the changeup, as well as watching and simulating in their players that runs are the most “We once had a player who was get somebody out, then he will be Sain. heads what they need to do. While important stat of a game. Everybody an exceptional bunter. He knew all erratic, and he might hurt himself. “There are many grips. But you one player is utilizing his thought has their own style when it comes to the nuances of the bunting game It isn’t the particular pitch that hurts have to approach it with the least process and physical skills, every producing runs. One team may get and how to exploit it. One time your arm. It is the amount of effort amount to take off and still be other pitcher is doing that in their players on base and steal. Another with the bases-loaded, he bunted in that you put into pitches you are effective. There are many ways to minds. may be adept at moving runners a location where the defense had no throwing.” change speed. A lot of guys try to “This technique works incredibly around while still another may be play as everyone was safe. I had no Mazzone was asked if Sain was back it down too much, and that well. Instead of one pitcher or player great at driving runners home. idea he was going to do that in that the type of coach who pitchers had is when you give it away or let if just getting a few opportunities to “We try to use the skills each situation. But because he developed a genuine love for. float. perform a skill during practice, player has so we can produce runs. these great instincts for the game, it “I would say so. He treated “In other words, the least amount everyone gets numerous chances Each player we have contributes paid off in an important situation. everyone very well and cared a great to take off and still be effective is through this system.” something to the program, and I “There are numerous instances deal about his guys. To Johnny, it the key phrase I tell all my pitchers Blalock said the fourth major emphasize how vital this is. The I could cite where these sort of was not about the performance because it promotes arm speed and area is the team. program is much bigger than any situations have developed over the during games that he focused on allows deception.” “We want kids to focus on our individual. It’s also bigger than years because our players knew and whether you gave up runs. He The well known pitching coach team and not what the other team the guy who runs the program as how to play the game properly and was more interested in whether was asked how Tom Glavine does. well. had those all-important instincts the pitcher prepared mentally and developed his superb changeup “I have seen that happen way too “Because of this, there are to make the correct play when the physically. with the Braves under his coaching often when teams get wrapped up some wonderful people who keep game was on the line. “And if you did, then giving up as well as other top pitchers on the with what other teams are doing. So contributing to the program such “As the coaching staff watches runs was simply a human element staff such as and Greg we want to focus on our team. as Cole Hammels. He routinely players in the program, we let each in the game. The only time a . “Treat others the way you want comes back to help our kids. When player know what his strengths pitching coach should be angry “Tommy threw more than any to be treated is also important. he comes back for a day or two, it’s are and how he can become the is if somebody doesn’t prepare, pitcher in between starts. He went Together everyone achieves so inspirational to the players in our most effective player for his skill doesn’t dedicate himself or give to a circle change, and you couldn’t more. It’s always we before me. program. He will share information set. When the player realizes what enough thought process to what he tell whether he was throwing a Concentrate on our team, not the with our pitching coach on the pro talents he has, he is more likely is doing. fastball or a changeup because of opposition. The outcome of the game.” to develop those skills at a high “If a pitcher got bombed in game is firmly in our hands, not in level. his mental and physical ability to Development Crucial his last outing and was taken out, sell the pitch. Maddux was the same the other team’s. Blalock said a big part of his “Everybody is different on your Johnny would not sit and talk way. Smoltz earlier in his career had “Fifth, play ball. Enjoy the program is developing skills. baseball team with different things about the pitcher’s last start. He a tough time with the changeup.” process of playing and improving “We don’t play in a winter ball they can bring to the table. We would simply prepare him for Mazzone was asked why his your skills. Have fun playing the league. During that period of time don’t try to cookie cut anybody his next start. He was extremely pitchers appear to be so mentally game. Treat the game with respect, (January), we focus on training with their swing. There are many knowledgeable about how to deal tough during games with hardly and the game will respect you. I players to be better. It’s similar different ways to accomplish things with people properly, the game of ever a show of emotion when good learned this from former UCLA to professional baseball spring in baseball.” baseball, flying airplanes, as well Hall of Fame basketball coach John or bad things happen. training. During that period of time, Hitting Philosophy as a lot of other areas. “The camera rarely showed our Wooden years ago. we go through the fundamentals of When Blalock and his staff “His pitchers would work on pitchers as they went into the tunnel “He was really an inspiration to our hitting system and how they explain hitting fundamentals to different grips and finger pressures and let off a little steam from time me as a coach because I coached fit into each person’s individual their batters, they explain certain to see if better spins could take to time,” laughed Mazzone. basketball at one time as well. He style. basic hitting mechanics. place. “We had a saying with our firmly believed that players needed “Our pitching coach goes into “However, each hitter has their “Johnny told me that he would pitchers in Atlanta: ‘Quietly stick to have fun during the course of our system for developing pitchers own individual style.. laugh hysterically when an opposing it up somebody’s rear end and the game and learn to focus on the so the kids are in shape once the batter would strike out from a well leave.’ “ game while enjoying it.” See BLALOCK, Page 13 Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 13 Scolinos Had Powerful Weapons In Coaching Skills (Editor’s Note: This is a con- lessons coaches learned from with a punch to the jaw (actually tinuing series on the greatest Scolinos through the years that fist misses player’s jaw by a few baseball coaches in college Collegiate Baseball has collected. inches). baseball history.) “On days when nothing goes “The player would stay down right, I call them ‘jock games,’ ” as Coach discussed why players By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. said Scolinos. who stay down for the 10 count are Editor/Collegiate Baseball “That’s when all the defense finished in baseball. does is throw their jocks out there, “Coach then explained that the CLAREMONT, Calif. —John the hitters get faked out of their player must make adjustments such Scolinos was one of the elite college jocks, and the pitchers get their as blocking those punches. baseball coaches in history. jocks knocked off. “But if that player is knocked He led Cal Poly Pomona to three “If a team gets in a jock contest, down again, he must bounce back national championships (1976, 1980 they don’t have a chance.” up and make further adjustments.” and 1983) in 30 years and retired in About the type of ball players One of the keys to Scolinos’ 1991 as the winningest coach in there are in the game: success was that he surrounded NCAA Division II history. “There are a lot of puppy dogs himself with outstanding people. Scolinos was named NCAA and hot dogs with a few bull dogs “But if you surround yourself Division II Coach of the Century scattered among the group. We with donkeys,” said Scolinos, by Collegiate Baseball for not want the bulldogs.” “You’ll be in donkeyville. only his coaching ability but the Possibly the greatest moment “You just can’t afford to surround influence he had on thousands of I have of Coach Scolinos was as yourself with jerkballs, snotballs or baseball coaches across the nation at the 1990 American Baseball donkballs.” and athletes who played for him. Coaches Association Convention Coach Scolinos had this fabulous, He passed away in 2009 at the in New Orleans where he gave yet unique way, of getting his point age of 91. a clinic in front of thousands of across to fellow coaches at clinics Prior to becoming Cal Poly coaches discussing the finer points or his own players. Pomona’s head coach, he spent 14 of hitting. Being Good Citizens Vital seasons at Pepperdine University He sternly told coaches in Scolinos lived by the creed of where his teams went 376-213. attendance they should never allow instructing his players and coaches His all-time record in 44 years of players to have their heads in their to be good citizens first. coaching was 1,198-949. jocks. “Everybody wants to be a Big Scolinos’ overall record is highly To demonstrate the point, he League player, Coach Scolinos misleading since his teams always quickly pulled a jock strap over his would always tell us,” said Osaki. played the best teams in Southern forehead. Every coach in attendance “But he preached to us that it is California and Arizona, including all howled with laughter. But Coach much more important to be a Big the top NCAA Division I teams. Scolinos made his point. League person. In 14 years with This giant in the profession This legendary skipper has Coach, I never heard him cuss. influenced more coaches than always been a fascinating person Probably the worst he said in all possibly any skipper has in the to study at baseball clinics. the time I was with him was ‘by history of the game with the way Most coaches over the age of JOHN SCOLINOS golly.’ ” he broke down the game during 50 have a set system for teaching Scolinos teams were always at a clinic sessions — often in front Association conventions with tation, he would be given a standing all aspects of baseball and rarely huge disadvantage because he went of standing room only crowds audiences approaching 4,000. ovation from the crowd. change. nearly his entire 30-year career at at American Baseball Coaches And after almost every presen- Here are some of those priceless But every clinic I ever saw Coach Cal. Poly Pomona with very little in Scolinos at, he was always sitting in the way of scholarship help. the first row gleaning information “No incoming player ever Blalock Explains His Remarkable System from hundreds of clinicians over received a scholarship,” said Continued From Page 12 this advice being given because it’s “Surfing hasn’t always been the years. Dennis Rogers, retired Hall of just too much.” safe for me. I’ve had a neck fusion Even at the age of 72 during the Fame head coach at Riverside City “We stress to hitters driving the Blalock said that when games operation, hip replacement, and 1990 convention in New Orleans, College who was extremely close ball in the air and not on the ground. come along, his philosophy is three knee surgeries because I tried he was learning from others in the to Scolinos. We want to get back spin on the for his players to compete at that to ride big waves a few times. But game. “Returning players who showed ball. The perfect hit will get back point. I don’t do those anymore. And to Years ago, I interviewed former some consistency on the field or spin on the ball to all fields which The skipper of Rancho Bernardo be honest, I really didn’t do big Cal. Poly Pomona assistant coach in the classroom or those who is very rare on the high school level. was a firm believer in surrounding waves all that much. I am a small Steve Osaki who explained in detail needed some aid would receive a Another big fundamental that our himself with good people. wave guy. I do like to go to Hawaii Scolinos’ other legendary clinic small amount of help. For instance, hitters practice is taking the knob or “I learned that lesson many every summer where the water is sessions. when I played for Coach, he gave hands to the baseball. Balance and years ago from John Wooden and nice and warm. My wife and I go in “At clinics, he was well known me a scholarship of $1.25 a day timing are absolutely crucial. John Scolinos. I had an exceptional September usually to Maui.” for giving his talk on handshakes which allowed me to eat at the “I have always had a disagreement pitching coach in Mark Furtak who Blalock was asked if he has ever to demonstrate fielding mistakes,” commissary. It had nothing to do with coaches who want to get the was with me for many years. I also come close to a shark attacking him said Osaki. with my baseball ability. He knew front foot down early. I don’t had an infield and hitting guy who while surfing. “The first one was the halitosis I needed it because I had no money. believe in that. I want to get the was with me for 15 years and other “I was surfing in Costa Rica with handshake. Coach Scolinos and But I had to take care of the field in foot down on time. You’re always loyal coaches. my assistant coach one summer. another coach would each shake exchange for this. adjusting your timing from pitch “If you have great assistant They take you out on boats to a hands but turn their heads away to “Every person who did receive to pitch. You get there by being coaches, your players can learn in place call Witch’s Rock. demonstrate how a fielder turns his the little aid he gave out had to work balanced and in a strong hitting a variety of ways.” “The boat docked just outside head away from the ball. in some way on the field in return position. Blalock is a firm believer in the waves. I was the first one off “The next one was the political for it. And it made us all better “We routinely talk about the not talking to parents about their the boat and was paddling over handshake. Coach Scolinos would because he taught us what having a knob of the bat and the back knee children’s playing time. to an area where the waves were walk up to another coach on stage great work ethic was all about.” working together. When the knob is “Playing time to me is strictly peaking. and extend his hand. going toward the ball, the back side between the coach and the player. “Just as I got there, I turned “Just prior to a handshake taking Intense Desire Crucial attacks the baseball. You do get a Our coaching staff is trying to teach around and noticed a 10-12 foot place between the two, Coach One trait of his teams was the little tilt. And then you get the barrel personal responsibility. We want crocodile near me. My buddy was Scolinos would slip his hand back intense desire almost every player head in the hitting zone and keep it the kids to take control of their behind me and on a standup board. and flip his glove. had. there as long as possible. game and control of their lives. And He yells over to me, ‘Sammy, that’s “The third demonstration was the “We ask the player if he has “What happens on every swing I know you’re talking about 14-18 not a log, it’s a crocodile!’ mafia handshake. Two people were intense desire or just regular desire,” is the barrel head will drop below year-old kids here. There comes a “My heart was racing and going shoulder to shoulder embracing said Scolinos. your hands. time when they must learn to speak 100 mph. I slowly started paddling each other in a handshake as Coach “I’m real big on intense desire. I “But you don’t want to get in that up. If they have a problem with the back to the boat. They pulled the Scolinos says, ‘Let’s make a deal.’ can load up a Greyhound bus in 20 position before the barrel is in the coach in regard to playing time, anchor and zipped over to pick me “Then comes the Japanese minutes with those who have just hitting zone. A lot of hitters get in they must speak up. up. I waited 5-10 minutes and then handshake. Two people walk up regular desire. trouble when they lose the barrel “I won’t talk with his mom or went back in to surf. and bow to each other signifying “But that intense desire happens head too quickly. dad about playing time. I have been “Later on, I saw a TV show the player who lets the ball roll in people who get knocked down “The most important thing in a parent with four kids. That’s a about these crocodiles. If they are through his legs. and jump right up. You have to hitting is confidence and aggression. much tougher and more important in cold water, you can get right “The final one was the best bounce right back up. We try to Then I would go with balance. job than coaching. So we try to next to them without getting hurt. way to field called the American get this point across to our ball keep people in their lane. You be However, if they are in warm handshake. You look your opponent players. Our job as coaches is to Minor Adjustments right in the eye with arms not make the players understand how Blalock is a firm believer the parent, I’ll be the coach. That water and on the surface, watch out guy out there on the field will be because they will attack you! locked and shake.” to be mentally tough.” in finding one or two minor Another quality of his teams was adjustments that his hitters can use the official in charge of umpiring “So here I was in 90 degree Boxing Demonstrations the game. Everybody has to stay in water sitting on my surfboard with a amazing team chemistry. to get back on track. Osaki said Scolinos was also “The key to chemistry is love,” “It’s been my experience that their lane.” huge crocodile near me. I was very known for his boxing match fortunate to get out of that situation said Scolinos. if you don’t find the one simple Talented Surfer demonstration during clinics. “If you have love on a ball correction for a hitter, then you Many people don’t realize it, but without being hurt. “The whole point of the boxing “To answer your question, yes, I club, you have team chemistry. are just simply chasing symptoms. Blalock is a talented surfer. match was to show that you must The second baseman may hate the That’s when you start hearing “I grew up in Solana Beach have seen sharks while I’ve surfed. get up after suffering a setback in But none of them ever attacked me. shortstop’s guts. But baseball is all sorts of advice being given to and have been surfing since I was baseball. Coach would have another the common love of both players. hitter’s which may cause confusion. in the seventh or eighth grade. I We live in a pretty good area that person work with him during this rarely has shark attacks.” Love of the game makes us play The hitter becomes paralyzed by all absolutely love surfing. demonstration and knock him down together.” Page 14 Collegiate Baseball Friday, May 15, 2020 Preparing For Bunts With Runners On 1st And 2nd, Here Is Battle Plan For Your Defense By JACK DUNN Special To Collegiate Baseball

PORTLAND, Ore. — The bunt defense with runners on first and second is one of the most difficult situations to defend at all levels of baseball. It ranks along with the first and third double steal situation in degree of difficulty. Many coaches have reconciled themselves to the fact that the only safe method of defense is to retire the runner at first base. Getting “one out for sure” in this situation is a must; however, if the defense is played correctly the runner attempting to advance from second to third base can be put out a percentage of the time preventing needless runs from scoring. By conceding the runners second JACK DUNN and third base in this situation, the the ball is bunted. defense is faced with additional 2. Throwing to second base problems. when the runner is caught too far 1. With runners on second and off base can be dangerous. An alert third, the defense now has to decide runner on second base may advance whether to play a deep or shallow to third base while the throw is infield. Playing deep automatically made behind him. If the runner is concedes a run if the ball is hit too far off base the catcher should on the ground, particularly to the “run right at the runner” and force shortstop or to second base. him to commit to one base or the 2. Playing a close or shallow other and when he does…throw him infield doubles the hitter’s chances out. of getting a base hit and scoring two 3. The catcher and second runs. baseman should have a pick-off 3. Walking the hitter and filling play at first base with the second the bases in hopes of making the baseman sneaking in behind the double play is also an option not runner at first base to receive the without its risks. throw and make the tag. Other coaches have resorted to a. The pick-off play at first base bizarre defenses, which can only is also quite effective because the be effective as elements of surprise, runner at first is not held tightly or used in isolated instances. Most to the base and the first baseman of these defenses have so many plays off the base and in front of weaknesses that they cannot be the runner. relied upon game after game. b. This is a prearranged play Because many low-scoring originating from a pitch-out. games are played each season, c. Throwing to first base has the inability to defense the bunt certain inherent dangers. An alert successfully causes many runs runner on second base may advance to score, which could make the to third base while the throw is difference in games. being made behind him to first. 2. When fielding the bunt the pitcher must be sure to bend his An overall view of team II. The Pitcher Cape Cod League Cancels knees and lower his center of defensive responsibilities in this A. After determining that the gravity, by keeping his “bottom” situation is as follows: hitter intends to bunt, the pitcher low to the ground, before attempting Season; Vast Majority Of I. The catcher covers the area should rely primarily upon the high to field the ball…do not attempt to in front of the homeplate. fast ball. field the ball standing up! Summer Leagues Waiting II. The pitcher covers the area B. In order for the put out to 3. Field low and “come up TUCSON, Ariz. — Most of the Louis, West Coast, and from the mound to the third base be successful at third base, it is throwing!” summer collegiate baseball leagues Great Lakes. line. imperative that the pitcher hold the 4. The left-hander would make have yet to make a decision about Three teams in the Great Lakes III. The first baseman covers the runner close to second base. a quarter turn clockwise toward whether they will play or not due Baseball League have decided area from the first base line to the C. The pitcher can help his own third base. to the Covid-19 pandemic situation not to field teams this summer; mound. cause by stepping off the rubber 5. The pitcher should “come up while four leagues have already however, the rest of the league’s IV. The second baseman covers whenever the runner has too big a throwing” using a sidearm/three- cancelled their seasons. teams plan to play, according to first base. lead (a movement which tends to quarter throw. The Cape Cod, Valley, Hamptons league announcements. V. The shortstop covers second intimidate the runner.) 6. The advantage of the sidearm/ and Golden State Baseball Leagues The league’s teams are located in base. D. By not delivering to the plate three-quarter throw is that the have all officially cancelled their Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. VI. The third baseman should until the runner has transferred his receiver is only fooled on one 2020 summer collegiate seasons. Many other summer leagues are protect against the hard bunt, and weight toward second base, or is plane…horizontally, if the throw “The decision was based on the monitoring the situation in their then cover third base. leaning, or moving in the direction is slightly errant! health concerns and safety needs of respective areas and have not yet VII. The outfielders should of second base, the chances of H. If the third baseman calls for all involved,” according to a press announced if or when they will back up the bases (See Diagram). throwing the base runner being the ball, the pitcher must allow him release from the Cape Cod Baseball begin playing. thrown out at third base are greatly I. The Catcher to make the play and get out of the League. The National Baseball Congress enhanced. A. The catcher is responsible for way…continue into foul territory. “Following CDC guidelines hosts the annual NBC World Series the area in front of home plate. E. The pick-off play…pitcher and medical recommendations, in Wichita, Kan. in late July and III. First Baseman B. The catcher must direct the to shortstop and pitcher to second the league determined it would be early August and have yet to decide defense verbally. baseman will also keep the runner A. When the first baseman is certain that the hitter intends impossible to guarantee the safety whether the event will take place C. The catcher must be alert for honest. of players, coaches, umpires, host or not. the force-out at third base whenever F. Once the pitch is made, the to bunt, his position is halfway between first base and the mound. families, volunteers and fans during To check on any specific league’s he fields the bunt. pitcher should hold his position for this unprecedented health crisis.” decision or game schedules, visit D. The catcher does not cover a split second and then run directly B. If the first baseman is unsure about the bunt, or a strong left hand As state governors in some areas Collegiate Baseball’s website at third base when the third basemen toward the third base line. This of the country have begun to reopen www.baseballnews.com and click fields the ball. places him about halfway between hitter is , he plays on the edge of the grass and creeps forward as non-essential businesses and allow on Great Links. E. The catcher and shortstop home and third base. limited activities during May, some Scroll down and click on must have an understanding that G. As soon as the pitcher is the hitter turns to bunt. C. The first baseman is leagues have decided to reduce their Summer Leagues for links to all the the possibility of a pick-off exists certain he can field the ball, he yells schedules and start their seasons collegiate summer leagues across at second base anytime the hitter out “I’ve got it.” This helps the responsible for all bunts in the area between the first base foul line and on July 1. Those leagues include the country. misses the ball or takes a pitch. The third baseman make his decision Arizona Collegiate Wood Bat, Additionally, USA Baseball catcher must be in position to throw to return to third base if he knows the mound. D. The first baseman should Cal Ripken, Coastal Plains and cancelled all its activities and after every pitch. the pitcher can make the play. Prospect. events to May 15 and has yet to 1. A prearranged pick-off play 1. Upon fielding the ball, assume a trackman’s stance, which will facilitate his start. He should Others have stated that they make an announcement about its originating from a pitch-out is the right-hander turns in a may start playing in late May or summer events. an excellent play because many counterclockwise direction toward use the chop step footwork to maintain his lateral movement. sometime in June, including MINK, For updates, visit www. runners take a crossover step before third base…follows his glove! New York, Rocky Mountain, St. usabaseball.com Friday, May 15, 2020 Collegiate Baseball Page 15

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By Collegiate Baseball

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Collegiate Baseball News Subscription Form Individual Subscriptions: Name $28 for 1 year (14 issues) Company/School $48 for 2 years (28 issues) Address Foreign Air Mail City State Country ($50 for one year in U.S. funds only) Bonus Rate Team Subscriptions: Zip E-Mail (All papers must go to same address): Payment Method: Credit Card Options Check enclosed (payable to Collegiate Baseball) Call (520) 623-4530 M-F Coaches’ Bundle — 4 copies each issue $56 Money Order (payable to Collegiate Baseball) 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (MT) or 11 papers each issue — $110 (Save $198) Credit Card FAX to: (520) 624-5501 21 papers each issue — $189 (Save $399) Charge My: Mastercard VISA Discover American Express Credit Card # Mail Orders To: Collegiate Baseball Expiration Date Security Code P.O. Box 50566 Signature (if paying by credit card) Tucson, AZ 85703 Daytime Phone Number: With A 1-Year Subscription To Collegiate Baseball, you receive 1 FREE E-Book below. Check 1 from the 8 E-Books that are offered: SECRETS OF BASE STEALING (NEW!): Seven elite coaches explain how to have a high octane offense which allows teams to score more runs. They include Tim Corbin (Vanderbilt), Dan McDonnell (Louisville), Gary Gilmore (Coastal Carolina), Matt Talarico (Wright St.), Selwyn Young (Benedict College), Mike Gillespie (former U.C. Irvine coach) and Mike Knight (former Nicholls St. coach). SECRETS OF PITCHING: The greatest pick-off move ever devised from Mike Maack, mastering command with pitching legend Orel Hershiser, why sniper focus is crucial in pitching, why resilience is a must with Ken Ravizza, plus much more. SECRETS OF GREAT COACHES: Jerry Stitt explains highly successful coaching techniques that master coaches have utilized for decades. Ed Cheff, who led Lewis-Clark State to 16 NAIA national titles, explains how valuable team chemistry is, plus much more. SECRETS OF GREAT HITTERS: Angels’ Hitting Coach John Mallee taps into wealth of data which vividly shows how hitters are most efficient in launch angles for production. Tulane skipper Travis Jewett delves into his hitting system, plus much more. SECRETS OF AMAZING INFIELD PLAY SECRETS OF OUTFIELD PLAY BEST INFIELD DRAG AND TAMP DESIGNS BASEBALL’S GREATEST TRICK PLAYS