Collegiate The Voice Of Amateur Baseball

Started In 1958 At The Request Of Our Nation’s Baseball Coaches Vol. 62, No. 3 Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 $4.00 Production Is Ultimate Metric Higher launch angles result in more which means fewer runs, wins.

By DR. COOP DeRENNE University of Hawaii

ONOLULU, Hawaii — We are in the era of analytics and the . Major HLeague Baseball tracts every pitch and swing for data. Universities and high schools follow their lead. Thus, hitting mechanics have been diagnosed, dissected and discussed more than any baseball topic except possibly pitching mechanics. How should you swing the bat? Research gives us the answer. Humbly, our research teams at the University of Hawaii have conducted as much scientific research as any group in the country since 1980. The best Hall of Fame hitters since 1900 have been analyzed under pure research conditions,

Hitting Researcher Dr. Coop DeRenne See NUMBERS VIVIDLY , Page 6

Coach Only Has 2.5 Scholarships To Work With RESURRECTING PROGRAM FROM THE SCRAP HEAP Dynamic young CJ Bilbrey turns around 0-48 team into 30-game winners last 2 years with collection of kids from broken homes, some who are homeless. By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. Editor/Collegiate Baseball

T. LOUIS, Mo. — A remarkable story is unfolding at Harris-Stowe State University. Founded in1887, this NAIA Sinstitution has an undergraduate enrollment of about 1,400 located in St. Louis and has a baseball program that is unique.  Head Coach CJ Bilbrey only has 2.5 scholarships to work Typically we have with and a total budget of $20,000.  His yearly salary as the skipper is $4,000 while his lead “loads of kids who are assistant earns $4,000 and a third coach $1,000. He also has several volunteer coaches. The rest of the money goes toward running the from broken families. program. It isn’t unusual to  Every year, his players bring in an extra $50,000 through fundraising efforts by working St. Louis Cardinals' games, a PGA have 90 percent of tournament, Six Flags and other events with the money being used our players on Pell for travel, food and other necessary areas within the program.  To save money, many meals on road trips are peanut butter Grants. and jelly sandwiches which are affectionately called "Stowe — CJ Bilbrey, Head Coach Steaks" by members of the team. Harris-Stowe St. Univ.  On all but one road trip, coaches drive two vans to away DAVID ESQUER CONQUERS BIG PROBLEMS — Stanford games which also saves money to destinations as far away as six Head Coach David Esquer (left) has not had it easy as a coach. The former skipper at California for 18 years saw this historic See REMARKABLE STORY UNFOLDS, Page 2 program eliminated before alumni rallied to raise millions of dollars to save it. Now he is at his dream school. See page 4. Inside C”ollegiate Baseball Web Site: www.baseballnews.com Balancing Baseball & Academics Ruleball With Rich Marazzi Top California H.S. Players Nobody does it better than Coach Rules guru collects great questions Iran Novick presents his annual Mitch Thompson at McLennan J.C. during 2018 season and shares his rundown on quality athletes from as players excel at both/Page 9 keen insight with answers/Page 10 this baseball hotbed/Page 11 Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Remarkable Story Unfolds At Harris-Stowe State Continued From Page 1 players. 12 batting cages, eight bullpen the head coach at the time, and he The cost of jerseys and practice mounds and indoor infield with worked tirelessly. hours. The one bus trip with a hired gear is typically picked up by three practice turf areas. “It just got to be too much. He driver typically includes all of the different family members as a In 2013, Harris-Stowe suffered got of coaching and is selling team as a thank you for fundraising Christmas gift to players. Once through the torture of 5-38 season. insurance now and doing well for efforts. a player graduates or leaves the After the last game, it was himself.  Because of money constraints, program, he takes his jerseys and discovered that one of the players “I left Southern Illinois- each player is required to purchase practice apparel with him as a had dropped out of school before Edwardsville, an NCAA Division three jerseys — home pinstripe special memento. the season ended and never told any I program, to be a part of an 0-43 white, away brown plus a special Hats, belts, socks and pants are of the coaches. NAIA program as a volunteer. jersey designed every year by the all supplied by Harris-Stowe. So all five of those wins were The reason I was interested in this seniors in addition to practice gear. The payoff for all of this sacrifice vacated as the season record position was because I played for The entire cost is about $300. by players is being able to practice nosedived to 0-43. Harris-Stowe four years (2004- Bilbrey and his wife Crystal own six days a week when cold weather “I arrived at Harris-Stowe in the 07) before starting my coaching a shirt company and make all of the hits at the All-Star Performance fall of 2013, and it was rough,” said career. players’ practice apparel in their facility in St. Louis six days a week. Bilbrey. “I immediately jumped into kitchen to reduce the total cost for It is 50,000 square feet, including “My buddy David Estes was recruiting when I got there. When

CJ BILBREY I called up kids to recruit them, many weren’t that good. But we needed eligible bodies at that point to field a team. I was going after who threw 81-82 mph. They would routinely tell me that they would rather retire than go to Harris-Stowe. “I told them good luck. We are going to continue working hard and will be much better in the coming years. “In that first recruiting class I helped with, only one guy ultimately was with us for four years. In his last two years, he helped the team win 60 games over the 2017 and 2018 seasons.” In 2014, the Eagles won 11 games which was followed by 14 in 2015. Bilbrey was named head coach, and Harris-Stowe won 18 games in his first season as skipper in 2016. Then the team broke through with 30 wins in both 2017 and 2018 — only the third and four time a baseball team at Harris-Stowe has won 30 or more games in the 75- year-history of the program. Also impressive is that 43 of his players have earned American Midwest Conference Academic All-Conference selections as well as five NAIA Scholar Athlete Big League Chew was invented by Rob Nelson, a former Cornell awards since 2016. University lefthander who was pitching in Oregon in 1977 for the Homeless Kids Bilbrey is proud of the blue fabled Portland Mavericks when he came up with the idea for a new collar kids he and his staff recruit to his program. type of bubble gum. “During the past fall, we had four kids who had been homeless at some point in their lives,” said Bilbrey. Rob was literally sitting in the Portland bullpen, watching his team- “Typically we have loads of kids who are from broken families. It mates chewing other less salubrious stuff, when he thought that isn’t unusual to have 90 percent of our players on Pell Grants shredded bubble gum would be a much more fun option. (awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need). “Kids we typically bring in are Rob shared the idea with Mav teammate who liked the hardnosed, intense workers who have a passion to play.” concept so much he spent the next two years searching for a gum Bilbrey talked about freshman company to manufacture and distribute Big League Chew. He Maurice Lafon. “Maurice is from Albuquerque, succeeded, and BLC quickly became the must-have bubble gum for N.M. His dad went to prison, and his mom disappeared. He was ballplayers in the littlest leagues to the Big Leagues. raised by different families in that area and bounced around a little bit. Maurice worked at Popeyes Chicken back in Albuquerque. As Today, over 40 years later, Big League Chew is the #1-selling soon as he got here, he found a Popeyes so he could keep working shredded bubble gum in the world — with over 800 million pouches while going to school and playing baseball. sold. It is manufactured in the USA by Ford Gum of Akron, New York. “The topper with this young man is that he is a Presidential Scholar who had a 4.0-plus weighted grade ™ point average in high school and a ® 29 ACT score. He essentially goes BIG LEAGUE CHEW AMERICA’S BUBBLE GUM to school for free here. “A friend of mine from Coaches Discount now available at bigleaguechew.com Albuquerque was coming to St. See ATHLETES WHO, Page 5 Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page  Collegiate Baseball G.O.A.L.S. Can Be The Start The Voice Of Amateur Baseball Of Something Special In 2019 By JUSTIN DEHMER Special To Collegiate Baseball More On Dehmer Collegiate Baseball (ISSN 0530-9751) is published twice a month NORWALK, Iowa — Justin January-May and once in June, July, September and October NORWALK, Iowa. — Every Dehmer is one of the brightest (14 total issues) by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Inc., 2515 year begins with a chance to make baseball people in the business. N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. Periodicals postage paid at a change. When he coached at Martensdale- Tucson, AZ. The newness of something St. Mary’s High School in Iowa for always provides a bit of hope for five years, he took a school with an Postmaster: Send address changes to: a better us rather than the middle enrollment just over 100 to three Collegiate Baseball of a month or the job you’ve been straight state titles. P.O. Box 50566 in for years. In the process, his teams won Tucson, AZ 85703 It is a blank slate and an 88 consecutive games which was a opportunity for better habits and Overnight Mail: 2515 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705 national record at the time. ultimately a better you. He was Coach of The Year in Below is an excerpt of a Theodore 2010, 2011 and 2012 in Iowa. Past Publishers: Abe Chanin, Lou Pavlovich, Sr. Roosevelt speech he gave in Paris, 1-Year Subscription Rate: $28 for 14 issues. For more information on his Single 1-Year First Class U.S. Subscription: $45 France in 1910. 1 Pitch Warrior System, which Single 1-Year Foreign Air Mail Subscription: $50 It has become known as the Man includes an assortment of items, go to Special Team Subscriptions: 11 papers each issue sent to one in the Arena. his website at: www.1pitchwarrior. address — $110 (save $198 off the single subscription price), and Over 100 years later, it is still com 21 papers each issue sent to one address — $189 (save $399). relevant and applies to each and Other Multiple Subscription Offers: Please inquire with sub- every one of us. scription department at (520) 623-4530. “It is not the critic who counts; in January. not the man who points out how L is for Learn. Directory the strong man stumbles, or where JUSTIN DEHMER This one is centered around the doer of deeds could have done G.O.A.L.S. to challenge myself knowledge and gaining new insights them better. into becoming a better parent, Area Code (520) to make healthy choices to better “The credit belongs to the man myself and those around me. coach, or other interest through Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530) books, videos, or other resources. Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. (Call 623-4530 to report stories) who is actually in the arena, whose I am also inviting anyone else Advertising Director: Diane Pavlovich (Call 623-4530) face is marred by dust and sweat along as well who wants to get in I plan to read/listen to at least one Subscription Department: (Call 623-4530) and blood; who strives valiantly; the arena. book a month and I am starting with Fax Machine: (Call 624-5501) who errs, who comes short again If you are willing to take a chance Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead. E-Mail: [email protected] and again, because there is no effort on making 2019 your greatest year S is for Subtract. Web Site: www.baseballnews.com without error and shortcoming; yet, then maybe G.O.A.L.S. is What is one thing you want to but who does actually strive to exactly what you are looking for. subtract from this month? do the deeds; who knows great I love a challenge but as I have Could be eating less, could be a 2019 Publication Schedule enthusiasms, the great devotions; grown older I also desire balance day a week without your phone, or who spends himself in a worthy in my life. could be to not complain. January 4 March 8 May 3 September 6 Mine will be no sugary drinks January 25 March 22 May 17 October 4 cause; who at the best knows I hope that you can see how February 8 April 5 June 14 in the end the triumph of high setting monthly goals/challenges for the month. February 22 April 19 July 12 achievement, and who at the worst, can bring that to your life as well. Here is a link that you can use for if he fails, at least fails while daring Each month I plan to share my the month and the year if you want greatly, so that his place shall never plan but feel free to run with the to get in the arena too: https://docs. Moving? be with those cold and timid souls concept and make it your own. google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ft9dr- who neither know victory nor G is God! I want to put him first 9d0uMaa1mF7WWMXjo0uZw1A Make Sure CB Moves Along With You! defeat.” and it works great that G happens kVwVKzHjD9_ltA/edit#gid=0 please write us 30 days in advance if To change your address, This year is no different from to be the first letter of GOALS as It will help you keep track of you can. Mail to: Collegiate Baseball Newspaper 1910. things and stay organized. Dept. Address Change well. P.O. Box 50566 There are still sceptics, critics, I want to honor and grow closer I have the first month laid out for Tucson, Ariz. 85703 doubters and haters, although I am to God in 2019 than I ever have. you with some examples. sure Roosevelt didn’t refer to them My goal for January is connect Just make a copy of the 1. Please print OLD address here. as haters. with God on a daily basis through original. NAME His point is clear. Bible readings, nightly prayer Please share your document STREET APT. # Get in the ring! before bed, and continuing to attend with me. It is always better to have lived If you’ve come up with your own CITY STATE ZIP church on a weekly basis. striving for your goals than to be O is for Others. ideas for each category of GOALS, DATE OF on the outside of the arena saying I Rather than focusing all my I would love to see them MOVE: wish I would have. goals on improving myself I want I love his wording because he to have a piece that allows me to 2. Please print NEW address here. knows and so do you and I that make a difference for others on a CheapBats.com NAME even if we do step foot in the arena daily basis as well. we will fall. 1-800-589-HITS STREET APT. # In January I am going to write a We are human and mess-up. thank you note a day. Order today CITY STATE ZIP No effort without error. A is Add. have it tomorrow No goals worth pursuing without What new thing will you do each a cost and a sacrifice. It is better to month or continue to do? St. Mary’s Unveils Clubhouse go after them. Could be running every day, Roosevelt isn’t saying it will be getting 7-8 hours of sleep, or getting WINONA, Minn. — A special A large mural at the main easier to go after your goals. to work on-time. ribbon-cutting ceremony was held entryway off Gostomski Fieldhouse In fact, it is harder to put yourself I am aiming for 24-26 workouts Jan. 14 as Saint Mary’s University reads, “Respect the Past, Represent out there and potentially come up (Minn.) unveiled its new $704,000 the Future.” short than it is to be someone in the baseball clubhouse to the team for Black and white photos in the crowd on the outside of the arena woodbats4sale.com the first time. mural depict some of the familiar telling others what they should 503.208.2009 The 2,500-square-foot facility faces in Saint Mary’s baseball, and have done. was made possible by a generous current action photos highlight the Pitchers Hate our Bats lead gift from alumnus Marc growth of the program. In 2019, Get In The Arena! Best Wood & Composite Weisenburger. The theme is particularly fitting For 2019 I plan to use a Wood Bats for Teams & The players walked around because of the generosity of past spreadsheet and the acronym Players their new locker room and players’ baseball players. lounge with big-screen TVs and Coach Nick Winecke said that couches — as well as the coaches’ Weisenburger’s generosity inspired space, bathrooms/shower facilities, many other alumni to give back to and laundry and storage areas. the program.

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Collegiate Baseball Esquer Experiences Wild Coaching Ride The Voice Of Amateur Baseball STANFORD, Calif. — Stanford with the federal gender equity law Head Baseball Coach David Esquer and force further cuts to men’s is living proof that hard work can Around The Horn roster spots. overcome almost any disaster. The article said that administrators Esquer succeeded Mark With would be forced to cut 80 men from Marquess on June 16, 2017 when remaining teams and add 50 women OPINION the Hall of Fame coach retired to come into line with Title IX. after 41 years at the helm of the The baseball program seemed to Publisher: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. Cardinal. Lou Pavlovich be on death row. Editor: Lou Pavlovich, Jr. Esquer played under Marques What happened next was historic on Stanford’s 1987 national in the annuals of college sports. championship team and was an California baseball boosters The Topic: assistant under Marquess from came to the rescue of the baseball Stopping Long Games 1991-96. program, raising $10 million in two Each issue, Collegiate Baseball explores a major Last season was Esquer’s first as appeared in the CWS five times months which allowed the program development in the world of baseball. This issue’s head coach of Stanford as he led the heading into the 2011 season. to be rescued from the chopping editorial explains why a 20-second play clock Cardinal to a 46-12 record. A big factor in the decision to block. should have been approved with men on base. What is unique about this terrific do away with Cal baseball was This money is being utilized to coach is that he coached at arch- Title IX. finance the baseball program at rival California for 18 years prior Several months after the California as a fully funded NCAA to being chosen as the skipper at announcement, administrators Division I varsity sport. Oversight Panel Made Stanford and led Cal to five NCAA backtracked in mid-February The Cal Baseball Foundation was Regionals and the 2011 College of 2011 as they announced that established to make this happen. Unfortunate Mistake . men’s rugby, women’s lacrosse This remarkable group of people The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel made a colossal In September of 2010, adminis- and women’s gymnastics would be headed by Stu Gordon ( on mistake in turning down a proposal by the NCAA Baseball Rules trators at the University of California allowed to continue, but baseball the Cal. 1960-61 teams) and Dan Committee to have a 20-second play clock rule with men on base announced their intention to and men’s gymnastics would still be McInerny (member of the Cal 1980 last summer. eliminate baseball along with three eliminated at the end of the 2010-11 CWS team) worked on raising $25 It would have allowed college baseball games to be played in other sports. academic year. million for a permanent baseball a much shorter period of time which is vital for the sport to grow. It was a shocking announcement It was another body blow to the program endowment so it can Too many games drag on and on now, especially in the playoffs. since the baseball program was baseball program. operate off the interest forever. It isn’t unusual to see pitching coaches utilize a tactic of taking the oldest athletics program at Just prior to the announcement This bold plan has never been close to 45 seconds or more to signal pitches in to during California with a proud 119-year by Cal administrators, a report done in college athletics’ history playoff games as a way of “freezing” hitters. This tactic slows the history. in the New York Times said that for a varsity sport on the NCAA tempo down to a crawl with men on base. The baseball program had if they went through with their Division I level, according to This new rule would have stopped that tactic in its tracks. won two national titles, including original plan to cut four sports and several long time administrators As part of the rule, two game clocks would have been utilized the first in demote rugby to varsity club status, — one behind home plate and another on or behind the 1947 and another in 1957 and had it would cause a compliance issue See ESQUER HAS, Page 5 wall. The Missouri Valley Conference proved that play clocks reduce the time of games substantially. During the 1990 and 1991 seasons — nearly 30 years ago — this league was allowed to experiment with a 20 second clock. During the 1989 season, the year prior to implementing the Letters To The Editor 2-year experiment, Missouri Valley Conference games averaged Great Pre-Season Edition John Smith U.S. 2:52 for 9-inning games. Congratulations on your 2019 College Pre- 17 Mockingbird Lane Mail Pullman, WA 99164 A staggering metamorphosis took place the next season with the Season edition (Jan. 4, 2019). time clock as MVC games averaged 2:38 for 9-inning games. It was another in a long line of superb looks This included 105 games, plus conference tournament games. into the season ahead. Collegiate Baseball The 1991 average game times were even shorter at 2:32 because Of particular interest to me was the in-depth P.O. Box 50566 players, coaches and umpires were now experienced with the time coverage of NCAA Div. I which included a story Tucson, AZ 85703 clock. on why my LSU Tigers are ranked No. 1 going Game clocks will solve the current epidemic of long games as into 2019. well as having a 20-second play clock rule with men on base. I am impartial when it comes to the Tigers, Up to this point, a 20-second rule has been in place only with but they really do have a great ball club coming You can also FAX letters to no runners on base. back. In the 72-year-history of the College World Series, two of the the editor or The returning veterans should be outstanding. E-Mail them: top three longest CWS average game times took place the past Couple that with the No. 1 recruiting class in two years. the nation that came in last fall which includes FAX: E-Mail: (520) 624-5501 [email protected] The average game time for the 2018 CWS was 3:33 over 16 7 drafted players, and we should be loaded this games, second highest in CWS history. season. Collegiate Baseball welcomes letters from It featured the longest game in ’Series’ history at 4 hours and 24 They have the best outfield in the nation readers. Letters must include the writer’s minutes between North Carolina and Oregon State. with lots of speed, great hitting, quality starting name, address and telephone number. We The 2018 College World Series saw attendance drop to 333,482. pitching and a great closer. In addition, they now reserve the right to condense or reject any It was the worst overall attendance at the event since 2012 when have two exceptional catchers. letter and to limit frequent writers. 321,684 attended in 14 sessions. It was amazing that LSU went as far as they The 2016 College World Series had a surprising 25.7 percent went last season with the number of key injuries Maybe the best story was in 2000 when Florida viewership decline over the 2015 event on ESPN, ESPN2 and they had. St. fell behind Miami (Fla.) 9-2 in the bottom of ESPNU from figures obtained by Collegiate Baseball through With RHP Eric Walker and SS Josh Smith the fifth and was still down by four runs with two the NCAA. both back after sitting out last season because of outs, two strikes and nobody on base in the ninth The 2015 NCAA Women’s Softball College World Series’ 3- injuries, this could be a special season. inning. game Championship Series drew 35.4 percent more viewers than Again, thanks so much for a great issue. The Seminoles miraculously tied the game in the Men’s College World Series Championship Series involving Bill Lundquist the ninth, and the game went 17 innings and lasted Virginia and Vanderbilt. Baton Rouge, La. 6 hours and 7 minutes as FSU won it in the bottom The Women’s Championship Series averaged 1,912,000 viewers of the 17th with three runs. compared to 1,412,000 for the Men’s Championship Series — an Shawn Reed average of 500,000 more viewers each game, according to statistics Remarkable Mike Martin Tallahassee, Fla. supplied by ESPN. There simply will never be another coach in The final three games in the Championship Series of the Men’s college baseball history like Mike Martin. 2015 College World Series lasted 3:31, 3:42 and 3:37. He will finish a 40-year coaching career in 2019 Story Of Perseverance By comparison, the final three games in the Championship with Florida St. and only needs 13 more wins to I couldn’t put down the last issue of Collegiate Series of the Women’s College World Series that year lasted 2:05, be the first college coach in any sport to collect Baseball (Jan. 4, 2019) with all the pre-season 1:33 and 2:23. 2,000 wins. looks at teams and players on all divisions of He became the winningest coach in college college baseball. baseball history last season. Without question, my favorite story was the I truly enjoyed reading your story about him in one on North Carolina Central OF Mitchell UOTE the latest issue (Jan. 4, 2019) which talked about McCrary. Unquote” interesting stories he has experienced during his He not only underwent labrum surgeries on “Q career. both shoulders. “Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s Nothing can top the story of the charter bus But he was in the face by a 90 mph fastball success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the driver dying of a heart attack as the team bus was while trying to bunt. way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball traveling on a 7-lane highway next to the ocean in What this young man had to endure for months is.” San Francisco. Coach Martin and Chip Baker got was right out of a horror movie. — control of the vehicle before it went off the road Liquid food was then sucked into the front of and potentially saved the lives of many young his teeth as it eventually seeped through the sides “I believe managing is like holding a dove in your hand. If you men in that bus or serious injuries. of his teeth and into his throat. hold it too tightly you kill it, but if you hold it too loosely, you I also enjoyed reading the story about the I hope he has a tremendous 2019 season. lose it.” talent impaired umpire who he had a run-in with Anthony Pershing — Tommy Lasorda at Georgia Tech. Durham, N.C. Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page  Esquer Has Roller-Coaster Ride In Coaching Career Continued From Page 4 The baseball team struggled with Loses 2 Recruiting Seasons program was out of business a sixth place finish in the Pac-12 The Cal baseball program for about nine months when the Collegiate Baseball contacted. Conference with a 13-13 record essentially lost two recruiting decision was handed down in in 2011. September of 2010,” said Esquer. Emotions Run Deep seasons after the announcement Esquer was devastated when There was serious doubt if the was made in September of 2010 to “Keep in mind that we didn’t he was told his program would be Bears would be picked for the eliminate the program. recruit from September of 2010 eliminated in September of 2010. NCAA playoffs. Not only did they lose all recruits to March of 2011 because of the He informed his assistant coaches But the baseball gods placed for 2011. But the coaching staff had program being eliminated. When and players immediately. their hand on this team as they to scramble to get recruits in April we were reinstated in April of 2011, Not only did they have to prepare barely qualified for the NCAA after California administrators it was difficult to find players at that for the 2011 season which was playoffs. announced that baseball had been late of time that were available. ahead of them. But coaches had Once there, the Bears lost the saved. “It wasn’t just players who could to find colleges for players who opener in the Houston Regional Because of the high academic be recruited to play the following had eligibility left. It seemed like a to Baylor, 6-4 but roared back to standards at Cal and the late start fall. We went after players who we never ending cycle of hell the Cal win four straight to set up a Super at going after recruits, only four could sign the following November coaching staff went through day Regional matchup with Dallas players were brought in during with letters of intent. We were in a after day that fall. Baptist. the fall of 2011. Only two worked tough bind. All of the recruits they had lined California won two in a row to out. “It was a slow, steady climb up for the future were called so they qualify for the College World Series While 17 key players came back back to where we would like to be. could go somewhere else. for the sixth time in school history. from the 2011 team that went to the I knew it would take some time to Plus, the coaches didn’t know They finished sixth at the CWS and College World Series, including get the program back to where it how they would support their DAVID ESQUER closed the 2011 season with a 38-23 Pac-12 Player of The Year Tony was. We basically had to start the families in the future with the At Christmas break, more bad overall record. Renda, they had no impact recruits program again from square one program being eliminated after the news came in as three players It was an incredible run that at all. in April of 2011 when we were 2011 season. transferred out. nobody saw coming. “Realistically, our baseball reinstated.” Athletes Who Were Once Homeless Find Home At Harris-Stowe St. Continued From Page 2 “That answered the question of said he was coming, but he hadn’t was implementing a weighted ball deteriorated to the point where it is why he showed up so early at our told his mom yet. He knew his mom program. Chase was asked to do falling down. Bilbrey is working Louis to visit. He asked me if school. I show up for work many really didn’t want Davie going to a ‘run and gun’ with the weighted with a parent on the team who is a I would mind if he brought a times at 5 a.m. And he would arrive Harris-Stowe. After a little arm balls, and this elbow ligament was contractor to rebuild it. potential player with him who at 5:15 or so every morning. When twisting, he ultimately signed to shredded. He had to have Tommy “The scoreboard hasn’t worked turned out to be Maurice. I had no I asked him about this situation, play for Harris-Stowe.” John surgery after that. since 1999,” said Bilbrey. problem with that. he explained that he came early Finding Players “The kid transferred out and “The field actually plays pretty “This kid begins hitting lasers to shower or go to the bathroom Bilbrey said recruiting has always eventually landed at Texas- well because our guys work on it all over the place as we watch what before workouts with the team. been difficult at Harris-Stowe. Arlington. He couldn’t get a regularly. However, our dugouts he can do. I ask my buddy what his “We worked on getting him a “My assistant and I blow up hardship waiver and transferred to leak. When it rains, you get wet in grades have been since he wanted Pell Grant along with school loans every possible way to bring in Missouri Baptist where he got into the dugout.” to travel from Albuquerque to St. and scholarships. Then he was able a player. We will contact travel some trouble. Harris-Stowe is the most Louis which is a long way. to move into the apartment with his coaches, high school coaches and “Then he transferred to Harris- underfunded university in the state “I couldn’t believe our good friends.” junior college coaches. Area scouts Stowe. We are his sixth college. of Missouri. luck. The kid apparently had no Another is RHP Michael know kids who are overlooked. Fortunately for him, he has found It is about $6 million less than other place to go. He looked great Washington. “Our baseball team has a lot of a home, and Chase just got voted the next closest school. during the past fall and will play for “He comes from Lutheran North second chance kids. our team captain.” “Our in-state tuition and fees us as a freshman. He is just a great H.S. from St. Louis. His dad found “We have a kid named Chase Historic Field are a little over $5,000. We have kid who works his rear end off.” a girlfriend and told his son good Goldwater who is a righthanded The team plays home games at the lowest tuition, yet we get the luck. lowest amount of money from the Living In A Car pitcher and outfielder for us. He historic Stars Park where the Negro Bilbrey said RHP Arcentrea “His high school baseball coach was consistently at 93-95 mph League St. Louis Stars played from state of Missouri.” Stone from Nashville, Tenn. is and wife are saints. They have small last fall and topped out at 97 mph. 1922-31. “At some point, money just another of his four homeless children and brought Michael into He also is a terrific hitter and The Stars were Negro League isn’t there. I would love to have players. their home. He slept on their couch outfielder. champions in 1928, 1930 and 1931 an $80,000 budget. But I also “He went to Maryville University until he got here. The coach made “This is a kid who played at two and included future Hall of Famers realize the school would have to in the St. Louis area. He pitched sure Michael got what he needed to junior colleges and hit 27 home runs. such as Cool Papa Bell, George raise tuition a bunch or the state well for them as a sophomore but live day to day.” He then went to Mississippi State Suttles and Willie Wells. of Missouri would have to chip in just couldn’t afford to go there Special Kids In Program when a previous pitching coach Currently the outfield wall has much more money.” anymore. Bilbrey said that every kid in his “He contacted us, and we were program is special in his eyes. able to facilitate his transfer. “We have great kids who work “When he arrived during the their tails off. We have 90 percent summer, it was when our entire of our players on full Pell Grants. team was working a PGA event in Many have very little and are the area as part of our fundraising grateful for everything we do for effort. He worked an entire week them. during this golf tournament. “That’s why I am excited for “He called me up the next this season. These kids self police Monday after the PGA event and themselves and are wonderful to told me he couldn’t do this anymore be around.” and had to go home. I thought Bilbrey told a story about how working 60 hours during the past tough it can be to get talented week was the reason behind his players into his program. decision to quit. “We have a freshman in our “So I explained to him that program who plays left field for us the hard part was done. Now we named Davie Pound. He is a great will actually start baseball and kid with a single mom. He had 15 begin weight lifting as he goes to different offers from universities school. and has a big bat. “He wanted to give it a try. That “Money is tight in his family, and was the first week of August. he is a full Pell Grant kid. “About the second week of “I had already signed a September, I get a call from a from his high school and got to baseball parent from Maryville meet Davie. I was thrilled when University. That parent informed he told me that he wanted to go to me that Arcentrea was living in Harris-Stowe. I asked him to let a car. me know when he wanted to do his “He then told me that this young signing day. USE COUPON CODE: CBN19 man had lost about 10 pounds “A couple of weeks go by, and because he wasn’t eating much I haven’t heard from him. So I call and only had about $400. If I knew and ask him when his signing day that earlier, I would have done will be. He responds that he didn’t something to help him out. know yet. wristbandsigns.com wristbandsigns.com “I asked the parent why he “Several weeks go by, and we was living in a car? Apparently are about to play our season now. Powered by Powered by Own The Zone Sports Own The Zone Sports he couldn’t afford the rent in an The recruiting process started apartment he was sharing with in December and it is now mid- Sign Up Now And Receive Renew Now And Receive others. I was informed that police January. I had a gut feeling he was Immediate Access Immediate Access warned him that if he didn’t stop going to decommit with us. living in his car in this complex, he “I contacted him and wanted to would be arrested. know if he was coming or not. He WWW.OWNTHEZONESPORTS.COM Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Numbers Vividly Show Danger Of Strikeouts Continued From Page 1 Table 1: MLB’s 20 Greatest Hitters Of All Time Table 2: Who’s Who Not On 2013 MLB List using the best high-speed cameras 162-Game Averages On 2013 List Hitter’s 162-Game Averages and 3-D motion analysis equipment in the world. Player BA OB% SLG HR R RBI K BB Player BA OB% SLG HR R RBI K BB Wheel Isn’t Broken 20: .276 .402 .554 39 101 108 116 80 Tony Gwynn .338 .388 .459 9 92 76 29 52 Our journey began in the mid- Roberto Clemente .317 .359 .475 16 94 87 82 41 19: Mike Schmidt .267 .380 .527 37 101 107 127 102 1980s. Ernie Banks .274 .330 .500 33 84 105 79 49 We began the pursuit of 18. M. Ramirez .312 .411 .585 39 109 127 128 94 .294 .389 .537 34 106 105 88 82 using scientific evidence to help 17. A. Rodriguez .295 .380 .550 41 118 121 133 78 provide answers to the following Wade Boggs .328 .415 .443 8 100 67 49 94 questions: 16. Derek Jeter .310 .377 .440 15 113 77 109 64 Carl Yastrzemski .285 .379 .462 22 89 90 68 90 Rod Carew .328 .393 .429 6 93 67 67 67 (a) Biomechanically, how do 15. George Brett .305 .369 .487 19 95 96 54 66 the best hitters of all-time past and present hit a baseball? 14. Ken Griffey, Jr. .284 .370 538 38 101 111 108 80 putting the ball in play. Therefore, from Cobb and Ruth, The recent champions that had to and Mays, to (b) How do we train a hitter to 13. Ichiro Suzuki .311 .355 .402 7 87 48 66 39 become a more successful hitter? balanced lineups of run producers Rose and Ichiro, to Pujols (his Our quest for truth led us to Dr. 12. R. Henderson .279 .401 .419 16 121 59 89 115 were as follow: the 2015 World first 11 years with St. Louis before Tom House, pitching coach of the 11. Honus Wagner .328 .391 .467 6 101 100 43 56 Series Champs, , the explosion of the commercial Texas Rangers at the time. 2016 , 2017 Houston high tech equipment), the greatest Together with additional staff, 10. .298 .421 .557 36 113 102 115 117 Astros, and recently, the 2018 hitters that ever played didn’t need and high-tech equipment, we formed 9. Albert Pujols .302 .382 .554 38 107 119 73 77 World Champs Boston Red Sox. modern day high-tech equipment to Bio-kinetics, Inc., a think-tank Putting the ball in play in those help them analyze their respective biomechanical research company 8. Barry Bonds .298 .444 .607 41 121 108 83 139 situations is very important, said biomechanics — launch angles, in Laguna Hills, California. 7. Stan Musial .331 .417 .559 25 104 104 37 86 Red Sox manager Alex Cora. exit velocities, bat speeds and bat In 1987, we began studying “I said it a few days ago and I’ll quickness data (see Tables 1 and 6. Ted Williams .344 .482 .634 37 127 130 50 143 Major League hitters and pitchers say it again. We live in an era that 2). during live game performances and 5. .302 .384 .557 36 112 103 83 79 .210 with 30 home runs and 70 RBI Their bodies, eyes and hands is acceptable. We don’t believe that. told them: collected invaluable film and video 4. Babe Ruth .342 .474 .690 46 141 143 86 133 on past and present Hall of Fame There are certain situations that a (a) If they were balanced through hitters and pitchers. 3. Ty Cobb .366 .433 .512 6 120 104 36 67 strikeout is not just an out. And we the swing. put them in play, and they did again (b) If they rotated sequentially The analytical process was based 2. .305 .374 .555 37 107 113 68 69 on collecting live game performance tonight, and that’s why we won the and forcefully at the right time. swings and analyzing these swings 1. .303 .375 .409 7 98 60 52 71 game.” (3) (c) Saw the baseball early, bigger using high-speed cameras and the Look to the past to see that and slower. Ariel Computerized Biomechanical  Follow-Through contact. the best hitters were great run (d) Saw and felt the bat if they Motion Analysis System. It was comforting in 1987 that (b) Perceptual - motor - arrive producers. arrived on time. By using the Ariel System, we Ted Williams approved of our on time as you “go with the According to Tables 1 and 2, the (e) Felt the bat if it was quick were able to measure and analyze biomechanical swing research (T. pitch.” best hitters of all time were great and fast enough to have a solid the kinematics (time and space Williams, personal communication, (c) Visual - accuracy, hitting examples of run producers. hard contact. factors in the motion) of the hitters’ November, 1987). the ball solid. Notice, 19 of the 27 great hitters (f) And saw the baseball in swings. On side note, our research teams (d) Biomechanical - Consistently, had nearly equal or more walks flight indicating they had enough The kinematics included were are grateful that our weighted hit the baseball hard and solid with than strikeouts on an average of a exit velocity and air to reach the linear and angular displacements underloaded and overloaded bats high bat speed and increased bat 162 game season throughout their outfield fences. (the change in a body’s location (4, 6, 9, 10, 11) and (7, quickness. respective major league careers. Therefore, we must use our in space in a given direction), 8) research also are finally having (e) Biomechanical - Hit the Notice, only one hitter, Hall of new advanced high-tech hitting velocities and accelerations. a positive impact on our game ball in the air. Importantly, notice Famer Mike Schmidt, hit below equipment smartly. Over the course of the past today. coaches, if you do not teach the .274. The swings of our game’s best 32 years, we have been able to The fundamental four absolutes visual component of the swing and No player averaged fewer than hitters have been analyzed. categorize hitters into the following and the common seven swing how to arrive on time, then you will 84 runs per 162 games. Do not re-invent or grease the sub-categories: components have not dramatically not reach any of the contact goals. Moreover, only eight hitters wheel. (a) Elite lifetime high average changed biomechanically since Therefore, we have two averaged less than 96 RBI — these Furthermore, if coaches continue (.300 +) and power (average per 1900. philosophical choices: were the table setters not considered to train hitters with the emphasis on year 35 home runs) hitters. What has changed in the (a) As you teach the bio- power hitters. launch angles and exit velocities, (b) High lifetime average hitters mechanical swing is the style of the mechanical swing, you either Remarkably, only one great and not the goals of producing (.330 +). individual hitters during baseball’s emphasize power by teaching high hitter, Hall of Famer Ernie Banks line drives and putting the ball in (c) .275 to .300 average lifetime evolution. launch angles resulting in higher (OB% .330), had less than .350 play, then the strikeout records hitters. Thus, we have seen the following strikes outs (see Tables 3 and 4), one-base percentage. will continue with teams’ offenses (d) Sub-.250 lifetime hitters. swing evolutions: lower contact averages, lower on- Lastly, only two of the great suffering. As we studied the swings of the (a) Changes in the stance (e.g., base percentages and risking very hitters had below .410 slugging Thus, hitting coaches may players in each sub-category, we square, closed, open; feet close low advancing runners percentages percentage, Rose and Ichiro, whom produce more selfish hitters, and were able to identify the common together, wide apart; tall or hunched as did the L.A. Dodgers in past both hit first or second in the batting the art of teaching team play with scientific four absolutes of the over). 2018 World Series. order — table setters. situational hitting and small ball swing and the common seven swing (b) Load (e.g., hands emphasis, (b) You teach the biomechanical High Launch Angle Era will die. components residing within the hips emphasis, waggle into load, swing, de-emphasizing the high The data doesn’t lie and must be From our research teams’ four absolutes that all successful etc.). launch angles by advocating a short interpreted correctly. extensive biomechanical analyzes, hitters possess. (c) Stride (e.g., a short, straight, compact swing to the ball, staying Evidence leads to the following including my family’s personal In addition, we came to the and low stride, high kick, no stride, on plane with the incoming pitch, observation. conversations with some of our realization that all Major League an emphasis on front foot plant hit the ball in air for the line drive, Hitting coaches and their best hitters — Ty Cobb, Honus hitters are to some degree successful, landing on time, etc.). as Ted Williams described as “par respective players who are Wagner, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, or they wouldn’t be Big Leaguers. (d) Launch (e.g., high hands, excellence” (19), and having a 2- emphasizing high launch angles Ted Williams, Wilbur Cooper First, we must recognize and wrapped barrel, “quiet bat”— no strike approach emphasizing “going of 20+ degrees for more power (’ all-time winning accept, “Hitting is a fluid sequential movement, “noisy waving” of bat, up the middle and putting the ball will possibly produce players with pitcher, personal interview, August motion involving two movements hands back in separation with load in play,” as advocated by Hall of higher strikeouts. 1975), Ken Griffey Jr. (K. Griffey working in tandem — straight and stride, etc.). Famer Hank Aaron (1, 16 ). In addition, the current hitting Jr., personal interview and Bio- forward (linear) and then angular (e) Bat approach (e.g., emphasis This second hitting philosophy philosophy that the strikeout is just kinetic, Inc. hitting analysis, 1997), (rotation) (4, 6, 9, 12).” on level path — line drives, slight will result in a slight uppercut another is self-centered and and Tony Gwynn (T. Gwynn, The 4-absolutes are as follows: uppercut, “knob or hands to ball,” swing as recommended by Ted team destructive. personal interview, Biokinetic,  Dynamic Balance bat on plane of incoming pitch, Williams (19), and research- proven Thus, the 2-strike approach and Inc., hitting analysis, November,  Kinetic Link increased launch angles to higher (4, 6, 9, 12). “small ball” team play of the past 1987), there seems to be a few  Bat Lag than 15-20 degrees for more power Therefore, this philosophy are going out of existence. common offensive denominators  Axis of Rotation and home runs). represents a “back to the past,” Our research teams agree with with them all: These terms, including bat (f) Contact (e.g., mechanically which will hopefully minimize the the upmost respect and caution to (a) Their idea and practice was quickness, were first coined, the body, hands/wrists, and arms alarming trend of the excessive all the high-tech companies that to visualize their swing on-deck and defined and used by our research at contact have not dramatically strikeout rates seen in MLB and in there is a place in amateur and between each at bat. teams in the mid-1987s. changed, only the bat barrel angle; NCAA colleges today (see Tables for the new (b) Mentally, they did not think They are finally making their way emphasis to hit the baseball hard and 3 and 4). modern hitting equipment. at the plate. (c) Their focus was on seeing the into the amateur and professional solid. Hit it square at the middle of Goal: Run Producer Our 32-researched years were baseball lexicon today. the ball which is the hardest part of We must look to the recent World based on trying to advance the seams on the ball at release. In addition, within these four the ball for line drives; underneath Series champions to understand game through science. (d) Their goal at contact was to absolutes, the following common for higher launch angles). the importance of teaching the We support and pray for new hit the ball in the air for a hard solid seven swing components are (g) Follow-Through (e.g., two- offensive philosophy of team first technological advancements in our line drive. located: handed around mid-back, one- — be a run producer. great game. (e) They always tried to put the  Stance handed with high over head follow- The champions’ line-ups were Yet, in many ways, we do not ball in play and get on base.  Load through, etc.). constructed on producing runs need to re-invent the wheel. (f) They believed in minimizing  Stride Furthermore, the goals at contact — high contact averages, high on- We all will make a serious their strikeouts — team first.  Saunch have never changed: base percentages, high advancing mistake if we do not also look to (g) With 2-strikes their goals  Bat approach (path/route) (a) Visual - See the baseball runners percentages and clutch the past to help us advance the were to hit the ball up the middle,  Contact bigger and slower from release to hitters with and lots of RBIs — by present. See STRIKEOUTS, Page 8 Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 

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Page  Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Strikeouts At Record Highs In MLB, NCAA Baseball Continued From Page 6 Table 3: MLB Strikeouts Table 4: NCAA Strikeouts* possibly choking up for more bat • 2018: First time in MLB history there were more strikeouts • 2018: Highest rate in past 49 years…Why?* control (5, 13) and emphasizing (41,207) than hits (41,018). “going with the pitch” to put the • NCAA Div. I: Strikeouts per team @ 9 innings: 7.88. ball in play. • 11th straight year total MLB strikeouts have increased. • Last 4 years: Strikeouts per team @ 9 innings: Above 7.00 Importantly, they all emphasized • MLB strikeouts per game: 2005: 6.3 (This has never happened before in past 49 years). putting the ball in play to minimize 2010: 7.1 • 2015: 7.02 strikeouts. 2015: 7.7 Their individual career stats 2016: 8.0 • 2016: 7.17 (Tables 1 and 2) supported their 2017: 8.2 • 2017: 7.54 successful hitting approach. 2018: 8.5 Furthermore, here are important • 2018: 7.88 data examples (20) to support the because we see more hard throwers time and energy. Do not try and * Note: Why are there higher strikeout rates when high line drive launch angles of 9-15 than ever. create a new biomechanical swing school and collegiate players use aluminum bats? degrees: More importantly, pitchers are or philosophy. (a) In 2017, the average launch throwing fewer fastballs than at any The research has been done for Coop, and Szymanski, David angle in the big leagues was 11.83 Velocity. Journal of Strength and time in last 17 seasons (18). you. Conditioning Research, Vol. 8, 4, (2009). Effects of Baseball Weight degrees. In 2002, fastball usage has Analyze your hitters comparing 247- 250. Implement Training. Strength and (b) Former AL MVP Josh plummeted from 64.4 percent to them to best that have ever 9. DeRenne, Coop (1993). Conditioning Journal, 31 (2), 30- Donaldson’s average launch angle 55.4 percent in 2018 (18). played. High Tech Hitting, Minneapolis/St. 37. in 2017 was 13.42 degrees. In addition, we are in the bullpen The biomechanical swing has Paul: West Publishing Company. 15. Greenberg, N. (2018). It’s (c) During his 2015 MVP season, era as well. been proven to stand the test of 10. DeRenne, Coop, Buxton, only April and it’s clear the MLB Donaldson’s average launch angle Furthermore, the data supports time. Barton, Hetzler, Ronald K., and strikeouts record will again be was 8.4 degrees. that too many modern day hitters Possibly, emphasizing launch Ho, Kwok. (1995). Effects of threatened. Retrieved from https:// (d) In 2017, AL Rookie of the are not subscribing to the greatest angles of 20+ degrees with your Weighted Bat implement training www.washingtonpost.com/... Year Aaron Judge’s average launch on bat swing velocity. Strength stats/.../its-only-april-and-its-clear- hitters’ two-strike approach respective hitters may create more the-mlb-strikeouts... angle in was 15.74 degrees. and Conditioning Research, Vol. philosophy. power resulting in higher strikeout 9, 4, 247-250. 16. Hanson, T. (2008). Learn (e) Interestingly, in 2017 World The greatest hitters’ two-strike rates. 11. DeRenne, Coop, Ho, Kwok, to train yourself to be like Aaron. Series Champion Jose Altuve’s approach started with the idea that The decade old data supports this Hetzler, Ron K., Chai, Dennis Retrieved from http://www. average launch angle in was 9.8 the strikeout is not just another trend (see Tables 3 and 4). (1992). Effects of Warm-up With BaseballConfidence.com degrees with an average exit bat. Coaches, as you continue to Various Weighted Implements 17. Kepner, T. (2018). More velocity of 86.12 mph, while hitting These great hitters (Tables 1 and grease this trendy launch angle on Baseball Bat Swing Velocity. Strikeouts Than Hits? Welcome .346, OBP .410, SLG .547, OPS 2) understood with 2-strikes they wheel, understand you are tinkering Journal of Applied Sports Science to Baseball’s latest Crisis. New .957, including 24 HR, 81 RBI, need to be (a) slightly defensive with the style of your hitters, Research, Vol. 6, 4, 214-218. York Times. Retrieved from https:// and 112 runs. — go up the middle and possibly which may alter their proven 12. Escamilla, Rafael F., www.nytimes.com/2018/08/16/ Hall of Famer Chipper Jones put Fleisig, Glenn S., DeRenne, Coop, sports/baseball-mlb-strikeouts.htm choke up for more bat control (5, biomechanical swing. 18. Verducci, T. (2018). it the best when he was asked about Taylor, Marcus K., Moorman, 19) and (b) emphasize putting Why? Claude T., Andrews, James There Are Too Many Strikeouts in trying to hit more fly balls: the ball in play — minimize the The best hitters ever didn’t R. (2009). A Comparison of Baseball: Here’s How To Fix The “I’ve been around a lot of good strikeout. radically emphasize their launch Age Level on Baseball Hitting Problem retrieved from https:// MLB hitters in my time and the one Hall of Famer Hank Aaron angles so high in order to alter their Kinematics. Journal of Applied www.si.com/mlb/2018/06/14/ thing I have discovered is that there stated: “I went to the plate to put the slight uppercut (4, 6, 9, 19) or line Biomechanics, 25, 3:210-218. strikeouts-effect-major-league- is not one way to teach someone ball in play. I had to give myself a drive swings. 13. Escamilla, Rafael F., baseball how to swing. chance to be able to hit .300 and to They were the best! Why grease Fleisig, Glenn S., DeRenne, Coop, 19. Williams, T (1970). The “While some hitters have made hit home runs. the wheel for more power resulting Taylor, Marcus K., Moorman, Science of Hitting. New York, NY: swing changes and seen positive “So in order for me to do that, in an exorbitant amount of strikeouts Claude T., Andrews, James R. Simon and Schuster. 20. Wilson, K. (2018). results, there are many others who I couldn’t go up to the plate and that kills offensive rallies? (2009). Effects of Bat Grip on Baseball Hitting Kinematics. What’s The Best Launch Angle. have tried to change their swings strikeout that many times. You References Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Home The # GoodBatting Blog. to ‘elevate and celebrate’ and were know, I had to be able to put the ball 1. Aaron, H. & Wheeler, L. 25, 3:203-209. Retrieved from https://www. never seen again.” (20). in play. Regardless of whether it (2007). I Had a Hammer: The 14. Invited, author: DeRenne, kwbaseball.com/blog/ Mike Lum, current special was a single or , or whatever Hank Aaron Story. (Kindle version) hitting instructor for the Pittsburgh it was, I had to give myself an Harper Collins e-books. Retrieved Pirates, a former 15-year MLB opportunity to hit the ball. from https://www.amazon.com/ Tim Pettorini Set To Retire player and 35-year veteran of big “Who knows what might happen? Had-Hammer-Hank-Aaron-Story/ WOOSTER, Ohio —Wooster’s in the NCAA Div. III Baseball league and minor league hitting If you hit the ball, you might get a dp/0061373605 Tim Pettorini has announced that Championships under Pettorini, instruction, believes that hitting bad bounce. It might get in the sun 2. Beardmore, M. (2013). Two strikes, you’re out. ESPS. he will retire as head coach of the with his squads winning the Mideast coaches who teach launch angles or it might do anything. Fighting Scots’ baseball program at Regional and advancing to the Div. usually emphasize the collapsing “If you don’t hit it, you don’t Retrieved from http://www.espn. com/mlb/story/_/id/9175035/mlb- the end of the 2019 season. III World Series six times (1989, of the backside of the hitter (M. give yourself an opportunity to hitters-getting-worse-two-strike- In his 38th season at Wooster, 1994, 1997, 2005, 2009, 2018). Lum, personal communication, do some of the things like that. I counts-thanks-better-pitching- Pettorini is the active leader in There, Wooster has a pair of December 20, 2018). always said that if you don’t swing faster-fastballs--magazine Div. III coaching wins with 1,213 national runner-up finishes (1997, Thus, says Lum, “These coaches the bat, if you don’t make contact, 3. (Interview by Larry Brown (1,213-446-6), all with the Scots. 2009) and a third-place performance want their respective hitters to get the chances of hitting it are very Sports). Retrieved from https:// Last season, he moved up to fifth (2005) to its credit. more underneath the ball.” slim.” (16). www.msn.com/en- us/sports/ all-time in Div. III coaching wins Pettorini, among the top-10 Lum suggests for higher launch Moreover, these great hitters mlb/alex-cora-shares-key-to-red- on April 21, and in 2012, he was Div. III coaches all-time in win angles, coaches should teach their understood that their respective sox%E2%80%99s-success-at-the- plate/ar-BBOSijx). the seventh Div. III coach to log his percentage (.730) as well, has been hitters to hit the baseball more out batting averages declined when 1,000th win. recognized by his peers a number in front and stay on the same plane they got down to their last strike. 4. DeRenne, Coop (2011). The Scientific Approach to Hitting: Wooster has made 25 appearances of times. as the incoming pitch. Likewise, in 2018 MLB hitters Research Explores The Most Hence, Lum concurs with Pirate saw their BA decline on average Difficult Skill in Sport (2nd Ed.) San manager Clint Hurdle’s hitting by 28 percent (17). Diego: University Readers Custom goals. Thus, most hitters hit under .200 Publishing. “Our Pirate organizational when batting with two-strikes. 5. DeRenne, Coop., Morgan, hitting philosophy is: (a) Situational Overall, the complete set of C.F., Escamilla, R.F., and hitting; (b) Stay on the plane Major Leaguers hit .180 with two Fleisig, G.S. (2010). A Choke- of the incoming pitch; (c) Use strike counts (17). Up Grip Facilitates Faster small ball.” (C. Hurdle, personal Interestingly, in the 24 seasons of Swing and Stride Times Without communication, December 15, data, there is only one player who Compromising Bat Velocity and Bat Control. The Sport Journal, 2018). has been a .300 hitter for all of his Vol. 13, 2. Retrieved from http:// Strikeout Era two-strike at-bats in the data set. www.thesportjournal.org/article/ Alarmingly in 2018, MLB hitters The data isn’t available for choke-grip-facilitates-faster- for the first time in history had more his whole career, but it covers 14 swing-and-stride-times-without- strikeouts than hits (17). seasons and nearly 70 percent of compromising-bat-velocity-and-b It was the 11th straight year his career plate appearances. 6. DeRenne, Coop (2007). The Scientific Approach to the total MLB strikeouts have In over 2,000 plate appearances when down to his last strike this Hitting: Research Explores Most increased (17). Difficult Skill in Sport. San Diego: In 2005, MLB strikeouts per player hit .302 — Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who accumulated University Readers Custom game was 6.3; in 2018, 8.5. Publishing. In addition, in 2017, 21.6 eight batting titles. 7. DeRenne, Coop. Kwok W. percent of hitters were retired on “When I came up, a strikeout Ho, and James C. Murphy. (2001). strikes (15). In 2018, MLB hitters’ was a failure,” said Gwynn (2). Effects of General, Special, and strikeouts per plate appearances “In today’s culture, a strikeout is Specific Resistance Training on were 22.6 percent (20). okay,” continued Gwynn (2). Throwing Velocity in Baseball. A In 2006, the average MLB Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is brief review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Vol. batting average was .269. Yet, in the next closest among the other retired players who hit .262 with 15, 1, 148-156. 2018, it was .245, lowest since 8. DeRenne, Coop, Buston, 1972 (20). two-strikes. In summary, the wheel isn’t Barton P., Hetzler, Ron K., and Yes, the modern day pitchers Ho, Kwok W. (1994). Effects have also caused some of the broken. of Under-and Overweighted problem of higher strikeout rates Hitting coaches, save yourselves Implement Training on Pitching TIM PETTORINI Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page  Have A Battle Plan To Conquer Academics, Baseball By LOU PAVLOVICH, JR. baseball is the land of second probably not the place for you. to do well in the classroom. Editor/Collegiate Baseball chances for many baseball "By insisting on having recruits “Our professors expect our players. that fit this profile, we have ended players to do well in class as well. WACO, Tex. — One of the Players with poor academic up attracting a high level of player If one of my kids is not handling amazing coaches in college baseball skills routinely transfer out of who excels in the classroom. himself properly and I hear about is Mitch Thompson of McLennan 4-year colleges and into junior "We found that if kids go to it from a professor, I get on top of Community College. colleges. class, they will make grades. If those situations early. We can make His coaching career spans three "Having baseball players at the kids meet the professor and have a difference. decades and includes 23 years junior college level who are poor a personal relationship with him, “Our guys have knocked it out at the NCAA Division I level, academically may be true at many that is important as well. One of the of the park the last two years. A including 22 years in the Big 12 places," said Thompson. things we require our kids to do the 3.51 GPA last year and a 3.42 GPA and Southeastern Conferences "What we have done is stress first few days of school is introduce the year before and now 10 straight with stops at Baylor, Auburn and in the recruiting process that I am themselves to the professor and tell semesters with a team GPA of over Mississippi St. looking for three things. them who they are. 3.00 is something I am very proud In five seasons under Thompson’s "First, I want a kid who wants "We make our kids go to class. If of. I know our school is very proud leadership, McLennan has amassed to be a champion on the baseball I find out a kid doesn't go to class, of that as well. a 214-88 record and have made five field — a guy who really wants to it's simple. He will not only be “What is neat about having consecutive post-season appearance develop. I want a guy who thinks he punished with running and that kind terrific athletes who are good for the first time since the 1990s. can play in the Big Leagues. of stuff. But I will take baseball students is that doors are open to Last season, the Highlanders "Second, I want kids who away from him and not allow him to them that wouldn’t be without this were 44-15 and were a Region 5 understand the value of an education. practice or play and hit him where important combination through finalist. He realizes that playing in the Big it really hurts. athletic and academic scholarship No other junior college in the Leagues will be a difficult task. So "Every ball player on our team opportunities. It is worth real country is accomplishing the MITCH THOMPSON he prepares for life. is here to play baseball. When I money to these kids.” combination of winning games, at 3.42. "Third, I want a good kid from take baseball away from a player, it Thompson explained how his developing players and excelling The numbers above all others a good family. He must understand sends a clear message that missing new kids learn how to be great in the classroom better than his that jump out are the team academic the importance of hard work. class simply will not be tolerated. students at McLennan. program. figures. "Not everybody is a good fit for Usually it only takes one kid a year “Kids are told that we will be Here is a rundown on the special Many junior college baseball us. We are honest about all three being punished in this fashion to lifting weights in the fall at least achievements his program has had teams are filled with athletes who areas with potential players. We stop it from happening again." two days a week at 6 a.m. “We finish up at about 7:15 a.m. over the last few years: were average to poor students in will tell a recruit that if he doesn't Culture Of Excellence  Most drafted catchers of any high school. have these the qualities, and this is Thompson said McLennan now They have time to get a bite to eat college in the USA the last three That is why junior college not who you truly are, then this is has a culture where players expect See ATHLETES CAN, Page 10 years (4).  Highest drafted junior college player in the nation last year in Josh Breaux who was a second round pick by the Yankees. ®  Since 2014, nearly 15 players GRIFFOLYN DIVISION OF REEF INDUSTRIES, INC. a year have signed with 4-year colleges.  Over the last five years, 13 players have been chosen in the MLB Draft.  Over the 2017-2018 academic year, McLennan had the third highest grade point average of any KEY FEATURES NJCAA school at 3.51. :;()030A,+;69,4(05:;965.(5+„,?0)3,05  Over the 2016-2017 academic Ŷ year, McLennan again had the third ,?;9,4,;,47,9(;<9,: highest GPA of any NJCAA school Ŷ Lightweight for fast and easy installation Ŷ 6>7,94,()030;@.9,(;3@05/0)0;:460:;<9, San Jacinto JC transmission On Probation Ŷ Cold-crack resistant HOUSTON, Tex. — San Jacinto College’s baseball program has Ŷ /0;,*6=,9:(=(03()3,;69,„,*;/,(;)<;;6(3:6 been placed on probation for the allow light transmission 2019 season by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Ŷ (;*/05.7(;*/;(7,0:(=(03()3,;67(;*/*6=,9:0- The Gators will not be allowed ;/,@(9,7<5*;<9,+ to participate in Regional, District Ŷ ,(=@Ë+<;@:(5+)(.:(9,(=(03()3,<7659,8<,:; or the National Championship tournaments during the probationary period. The school released a state- ment: “San Jacinto College’s baseball program has been placed on probation for the Spring 2019 season by the NJCAA. “The NJCAA’s decision was based upon what was determined to be a violation of NJCAA rules regarding student athlete Letters of Intent. “While San Jacinto College had interpreted the rules in a different way in good faith, the college respects the NJCAA’s decision and as a result will comply with the one- semester probation. “San Jacinto College is actively working to address the situation and PROTECT to provide assistance to the student- athletes affected.” BASEBALL FIELDS There was no word of how many athletes were impacted by this FROM ADVERSE WEATHER decision. The NJCAA was contacted for a statement, and Ricky Webster, director of marketing and CONDITIONS communications responded with the following: “The NJCAA does not comment on or publicize potential, on-going ÖÎÎÌÐÑÏÌÔÎÕÒã9,,-05+<:;90,:Ì*64 or completed investigations.” San Jacinto has won five national ×ÐÎ×34,+(,56(+Ì6<:;65Ê,?(:ÕÕÎÕÓ titles in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989 and 1990. Page 10 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Rich Marazzi Answers Your Baseball Rule Questions ANSONIA, Conn. — During the first base via catcher’s interference occupies first base and pushes up no IFR. Therefore, you can only call to field a throw meaning the ball is 2018 season I received many rules on Tom Murphy. Reddick put the a runner/s. the runner out for interfering with in flight to the fielder. related questions. ball in fair territory despite the If the batter-runner is retired the defensive player and declare the If a fielder does not have I will cover several here and will interference. Altuve crossed the before reaching first base, which play dead. possession of the ball and is not in share others in the future. plate on the play, but Reddick never he is when the IFR is invoked, any As for the consequences of the the process of receiving a throw, Unless noted, my answers apply ran to first and was thrown out. continuing play requires a tag or an pitch, a strike would be called on he should be called for Type 1 for all three playing codes — Pro, Astros’ Manager A.J. Hinch appeal to retire a runner. the batter as in any other foul ball. obstruction under Pro rules if he NCAA and NFHS. never exercised his option. In the above scenario, the Q. Minor league game. Right- blocks the base and the runner Q. There’s a runner on first, He said,” I did consider taking runners would be allowed to stay on handed hitter bunts in front of the should be awarded the next base. catcher’s interference is called and the play as is, but I preferred to play second and third since the ball was plate (fair ball). The batter-runner On pickoff attempts, the ball is the batter safely makes for the bigger inning. One dropped. If the ball was caught, you makes contact with the ball. usually in flight toward the fielder it to first as a result of run in that ballpark never can appeal both runners because One foot is still in the batter’s when he is blocking the base and the play. feels like enough, so I they failed to tag-up. box and the other foot that made there is no call. If the runner on first Ruleball opted to take the bases Q. You reference the following contact with the ball is completely Some first basemen even drop (after safely reaching loaded AB rather than quote from the Official Baseball out of the batter’s box. a knee to the ground to block the second base), makes an concede an out.” Rules: “If interference is called The ump called it foul, explaining runner. If the ball is in flight, there attempt for third base Altuve subsequently during an Infield Fly, the ball one foot was still in the box, and in is no obstruction. during the play and gets scored in the Astros 3-2 remains alive whether the ball is that situation in order for the batter However, when any fielder, thrown out, does the loss. You can view the fair or foul. to be out, he needs to be completely (including the catcher), legally offensive coach have play by going to the link If fair, both the runner who out of the batter’s box with both blocks the base, the runner can the option to negate that below: interfered with the fielder and feet. Was the ump correct? legally barrel over the fielder. out because of the initial http://video. the batter are out. If foul, even if A. Under Pro rules, the batter- Playing under NFHS and NCAA interference rewarded to foxsports.com/partners/ caught, the runner is out and the runner is out. rules, malicious contact is prohibited the batter? img/foxsportslinks/ batter returns to bat.” A batter is out if his fair ball but a runner can slide or dive any Or does the defense ROCKIES_CATCHER_ I do not fully understand the touches him before touching a way he wants; contact is inevitable second part of this with regard to fielder. If the batter has both feet in when a fielder in possession of the get to keep the out, With Rich Marazzi INTERFERENCE.mp4 because the runner Rules Consultant Q. Runners on first a foul ball. I don’t understand why the batter’s box and makes contact ball blocks a base. on first advanced past Blue Jays, Brewers, and second with no outs. the rule would exist that would with a batted ball with no intent to Q. Runners on first and third. second base at his own Cardinals, D’backs, Batter hits a routine fly allow a batter to remain at bat after interfere, it would be a foul ball. The pitcher throws to first. The first Dodgers, Mariners, having hit a ball that was caught. See rule 5.09 (a) (7). Under baseman fires to third to try to pick risk? Pirates, Rangers, ball just beyond second. A. The out would Rays, Reds, Red The runners leave the Also, what are the consequences of NFHS and NCAA rules, if the off the lead runner. Legal play? stand. The manager of Sox, Royals, Tigers, bases. The umpires call the pitch? Is this a strike? batter-runner has one foot in the A. It would be legal as long as the the offensive team would Twins, Yankees, the the Infield Fly Rule. The I further do not understand the box and makes contact with the ball throw to first was intended to retire Fox Regional Sports existence of a rule that would with the other foot out of the box, the runner. If the ran have no option. Networks, ESPN and fielder drops the ball Once all runners, the White Sox TV and runners advance. actually incentivize a player to it is a foul ball. in several steps to receive the throw including the batter- announcers. The defensive team’s interfere with a fielder. If you could Q. The question is in regard before he threw to third, that would runner advance at least manager tells his pitcher explain the rationale behind this to pickoff attempts – what is the be a balk because there was no Readers can submit ruling I would be very thankful. rule regarding a fielder blocking intent to retire the runner. one base when catcher’s questions to Rich at: to appeal to second. interference is called, the [email protected] The takes the A. In a foul ball situation, you the base on a pickoff attempt by a Q. Runners on first and second, interference is nullified. throw and throws to first. can’t award the batter first base. pitcher or catcher? one out, ground ball to third. The The manager would have an Double play? On a batted ball, a batter can Does the fielder have any runner on second takes a step or two option in a play where all runners A. When the IFR is called, to only advance to a base only if the obligation under the rules to provide toward third but returns to second. did not advance one base. put a runner out, the runner must ball is fair. a clear lane for the runner to reach My fields the In the July 25 Astros-Rockies always be tagged when a ball is not In the Infield Fly Rule scenario, back to the base? Is there any ball and throws to second. The game in Colorado, the Astros’ Josh caught. Because the batter is out if the ball remained fair, the batter difference between the rule for first throw misses the runner returning Reddick was batting in the top of when the IFR is invoked, no runner would be out per the IFR and the base and other bases? to second and my the fourth inning with Jose Altuve is forced to advance. runner who interfered would be A. Any fielder (including the turns the DP, 5-4-3. What if the on third and Yuli Gurriel on first Remember, a force only exists out. catcher) can block any base if he throw hit the runner going back and one out when Reddick reached when the batter-runner legally In a foul ball situation, there is has possession of the ball or is about to second in the back? Dead ball ? Live ball? Interference? A. Unless the umpire judges that the runner returned to second base Athletes Can Be Great Students If Plan Executed to intentionally interfere, this would Continued From Page 9 college level. “At the end of the day, there preparing for their life. When kids be a live ball-no interference. “Over the last five years, we will be a lot more kids stop playing embrace this philosophy and see the If the runner returned to second for breakfast. But I know they are have only recruited a couple of kids baseball and have real world successes others have had before safely, and the batter-runner was up and ready to go to class for their who were NCAA non-qualifiers. jobs than playing professional them who go off to great 4-year safe going to first base, you would first classes at 8 a.m. There is not a Our kids are NCAA qualifiers and baseball. schools, it is wonderful to watch. now have runners on first and whole lot to screw up there. can go to NCAA schools. There are “I never, ever want to have a “The reason that kid was able second and two outs. “I also find out if anybody has a lot less headaches on my end as parent come up to me and say all to go to this great school was The runner who was originally gotten in trouble the previous night well when you have good student/ you cared about was whether my because of an athletic scholarship on second, has successfully and off the field. I learn a lot about my athletes. son could get a hit for you or strike AND academic scholarship on top legally broken-up a DP. team at 6 a.m. Lifting weights at “I appreciate low maintenance out a batter for you. I want parents of that. Q. “With a runner on third base this time also helps the kids be players. In other words, I want to know I really care about their “Once the kid realizes that he is only, the catcher blocked a ball in disciplined. guys who will do the right thing kids and future. going to class and has an opportunity the dirt. The ball rolled maybe a “This helps with the culture we all the time just because it is the “I have found when you set to make money by doing well in the foot in front of the plate and the have built as we combine athletic proper thing to do. I don’t need a standards high, kids want to please classroom, something clicks in his runner held at third at which point achievement and academics. player who causes me trouble and their coaches. But it takes work. brain. Everybody loves money. the batter kicked the ball back to “I tell my fellow coaches that refuses to go to class or won’t work You must stay with them and “We’re winning on the field, the catcher. if you wouldn’t recruit this kid on academics or on the baseball discipline them if needed. I ask my winning in the classroom and “There was no intent to kick the to an NCAA Division I school, field. players all the time how they are winning off the field as well.” ball so that the runner could score don’t bring him here. He simply “I will not tolerate the player doing in class. Marijuana, Illegal Drugs but there was certainly intent to won’t fit. who I have to consistently “If there are any questions, I Thompson said he has a no make contact with a live ball. “As college coaches, we can’t discipline. He isn’t worth the have them show me their grades. I tolerance policy when it comes to “The umpire ruled that it was a sell our souls just because a kid can trouble. I am fortunate that I am at want to know where they are at. marijuana use or illegal drugs. dead ball but because there was no play a little bit and help us win a few a great school with great facilities “I am on them a lot, but our guys “Not everyone who comes into intent to kick it away there was no games this year. We must remember and tremendous support from our do a great job balancing academics our program is an angel by any call made.” that we are educators. We must administration. I simply refuse to and baseball and also being good stretch of the imagination,” said A. It was not a good idea for make a difference in a kid’s life take the troublemakers.” people.” Thompson. the batter to kick the ball but while we have a chance.” Turning Education Into Cash Thompson said twice a week in “We test for drugs at McLennan, interference can only occur when Thompson explained what Thompson said he was not the fall is mandatory study hall for and if a kid tests positive for there is a play being made on a specifically he looks for in a good burned by a nightmare student/ his players. marijuana use or illegal drugs, runner. Because there was no play student/athlete. athlete as a young coach. “I am not a real big believer in we will move him on to the next being made, the batter cannot be “If a kid pulls A’s and B’s in high “Quite the opposite,” said study hall. And I will tell you why. place. called for interference. The umpire school, they will make A’s and B’s Thompson. Sometimes when you do study “For me as a coach, it is tough to made the right call. in college. The greatest predictor “I have been blessed through hall, it is a ‘cover your tail’ type of do this. You realize that I might be Q. As the visiting team, batting of academic success isn’t the ACT my entire coaching career with thing for the coach. Teams will have this kid’s only chance in life, and it in the top of the first inning, are you or SAT score. It is the high school good athletes who also valued an study hall so that when somebody weighs on you that the player was able to pinch-hit for your pitcher grade point average. If kids have education. I was a good student struggles, the coach can’t be blamed asked to leave the program. even though he has not thrown a C’s or below, I get serious with and realized the importance of an for poor grades. “I might be a kid’s only chance to pitch in the game? the questions I have for potential education. “Having a study hall helps a little get an education and degree. But at A. No. Unless the pitcher sustains players. “I have been with Ron Polk at bit. But if a kid needs to study four the same time, I have been upfront injury or illness, he is required “Some kids have a hard time Mississippi St. and Hal Baird at or six hours to get ready for a test with players about our policy, what to pitch to the first batter or any their freshman year of high school, Auburn along with at and we only do a 1 1/2 hour study our thought process is and how substitute batter until such batter and it is an adjustment period for Baylor. All of those guys as head hall, we haven’t helped him to the important I feel it is. is put out or reaches base. See rule them. Then they figure it out. But coaches were looking for the same level that he needs. “When a kid doesn’t abide by 5.10 (f). Under NFHS rules you can if a kid is a consistent C and D type of kid that I just described to “So it is imperative that we teach this rule, I feel the kid has made pinch hit for the pitcher in the top student after that in high school, you. That’s how I developed my athletes personal responsibility. the decision not to be a part of this of the first, because he can re-enter there will be very little opportunity philosophy of what type of player to Guys must understand this is team. It really isn’t my call. It is (and must do so) to pitch in the that he will do better than that at the go after as a junior college coach. their academic career. They are the player’s.” bottom of the inning. Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 11 High School California’s Elite High School Players For 2019 By IRAN NOVICK 3B/P Parker O’Neil, Tesoro, Special to Collegiate Baseball 3-1-4, .306 1B Conner O’Neil, Tesoro, .346 L O S A N G E L E S — T h e BA following is a list of high school SS Kyren Paris, Freedom players to watch in California. OF Nick Pena, ML King Players were nominated by OF JT Penick, St. Augustine coaches from across the state. C/2B Angelo Peraza, St. C Joey Adge, Del Campo, SO Augustine, JR, .311, 24 SB P/SS Nathan Alarcon, Rancho INF Daniel Perez, Santiago, Alamitos, 9-2, 0.81 ERA, 105 K SO P Anthony Alfino, Linfield C Darius Perry, La Mirada, .378, Christian, 3-2, 0.79 ERA 11 HR, 52 RBI OF Parker Alvin, Peninsula 1B Nathan Petrulis, Pacifica, JR, C Jared Amigh, De La Salle .333, 20 RBI C/INF Cole Andavolgyi, North P Nick Pinto, Tesoro, 9-1, 1.69 Torrance ERA OF Erik Anderson, Palos OF Mason Poisson, Del Campo, Verdes .402, 31 RBI, 8 2B, 2 HR C/OF/3B Carey Arbolida, South INF/P Braden Proud, Del Torrance Campo C Anson Aroz, Placer, SO SS/P Fisher Pyatt, St. Augustine, 2B Victor Arreola, Madison, SO, JR, .330, 15 RBI, 1-0 .307, 12 RBI P Jovanny Reyes, Pacifica, 8-4, OF Kyle Ashworth, Foothill SA, 1.57 ERA .359, 3 HR, 17 RBI P Eric Reyzelman, De La Salle 3B/RHP Thomas Bainton, North OF Primo Rodriguez, College Torrance Park, SO RHP Merrick Baldo, Mira OF Matt Romero, El Segundo Costa 1B/C Daryl Ruiz, Santiago 3B Nathan Barraza, Mission UT Tanner Sagouspe, San Hills, JR, .445, 46 RBI, 11 2B, 3 Joaquin Memorial, SO, .376, 19 3B, 3 HR LHP COOPER BENSON RBI 1B/P Christian Becerra, Madison, …10-0 record, 0.35 ERA, 114 strikeouts, 15 walks for San Luis Obispo H.S. (CA) 2B/SS Eddie Saldivar, San JR, .339, 11 RBI P/INF Chandler Dakin, Placer 1B/3B Tavita Fuasua, Oceanside, View, 8-2, 1.57 ERA, .387 Joaquin Memorial, SO, .423, 5 3B Connor Bell, Madison, JR, CF Grant Daly, De La Salle, JR JR, .317, 17 RBI P/INF Quin Kirsten, El HR, 30 RBI, 22 SB .308, 19 RBI 3B/P Michael Davinni, Aliso INF Nick Fusari, De La Salle Segundo SS Alex Sardina, Foothill SA, OF John Benatar, Crespi, SO Niguel, JR, .350, 10 2B, 5 HR, P Elliot Gallegos, Torrance C/P D.J. Kougher, Crespi .321 BA LHP Cooper Benson, San Luis 35 RBI OF/P Ketch Gannon, Foothill 1B Jaxon Kraemer, St. Anthony, P/OF Luke Saunders, Northgate, Obispo, 10-0, 0.35 ERA, 114 K UT Luke Davis, Oakmont, .441 SA, 3 HR JR, .500, 34 RBI, 4 HR JR SS Vince Biachina, De La Salle C Tyler Davis, San Joaquin CF Isaiah Garcia, Santiago, JR SS/2B Brooks Lee, San Luis P Wesley Scott, Woodcrest RHP/1B/OF Christian Bodlovich, Memorial, JR, .326, 14 RBI 1B Brandon Glowacki, Santana, Obispo, .462, 9 2B, 35 RBI Christian Mira Costa OF Emanuel Dean, Servite .313, 4 HR 3B Robert Linares, Warren CF Alex Sepulveda, Crespi OF Coleman Brigman, Valley INF Noah Delio, Palos Verdes P/OF T.J. Gonzalez, Coalinga, H.S., FR P Cole Silva, De La Salle Christian, .376, 8 2B, 15 SB INF/P Derek Diamond, Ramona, 5-1 OF Adam Lovato, Madison, SS/3B Mitch Simon, Linfield C Gabe Briones, ML King .378, 29 RBI, 14 2B, 5 HR, 5-3, P/1B Kyle Harrison, De La .360, 20 RBI Christian, JR 1B/P Blake Burkeer, De La 0.99 ERA, 77 K Salle, JR P Mark Lusti, St. Augustine INF Peyton Stumbo, Placer, JR Salle, SO SS Christian Dicochea, OF Ben Hart, Santana, .356 BA 3B Brad Madison, Yuba City, C/3B Jay Tarkington, Marin C Mike Carpentier, Yucaipa Redondo P/INF Kyle Hatai, North .421, 27 RBI Catholic SS Bret Carrell, San Joaquin 3B/C Andrew Donini, St. Torrance P/CF Quinn Mathews, Aliso INF Trey Taylor, Los Osos, 22 Memorial, .345, 20 RBI Anthony, .486, 14 RBI, 2 HR INF/P Sam Hayden, Del Campo, Niguel, 1.71 ERA, 71 K RBI UT Xavier Carter, Capital 1B Wyatt Duncan, Los Osos, .367, 20 RBI, 4-1, 1.82 ERA LHP/1B/OF Tyler Matyshock, C/2B James Teets, Ramona SD, Christian, .425, 33 RBI, 4 HR, 6- .323, 37 RBI P Tyson Heaton, Yucaipa Sonora, 10-0, 10 2B, 21 RBI .373 BA 0, 1.58 ERA SS Alonzo Durazo, Morse, .512, 1B Steven Hernandez, El Camino OF/RHP Kelajae McClain, RHP/1B/OF Jake Thau, RHP/MIF Benny Casillas, El 24 RBI, 25 SB Real, JR Torrance Redondo Segundo CF Nouhan Edmerson, Morse, RHP Sam Hliboki, Harvard- SS Connor McGuire, Beckman, RHP/CF Seth Tomczak, C/P Auggie Castro, Coalinga, .440, 17 SB Westlake, 9-0, 1.05 ERA, 90 K .408, 23 RBI Argonaut, 6-2, 1.84 ERA, 7 HR .411, 9 2B LHP Trevor Ernt, Beckman, 9-0, C/P Thatcher Hurd, Acalanes, INF Sean McLain, Beckman, P/OF Jake Torres, Bella Vista, P Adam Christopher, El Camino 0.67 ERA SO .361, 20 RBI JR, .400, 5-3, 2.33 ERA Real, JR P Kyle Ethridge, Los Osos P Logan Hurd, Acalanes, JR CF Jalen McMillan, San Joaquin C Mario Tozado, Warren SS Davis Corona, Beaumont, 1B/P Nick Feist, Torrance RHP/OF Jared Jones, La Mirada, Memorial, JR, .392, 12 SB SS Tyrese Turner, Gahr .360 BA P/1B Evan Fitterer, Aliso Niguel, 7-2, 0.80 ERA, .431, 13 2B SS Chase Meidroth, Mira Costa RHP Al Walsh, Palos Verdes P/1B Giancarlo Cortez, St. .312, 7 HR, 23 RBI LHP/1B/OF Spencer Jones, La P Logan Meyers, Yuba City, 9-1, INF Jeff Weaver, Crespi, SO Augustine, JR, 3-2, 3.39 ERA SS Ryan Flaherty, Tesoro, .373, Costa Canyon, .414 BA, 37 K 0.66 ERA INF/P Parker Welch, ML King, UT Henry Crocker, Los Osos, 10 SB RHP Zack Jones, San Dimas C Edward Morales, Gahr JR .364 BA P/SS Carlo Flores, Citrus RHP Kevin Kane, Peninsula SS Gavin Napier, Granada, JR OF Brian West, ML King OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, Valley RHP/INF Jared Karros, Mira 1B/LHP Joe Naranjo, Ayala P Dylan White, De La Salle Harvard-Westlake, .409, 10 2B, UT Garrett Forrester, Bella Costa RHP Dawson Netz, Marantha, 3B/C Cooper Whitworth, 21 RBI Vista, JR, .333, 4 HR INF Jordan Keller, Woodcrest 12-0, 0.26 ERA, 117K Linfield Christian, .299, 24 RBI, 3B Jayden Cruz, Gahr S S / 2 B C o d y F r e e m a n , Christian RHP Nathan Newmey, West 8 SB RHP Andrew Dahlquist, Etiwanda 3B/RHP Joe Kelly, Peninsula Torrance INF Sam Wolf, Del Campo, Redondo P/1B Connor Freire, Warren P/OF Gavin Kennedy, Ocean INF Jim O’Dell, Crespi, SO .370, 15 SB Top High School Tournaments Planned For 2019 TUCSON, Ariz. — The spring crown a “Southwest championship” Nogales (Nogales, AZ) and Verrado The final championship title high school baseball season is just H.S. Notes team. (Buckeye, AZ). game will be announced later. around the corner, and that means The event is scheduled to start For more information about the The Northern Division games will a number of tournaments will be High schools participating in March 13 at host schools Corona tournament, visit www.borasclassic. be played at McAuliffe Memorial hosted throughout the country. the 2019 Classic are A.C. Flora, del Sol (Tempe, AZ) and Arcadia com Ballparks in Sacramento. These are great spots to see some Bishop England, Boiling Springs, (Phoenix, AZ). The Boras Baseball Classic in The Southern Division games of the country’s top high school Blythewood, Chapin, Riverside, This year’s teams are Corona del California is one of the largest are played at JSerra Catholic H.S. baseball programs play. Summerville and Georgetown. Sol, Arcadia, Basic (Henderson, tournaments in the country as (San Juan Capistrano, CA) and One of the first tournaments For information about the NV), Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, 32 California high school teams Mater Dei H.S. (Santa Ana, CA). to be hosted is the 27th Annual tournament and ticket information, NV), Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ), divided into Northern and Southern For more information about International Paper Baseball Classic visit www.ipclassic.com, Facebook: Cottonwood (Salt Lake City, divisions battle it out. the teams participating, ticket which will begin February 28 and IP Classic or Twitter: @IPClassic. UT), Hamilton (Chandler, AZ), The winners of the two information and other information, continue through March 3. For the third year, the Boras Horizon (Scottsdale, AZ), Legend divisions play for a de-facto State visit www.borasclassic.com The event takes place at Foundation will host the Boras (Parker, CO), Liberty (Peoria, AZ), Championship. Mike Johnson in Baseball Classic of . Mesquite (Gilbert, AZ), Mountain This year the Southern Division If you have an upcoming Georgetown, S.C. and kicks off The 16-team tournament Pointe (Phoenix, AZ), Mountain is scheduled to start on March 26 high school tournament, please the high school baseball season for features high schools from Arizona, Ridge (Glendale, AZ), Mountain while the Northern Division will send information to: Lou@ South Carolina. Colorado, Utah and Nevada to Vista (Highlands Ranch, CO), begin playing on April 15. baseballnews.com Page 12 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Situational Hitting Drills Can Work Magic In Games By JACK DUNN on an outfield hit. ground. b. Short outfield Special To Collegiate Baseball 1. Philosophy – No outs = no E. Runner on third base advances 4. Considerations chances, one out = 50/50 chance on ground ball with a runner on first a. Runner gets hung up and PORTLAND, Ore. — An – go for it!. base to: hitter advances excellent way to develop a team’s 2. Factors – throwing 1. Score a run if the defense b. Two runners on one base. base running skills, team defense, ability, playing field conditions goes for the double play and fails. c. Defense by 3B and hitting strategy, under near (wet?), depth of outfielders, how 2. Prevent a double play by Hit and Run Drill: game like conditions, is through the hard the ball is hit, outfielder is forcing the defense to play on the A. Runner on 1B only use of situation hitting drills. going away from third base. runner attempting to score from 1. SS/2B only infielders – Don’t Situation hitting drills are F. Hitters at home plate, each third base. evacuate. designed to: bats one at a time. 3. Get hung up! If the runner 2. Outfielders. A. Emphasize base running After hitting a fair ball, the hitter from third base is obviously out, he 3. Catchers throw to 2B. mechanics and strategy. reacts to the play, as do the base should get in a rundown to allow the 4. Hitter makes contact on B. Emphasize team defense. runners, as they would in an actual runner from first base to advance to ground. (i.e. alignments, cut-offs, relays, game situation. third base. 5. Occasional pitch out keeps pitchers backing up the correct G. To allow the maximum Hitter – Areas of concentration middle infielders honest. base, etc.). offensive and defensive for hitter and coach. 6. Runners “look in.” C. Build offensive strategy by opportunities, use one of the A. Initial step out of batter’s box B. Runners on 1B and 2B having the hitter execute whatever pitching machines or have a coach – Always with rear foot and directly 1. Complete infield play the coach wishes to employ. throw batting practice. toward first base. 2. Middle infielders and third JACK DUNN D. Build the running game H. After a pre-determined B. Crossing first base – “Nod baseman cover bases correctly by having the base runners run Before using any of the situation number of outs, plays or time, the base”…step on first base and – don’t evacuate. the bases correctly, according hitting drills, it is advisable that the switch your offensive and defensive simultaneously bend at the waist. 3. Catchers: to the situation and to be able to base running, defensive and hitting players. This is comparable to a sprinter in a. Throw to third…inside/ implement whatever strategy the skills and strategies necessary I. Place base runners on the track “breaking the tape.” It may outside pitch. coach wishes to employ. for a particular drill be taught in base you choose to create the get you a safe call on a close play b. Throw out trail runner. E. Teach the defensive players advance. situations you wish to practice. at first base. 4. Running counts… 3-1, 3-2, to communicate with each other Teaching in advance maximizes J. Use first and third base C. Breakdown – After crossing 2-1, 2-0, Swing Miss. (i.e. pop flies, alignments, cut-offs, the effectiveness of the drill. coaches to help with base running first base, breakdown…that is C. Runner on 2B only/2 outs relays, etc.). fundamentals and strategy as change from stride steps (speed) 1. M i d d l e i n f i e l d e r s / 3 F. Teach the players, both Procedure: players increase their knowledge; to chop steps (lateral control). A. Put a defensive team in the outfielder offensively and defensively, Eliminate the base coaches, thus This allows for a quick change of field. 2. Runners must score to respond to game situations forcing base runners to rely upon direction if ball is overthrown at B. Outfielders in each position. 3. Hitter advances to second to automatically. their own knowledge. first base. C. Infielders in their positions. force cut-off G. Teach the team’s signal K. All plays and/or situations D. Look Right – After crossing D. Catchers in full gear (optional, 4. Hitter gets hung up if system, both offensively and must be played to their first base and bringing body under drill can be run without catchers). necessary with 2 outs defensively. completion. control (chop steps), “Look Right” E. Pitchers work from behind D. Runners on 1B and 3B H. Teach team offense and team L. Regardless of how far the base to see if ball has been overthrown… the batting practice pitcher or (shoot the hole) defense under simulated game runners or batter advance during player is able to react quicker by pitching machine (one at a time) 1. No 2B on LF pressure. the drill, each must return to next seeing for himself the location of and backup the appropriate base. 2. Runner on 1B goes to 3B on station when drill is completed. the ball. Other pitchers form a single line in all hits M. Coaches should stop play E. Rounding first base – On a foul territory between home plate 3. Runner on 3B reacts to ball Trevor Hoffman whenever appropriate to make clean hit to the outfield to a point and first base. a. Goes on ground necessary corrections. . approximately 10-12 feet in front Will Be Honored 1. Middle infielders (SS & 2B) b. Tags on fly. of first base and half way between TUCSON, Ariz. – The University play at medium depth (halfway Drills: E. Runners on 1B and 3B the first base line and first base of Arizona will honor Trevor between deep position and the Runners on First and Third (signs) coaching box…touch the inside of Hoffman this season for his recent baseline) first baseman and the third Bases: 1. Complete team infield first base. induction into the Baseball Hall baseman play even with base. This is the best of the Situation 2. Give signs Make the ball stop you! Turn of Fame. 2. Hard Hit Ball – Go for double Hitting Drills. It will create base a. Hit run first base aggressively. Hoffman’s jersey will officially play via second base. running and defensive situations b. Squeeze Variations: be retired when the Wildcats host 3. Slow Hit Ball –Throw runner that occur the most often during a (1) Safety A. Runner on second base UMass-Lowell on Opening Day at out at home plate. game, while also providing excellent (2) Suicide Hi Corbett Field on Feb. 15. batting practice opportunities under only. c. Double Steals Hoffman will be on hand for the Base Running Base: game conditions. 1. Primary and Secondary d. Steal A. Drill begins with base runners jersey retirement and will take part Procedure – this drill is run as Lead. e. Slap Bunt at first and third bases and a hitter in a pregame celebration, while one out situation. 2. Ground Balls… F. Runners on 2B and 3B at home plate. throwing out the first pitch. A. Defense: Infield Position- Advance if: 1. Complete team B. If possible, there should be In addition, the first 2,500 fans ing a. Ball is hit behind you to SS 2. RBI Drill extra base runners (waiting in foul in attendance will receive a Trevor 1. Double-Play Depth – Play left – Get hung up if you make a 3. Double suicide territory) at both first and third Hoffman bobble head. the infield deep and attempt to mistake to allow hitter advance. 4. Proper base running bases. This will speed-up the drill. The bobble head will feature complete the double play thus b. Topped or slow roller to 3B C. Regardless of how far they Hoffman in his No. 15 Arizona preventing the run from scoring. c. Slow roller to SS in baseline may have advanced during the Vanderhook Signs jersey. 2. Play the infield in double play d. 3B in hole course of the play, each player Hoffman was inducted into the depth during most of the drill. e. SS in hole…advance throw 5-Year Extension must return to the next station (i.e. Baseball Hall of Fame in July after B. Half-Way Position: f. 3B back hands ball…advance FULLERTON, Calif. — Cal runner on first base becomes runner an 18-year career as a dominant 1. Routine Fly Ball to Left Field on throw. State Fullerton baseball Head at third base, runner at third base relief pitcher, mostly for the San with runner on third base and a play 3. Fly Ball Coach Rick Vanderhook has been goes to hitting station, and hitter Diego Padres. Hoffman totaled 601 at home plate, tag up and break a. No out / One out strategy signed to a five-year extension becomes runner at first base). saves in his career and was a seven- for second base when outfielder b. Two considerations through the 2024 season. D. Runner at First Base – Areas time All-Star. releases the ball. (Read White! That (1) Tag up: No outs The Titans have had great success of emphasis and concentration for He played for Arizona in 1988 is, see the ball leave the outfielder’s (2) Hang out: One out under Vanderhook, going 271-152 both runner and coach. and 1989 as a shortstop before hand before advancing.) c. Reaction while winning 30-plus games in 1. Primary and Secondary transitioning to the mound as a 2. Tag up and be ready to advance (1) Hang out. each of his seven seasons. Leads. professional. on all foul fly balls! (2) All shallow fly balls in front Fullerton has made the postseason 2. Read the ball off the bat He hit .371 as a junior in 1988 Runner at Third Base – Areas of outfielders. every year with Vanderhook as the – watch the ball from the pitcher’s with 11 doubles and 45 RBI. In of concentration for both runner (3) If in doubt with one out. head coach while going to four hand (pitching machine) to the 1989, Hoffman hit .284 with 13 and coach. (4) Want run super regionals and making it to the Impact Zone. doubles, six home runs and 38 RBI A. Proper lead off and return to d. Tag up. College World Series twice. a. Line Drive – runner freezes! and was named First-Team All-Pac- third base. (1) All routine fly balls…fake a In his seven seasons, Vanderhook b. Ground Ball – runner goes! 10 South, along with future major 1. Lead off as far as the third break. has been named Big West 3. As far as you know, you can league players and coaches Scott baseman plays from the base. (2) If in doubt with no outs. Conference Coach of The Year get back safely. Erickson, J.T. Snow, Kevin Long 2. Down in foul territory, back (3) Want runner on 3B with one five times. This is the rule for all fly balls… and Alan Zinter. in fair. out Vanderhook has been at the shallow or deep…on a deep fly ball The former shortstop will B. Read the ball off the bat! e. Hitter helm of the program since 2012 if the runner passes second base become the second former Wildcat – Watch the ball from the pitcher’s (1) No outs…ground ball to right but has been an integral part of the and the ball is caught “Be sure to to officially have his jersey retired, hand to the impact zone and be side Titans for many years, serving as retouch second base” on return to joining . ready to react! (2) No outs… push bunt. an assistant coach for 21 seasons, first base…if in doubt play all fly Francona met the criteria by C. Anticipate! f. Run drill with no outs then including being part of the 1995 balls as if they are fair. winning the Golden Spikes Award 1. High pitch = fly ball one out. and 2004 national championship 4. On a ground ball that is hit in 1980. Hoffman became eligible 2. Low pitch = ground ball. B. Runner on 3B only teams. in the baseline between first and by being inducted into the Hall of D. Runner does one of two things 1. Review While Fullerton has made two second base. Fame last summer. when ball is hit…and nothing a. Proper Lead College World Series appearances “Never allow the second baseman Hoffman’s jersey will join else! (1) Windup under Vanderhook, the 2018 to tag you out and throw to first Francona’s in right field on Opening 1. Tags up – any ball hit in the (2) Stretch journey to the Fullerton Super base for an easy double play!” Get Day. air. b. Two Reactions: Tag or Go Regional might have been the most hung up! Arizona will also recognize a. Tag with left foot on all fair 2. R.B.I. Contest impressive coaching display in his This is your best chance to avoid Hoffman on March 5 versus fly balls. a. Infield back-read SS/2B tenure. the double play and allow the Michigan State when there will b. Tag with right foot on foul fly b. Infield In-make contact After starting 1-7 the Titans runner on third base to score. be a Trevor Hoffman trading card balls down left field line 3. Winning run rallied to win 13 of their final 16 E. Advancing first to third base giveaway. 2. Go – Any ball hit on the a. Infield in games to win the Big West title. Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 13 Gunslinger Move Can Drop Runner In His Tracks By PATRICK PINKMAN the throw was made. make this move what it needs to be reasons I stated earlier. Pitching Coach/Seton Hall Once a pitcher picks to first base which is a weapon. How athletic do you need to be with a set up move, more attention Coming to a set position kills in order to play first base at the STERLING, Va. — Anyone who is paid to him, especially if a pitcher speed in this move, and the pitcher youth level? knows me knows that I love playing has a reputation for having a great will have to raise the arm in order to If you can catch, you’re hired. So shortstop, never mind the minor move. I never went over to first get more power on the throw. when teaching this move, I spend obstacle that I am left-handed. base in order to set up my good This throw has to be made a lot of time on foot work getting Growing up, all I wanted to do move. Before the game started, quickly and from the side as you the pitcher comfortable with the was be Cal Ripken Jr. the entire team likely knew I had a sling it. throw. It was my destiny to play shortstop good pickoff move, and that’s what Earlier I touched on my love of A 6-foot-7 LHP whose arms for the . scouting reports are for. playing shortstop and how I felt have a wingspan of 7-foot-4 might So naturally any chance I got, If I picked with a set up move, it affected my athleticism. This not be able to execute this move in I played shortstop during batting everybody in the ball park would is something I feel very strongly the manner you want it. practice, scrimmages, etc. know it was my “B” move and about. That’s OK. He can have it as an Every time, my high school would be waiting for my good I was surprised through my alternate move. But he will have coach, and especially my college move. career that I shocked coaches with to work on the throw a significant coach, would say, “Get in the So why do it? I wanted to pick my ability to field a bunt and make amount. outfield before you get yourself off runners. Period! an accurate throw to first base or Don’t just teach this move or hurt. You’re a pitcher.” Using the Gunslinger Move was was able to field a comebacker the Angle Move, for that matter, to Then I would simply inform my way of setting the tone of the and make a good throw to the base a player and expect him to be able them that I was indeed the greatest running game that day. without launching the ball into to perform it when you snap your lefthanded shortstop this, or any Go ahead, step too far off the the cow pastures (Virginia Tech fingers. It doesn’t work that way. PATRICK PINKMAN other world, has ever seen. bag. You feelin’ lucky today? reference). I remember specific instances I loved fielding ground balls, does. A base runner picked off with the All of you know what I am where I took off time and had not going deep into the 5-6 hole laying I personally think that stunts a Gunslinger Move early in the game talking about. What is the first practiced and turned singles into out for the ball and then popping to lefty’s ability to learn the whole establishes control of the running thing the entire team says when the triples. Practice the moves and my knees and whirling a strike to game and his throwing motion. game, gives your team an early pitcher fields a comebacker? “Step work on the throws. When you pigeon hole a lefty to the second baseman. added bounce and sets runners up and throw!!!” Mechanics Of Step Off Move Or catching a back hand top- first base, the hardest throw they for the Angle Move. I’m sure you have seen the will likely make is usually a ground You have to be faster than the spinner with teeth and giving the If your move is good enough, handful of pitchers who have so base runner. second baseman a glove flip worthy ball to the third basemen which is it won’t need a set up move. You little confidence in their ability to almost always a lazy windmill type That in a nutshell is the secret to of head nod from the pitcher. will pick the runner off right out make an accurate throw to first base a great Gunslinger Move. Notice I That being said, I developed a throw that has no explosiveness and of the gate. that they run the ball 70 percent of requires no athleticism. didn’t say good. knack for making quick throws, A true measure of a great pickoff the way there and then throw the As with the Angle Move, you turning double plays and making If it’s not first base, then it’s to move is still being able to pick off ball underhand. Then that same the outfield where a long arm action cannot have an average Gunslinger a quick catch and throw as a cutoff runners even when they know you pitcher steps right back on the Move. man. is promoted and again throws are have one. mound and paints the outside corner few and far between aside from the The quicker you get the ball to I actually did enough of this Common Mistakes for strike one. first base, the better, even if it’s foolery to warrant a career total of can of corn thrown to each other in It is almost as prevalent as when between innings. Instead of pictures with this ugly. three innings played at shortstop article, please visit: www.youtube. a ball is hit to the first baseman, However, accuracy needs to be and a perfect 1.000 fielding The Gunslinger pickoff move and the entire dugout, in harmonic is about three things…quick com/user/PinkmanBaseball/ put at a premium. If you can’t put percentage…one attempt, one put videos. unison shouts, “Get over there” to the ball within a foot of the first out. foot work, quick arm action and remind the pitcher to cover first attitude! As with the Angle Move, there basemen’s mitt, the chances of you I give you this little piece of are a few things that LHPs do while base. I sensed a mode of thinking getting the runner out are slim. background because I believe it was Attitude executing the Gunslinger Move that that I’m sure a lot of you witness You may effectively shorten the one of the integral parts in providing The majority of base runners won’t necessarily tip off the move still today. runners lead and prevent him from me the arm action to perform the picked off by a bad pickoff move but simply make it ineffective. Some pitchers are just not that stealing, but as earlier stated, I want step off move, or as I like to call it, are bad base runners. Two of the most common athletic, and I think lefties, fairly that guy off the base as soon the Gunslinger Move. You never see a good base runner mistakes that I see LHPs committing or not, fall into this category for the It is my opinion that one of the get picked by a bad move. are: 1. They stop. 2. They don’t main reasons southpaws usually When I say a bad move, I sling it. don’t throw as hard as righthanders am referring to the dreaded “B You may see one of these Recruiting Checklist Has is because of the positions they play move.” mistakes at a time, but often one when they are not pitching. Think about it. Would you ever causes the other. Important Areas To Cover To my knowledge, there is no throw your “B” fastball? Your C+ Whenever a pitcher is making By TOM KOVIC In preparation for the college genetic predisposition as to why a slider? I didn’t think so. a throw, whether it be a pickoff, a Special To Collegiate Baseball recruiting interview, dress casually, righthander is able to throw harder When I picked to first, I never pitch, or a throw from the field, they but look sharp. Avoid wearing than a lefty. But growing up, even wanted an opposing coach to ever never stop. CHADDS FORD, Pa. — There jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. at the youngest ages, southpaws are say, “Watch for his good move.” There is always a fluid and is a laundry list of tasks on the I encourage prospects to be the condemned to first base because the But that’s what I heard every time continual motion. This is essential college recruiting checklist that first to greet coach with a confident volunteer little league coach knows another lefty was pitching. when executing the Gunslinger requires attention. and firm handshake. Thank the there are no lefty catchers, second He would lift up his leg and Move. College recruiting interviews are coach for making time for you or third basemen, or in lazily step to the base and the base If you ask a LHP to perform a vital for two reasons. and your family to meet and then the big leagues. So that’s what he runner would be on the bag before gunslinger type of a throw from the Firstly, as a means of creating a introduce your mom and dad. set position, standing still, it will be stronger interpersonal connection This exhibits self-reliance and significantly harder to get velocity between prospect and coach. confidence, and it also demonstrates UW’s Meggs Signs Extension on the throw, and accuracy will be Second, as an opportunity for respect. , Wash. — Lindsay momentous years in the program’s affected as well. both sides to size each other up. Meggs has signed a two-year 118-year history. I have worked with 13-year-olds, This article offers three critical contract extension that will keep Under his leadership, the Huskies high school and college seniors tips to maximizing college recruiting Rutledge Hits him as Washington’s head baseball overcame numerous injuries and and some minor leaguers. Not interviews with college coaches. coach through the 2025 season. setbacks to come within three outs one of them had the arm strength College recruiting is a journey 100 MPH Twice In 2018, Meggs guided the of winning the Pac-12 regular necessary make a throw from a and, in many cases, one that HENDERSON, Nev. — In one Huskies to one of the most season title. static position that could beat the will ultimately provide a college of the most anticipated early games UW would finish 35-26 and third runner. destination that matches well with of the season, San Jacinto Junior New England in the Pac-12 at 20-10. Let me make that clear. They the prospect. College (TX) beat Central Arizona, The 20 wins in Conference can make the throw to first, but not Consequently, maintaining a 6-5 in the Manny Guerra Memorial Will Be Loaded action were the most by a Husky at the velocity needed to pick off hands-on and self-guided approach Tournament. HENNIKER, N.H. — Four team since 1994 and tied a school the runner. each step of the way will serve you RHP Jackson Rutledge of San exceptional players are expected record. Using a step off and hold from the best in building momentum and Jacinto, a 6-foot-8, 250-pounder to lead New England College this The team earned its third NCAA set position can be a very effective cultivating strong relationships who is expected to be picked in the season. Regional bid over the last five tool in holding base runners. It with college coaches. first two rounds of the MLB Draft, The Pilgrims, which posted a seasons and Meggs would navigate can also aid in preventing a runner Prospects that have the sat at 96-98 mph with his fastball 26-15 record last season and return the Huskies to the their first-ever from stealing on a pitcher’s first opportunity to interview face to and hit 100 twice in the first inning, eight position player starters and Super Regional, followed by the movement. face with college coaches will according to Gator Head Coach five quality pitchers, will be led team’s inaugural College World Frequently when the pitcher soon realize the significance in this Tom Arrington. by: Series appearance. does not turn the hips and shoulders milestone. Also, they will dedicate “Jackson threw five complete  LHP/LF Nick Powers (8-0, 2 “Coach Meggs has done an enough, he will resort back to a themselves to prepare best for the innings, struck out 9, allowed two SV, 0.99 ERA, 64 K, 27 BB). outstanding job with our baseball more overhand throw thinking meeting. hits and didn’t walk anybody,” said  RHP Shayne Audet (6-3, 2.38 program both on and off the field this will add velocity. It may add My suggestion is to maintain Arrington. ERA, 85 K, 36 BB). and has built Washington into a velocity, but not enough to beat a simple yet highly organized “His command was extremely  RF Evan Delaney (.328, 5 national contender,” said Cohen. the runner! approach to your interviews and get good as he pitched to both halves HR, 6 2B, 29 RBI, 28 SB). “I am thrilled to extend his The time taken to lift the arm the best bang for your buck. of the plate. He threw two and four-  3B Xavier Nunez (.403, 4 contract and look forward to seeing delays the throw, and the runner They say you don’t get a second seam fastballs, a plus slider, curve HR, 13 2B, 43 RBI). where he takes the program after will slide into first base safely. chance at a first impression. and changeup.” "We have lots of depth on the last year’s historic run to Omaha.” This is where the athleticism of Your conduct during the college Central Arizona LHP Lucas mound and in the field," said Head Meggs was instrumental in the pitcher can greatly affect his recruiting process is no exception Knowles, another high profile Coach Chris Shank. getting built and ability to perform this move. to this rule. The manner in which prospect, didn’t allow an earned "We expect to compete on the since moving into their new home Simply put, not every LHP can you present yourself to a coach will run as he struck out seven over 4 national level." five years ago, Washington has the achieve the necessary speed to be well-remembered. 2/3 innings with three walks. Page 14 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Senseless Injuries Accidents Always Waiting To Happen If You Let Them In Baseball (Editor’s Note: This is a very important story by the late John Herbold that everyone in baseball should read to prevent unnecessary injuries.)

By JOHN HERBOLD Former Head Coach/Cal. St. Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — An old-time baseball man once told me: “Son, there is no such thing as a baseball accident.” Like pilot error being the cause of most airplane crashes, perhaps the same can be said for baseball mishaps. And if you think that the purpose of this article is to scare you players and coaches silly, you’re right! We could entitle this piece, “Accidents We Have Seen or Heard of and Don’t Wish To Repeat,” because it’s definitely not Bed Time Tales. Rather, we need to attach the following reader warning: “The ensuing written material contains scenes of violence and may not be suitable for very young children, the squeamish, or the ultra-sensitive. The suggested rating ranges from PG to R and even X.” Case #1 ― have a promising catcher some years back at Twin Falls, Idaho, in the Pioneer League where he had already blasted 18 home runs by August. Destined to someday replace Hall of Fame Yankee receiver Yogi Berra. Scene ― Pre-game batting and fielding practice. Young catcher is helping out, playing first base. Team manager and rookie shortstop are working on double plays with the Danger is always lurking around the corner in game of baseball if you are not careful. fungo batter hitting practice balls between pitches thrown to the BP hitter. Case #4 ― Player in batting practice gets angry at not outfielder and shortstop collide on pop fly. Batter hits high infield pop fly. Catching star forgets hitting well or not getting good BP pitches. Throws bat Lesson ― Teaching good communication between safety rule and drifts out toward second base in attempt and knocks out 13 teeth of teammate. The new 13 are players is never easy nor a guarantee, but Coaches, at least to catch popup. now plastic. be sure you’ve worked on it hard and often. What are your Fungo hitter doesn’t see this, and hits ground ball to Lesson ― Not much we can add here! A thrown bat rules on pop flies? rookie shortstop who flips to manager covering second is a projectile. A. CF is “boss” of the outfield. B. Any outfielder is base, who then relays ball to first base without looking Case #5 ― Pitching machine going all right, but “boss” over any infielder. C. The SS is the “boss” of the ― as is routine ― except ball never gets there, hitting dissatisfied player decides to change dials to make curve infield. unsuspecting rookie receiver right above the heart! give a little bigger break, but actually he ends up reversing D. Catcher should give way to any infielder’s call and Former teammate Lou Vitous: “He just fell over, curve from breaking away to breaking in! not go out much past dirt circle end in front of plate. E. On gurgled, and then died. He’d been dead 20 minutes by the Machine is not tested as batter steps in to hit next pitch. balls between catcher and another infielder, pitcher should time the ambulance got there.” Batter anticipates ball “away,” but rather ball sweeps “in” “call” for one, and then “tackle” the other, keeping him Lesson ― Coaches, instruct your players if they are and strikes young collegian in face, breaks jaw, damages from colliding with the player attempting . working on fielding practice during BP to be sure the fungo teeth. Hospital stay: three days. Then practice, practice, practice communication so that hitter only hits between pitches; that there are adequate Lesson #1 ― Leave the damn dials alone once they’re your practices are like games, your games like practices. protective screens; and fielders are instructed never to play set right! Connie Mack once chastised a young outfielder for not the batted balls, just the fungos. Lesson #2 ― If you must change dials, get the batter calling for a fly ball. Remember: Physicians tell us that even a tennis ball to to step far back; be sure he is watching; and then “test” “I DID call for it,”replied the fly chaser. the heart at just the wrong time can cause almost instant several trial pitches first. “Well,” retorted Mack, “I didn’t hear you here in the death! Case #6 ― Players in cage are “horsing around” with dugout!” Speaking of Louie Vitous, his potential, promising machine. Pitched ball bounces and hits batter in testicles. Case #10 ― Player is third baseman, chewing tobacco. career with the Yankees was ruined when he broke his Batter will now never have children of his own! Line drive hits his glove, ricochets off glove, hits player leg while sliding for a newspaper photographer before Lesson ― Coaches, for goodness sake, supervise that in face. a game! area. That pitching machine is not a toy! Crackdown on Third sacker falls to the ground. Mouth and airway Case #2 ― Promising player starts slide into second cage safety ― post your regulations. Caution does no obstructed as he “swallows” his tobacco. In a state of base, sees errant throw, tries to stop slide and stand up, harm. convulsion, he flops around on the ground while I sprint snaps ankle. Never the same player again. Only “feeder” and “hitter” in the cage at one time, for telephone and paramedics. Lesson #1 ― He or she who changes his or her mind both wearing helmets. Adult coaches supervising in the Catcher tries to pry injured player’s mouth open with in the middle of a slide, often trades a good leg for a immediate area. can opener. Catcher gets bitten on his arm and damages broken one. Case #7 — Coach supervising BP in cage with machine. teeth of injured player. Lesson #2 ― Coaches at third base, if one of your Because he’s also the high school AD, he departs to Fire department arrives in time and takes over. charges starts down and then all of a sudden you see the interview prospective football assistant, leaving two of Lesson ― Take a CPR course. Tilt the head back to slide is going to be unnecessary, say nothing! If he starts his baseball players alone to hit. clear obstructions. Good first-aid kits contain a wooden down, let him go down! Batter hits simple foul ball, which strikes ground, oral screw to pry mouth open safely. And the same goes for the players in the dugout or on rebounds, and merely glances off batter’s leg. Know where accessible phones are, nearest hospital the field. You may all think you’re helping the team by Batter drops to the ground apparently unhurt, then dies and 911. Keep calm (also another good case for avoiding yelling, “Stand up, Joe!” But, you’re probably working later. chewing tobacco). more toward a serious injury. Cause of death: previous heart murmur. Case #11 ― Player is wearing “unbreakable glasses.” Case #3 ― Semi-pro Manager Joe Handon is pitching Lesson ― Coaches, if you leave that cage area Ball breaks unbreakable, putting small glass particles in BP. I’m standing behind him but off to the side so ball unsupervised, you are also leaving yourself wide open player’s eye. doesn’t “come out” of my shirt. for a lawsuit! Well meaning “sidewalk paramedic” advises: “Washing Art Moyer is hitting. Fouls off pitch. Fouls off Sure the kids want to hit; and you want to be a “good out his eyes with water.” another. guy” and encourage them when they plead: “Hey, Coach, Instead, I ask player, later a major leaguer and now a On-deck hitter picks up first foul and throws it toward can we set up the machine and you open the cage so that top scout, “Who’s your eye doctor and where?” Handon. Unfortunately, Moyer the batter, does the same we can hit some balls for an hour?” I take him there. Using ultra-violet light and dust, nurse with Ball #2 almost simultaneously. Well, they’re your kids. But further, it can also be your and physician slowly, methodically pick out now-visible I turn around to see Handon lying on the ground job! Just see how the world rewards you for being a “good glass particles. apparently laughing and flopping up and down. Why is guy” when you get in court. “Doc,” I ask, “should I have washed his eye out?” he laughing? He isn’t! Keep that cage locked up when not in use…and keep “No, you did the right thing, Coach, except you should Blood is gushing from his mouth…his teeth are cracked the machine in a secured storage area. have covered his eye with some light bandage.” or broken. Hurriedly I place my jacket under his head and Make sure those electric cords are properly grounded Case #12 ― Catcher in bullpen not wearing mask. sprint for the telephone. and tested. Pitched ball bounces up and strikes him in the throat. Ambulance arrives some time later. Handon is taken Lastly, safety lessons are a good idea too. Player goes into severe convulsions. away to the hospital. Case #8 ― Young bat boy hit in head by careless on- Luckily, Dave “Doc” Brown, MD, a former college The jacket is covered with blood. I don’t see Handon deck hitter. pitcher out of Florida, is watching game. Administers first again for weeks. Lesson ― All personnel on the field, especially in and aid, calms player, parents, teammates, coaches and other He recovers but never plays again. near the batting circle, must be instructed on the dangers onlookers until ambulance arrives. Lesson ― When there are two or more balls out, never of hard-hit foul balls and batter taking practice swing or Lesson ― Catchers must wear masks at all times in the throw one to someone! Roll it! losing control of the bat while hitting. Bat boys and bat bullpen and when taking infield. Just as you go to toss the ball, someone else may be girls must be especially warned. One local JC lost three catchers in one week to similar doing the same thing from another angle. Case #9 ― Two college outfielders run together. One injuries. Coaches, you will have to enforce this constantly. It’s hard to catch two balls at once, unless you mean killed when bones of his skull are driven into his brain. Like getting drivers to wear their seat belts. Often they “catching them in the mouth!” Or pro outfielder inadvertently kills his best friend when don’t do it until it’s too late. Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball Page 15 Page 16 Collegiate Baseball Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 Collegiate Baseball A Valuable Coaching Resource For 61 years, Collegiate Baseball has offered baseball coaches at all levels valuable coaching knowledge from top coaches in the game, new product and technology information, discussions on news items that affect you as a coach and more. This is in addition to our national polls and in-depth human interest stories about coaches and players. Collegiate Baseball is the ONLY place you will find national coverage of NCAA Div. I, Div. 2, Div. 3, NAIA, junior colleges and high schools in one publication from pre-season to post- season championships. Get ALL 14 informative issues each year by subscribing today!

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