MAB MONTHLY February 2014 FREE

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MAB ONLINE MAGAZINE MAB Staff

I need to get a new com- Rich Sapper Staff Writer puter...and a new car, but that’s Broadcaster/ Host another story. This issue was Sales Layout & Design completed before the end of Bob Potosky January with the exception of Broadcaster/ Host Staff Writer one article. The article was not what held us up though, it was Andy Wielgus Broadcaster/Host technology. Staff Writer

JT Hoyo Broadcaster/Host The computer that we use to Staff Writer produce the magazine crashed Sales and this issue had to be rebuilt. Brandon Vickery Broadcaster Some of what we had was lost to the ages. Other portions were Trisha Madura able to be saved and that is what Staff Writer Sales you see here! Thanks for your Broadcaster patience, we hope you enjoy this issue anyway! Brett Hill Staff Writer Sales Contact Information Broadcaster

Phone: 219-973-7990

Website: www.midamericabroadcasting.com

Also find us on Facebook and Twitter MAB MONTHLY Page 4 Inside this issue: Athletes of the Month 6

2014 MAB IHSAA Girls Tournament Preview 8 IHSAA Announces Girls Sectional Draw 14 MAB Staff Girls Sectional Picks 18

Pro Football Hall of Fame Announces 2014 Class 22

Win Number One Fifty 26 Indiana Pacers/Fever Sponsor IHSAA Basketball Tournaments 30 Soft Toss Drill is Fabulous If You Use It Properly! 34 David Kay Joins RailCats 36 Did You Know? 36 January Broadcast Schedule 37

P. 22

P. 26

P. 30

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Daily Specials are as follows: Monday……………….Baked Chicken Tuesday…………………………Tacos Wednesday………….Variety of Pastas Thursday…………………….Sausage Friday……………………………Fish MAB MONTHLY Page 6 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Written and Compiled by Andy Wielgus MAB Staff Writer

Ashley Boy’s and Girl’s Campbell Basketball Bishop Noll Oregon—Davis

Bishop Noll's Boys and Girls Basketball Oregon- Davis Lady Bobcat Senior teams both won the GSSC Tournament. Guard Ashley Campbell went over the The Boys team with a 64-48 victory 1,000 pt. mark and her team is 16- over Lake Station Edison and the Girls 2 and no. 1 in 1A. The Lady Cats have with a 61-32 victory over RF. not loss a regular season game at home since the 2008-09 season.

John Boyd Tye Wilburn Michigan City Lake Central

Lake Central's Tye Wilburn Michigan City Wolves Boys Basket- ball Coach John Boyd won his 200th scored 7 of his 20 points in game over Valpo 52-47. He also has Overtime as the Indians de- won a IHSAA Boys Basketball State feated Valpo 48-47. Title when he was the Head Coach at Gary West Side.

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By Andy Wielgus, MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 9

Coach Minix and the Oregon-Davis Lady Bobcats are expected to make some noise in the tournament this year

1A - Looking at the tournament this year will in the same sectional as OD. I am predict- be an interesting experience. In that, Oregon- ing a 1A semi-state at Crown Point of LCC Davis [16-2} in 1A will be the closest team to vs OD. This year the Bobcats will get to the region, that will have a chance to win it all Terre Haute. LCC was in this semi-state in Terre Haute. Especially with their nemesis last year as well. Canterbury now in 2A. MAB will cover it pillar to post for you on www.sportsjuice.com and Sectional 49 at Kouts - Morgan Township www.midamericabroadcasting.com. led by Trina Coleman will win here. They beat Washington Township. recently They are led by Senior Indiana All-Star Candi- 48-26. date Ashley Campbell. The Lady Bobcats have a talented roster of athletes to help her including Team Records - Morgan Township12-6, Alicia Mcintosh, Haley Collings, Jessica Av- Kouts 12-8, Washington Township 13-5, erone, and Lexi Minix under Head Coach Terry Covenant Christian 12-5, Westville 0-16, Minix. He is a state champion coach in his own Gary 21st Century 3-12 and Michigan City right and he won his 300th game this year. Marquette 4-13.

Teams up North to challenge OD will include Sectional 51 at Triton - Oregon-Davis will 13-2 West Central, 19-0 Attica, 13-5 Lafayette beat Culver and win this one going away. Central Catholic, and 14-3 Culver. Culver plays OD’s only losses are to Benet Academy of MAB MONTHLY Page 10

Illinois and South Bend Washington in the teams have stayed within 20 points of Noll. Texas Roadhouse Classic Championship Game at the Great Western Forum in South Team Records – Hammond Bishop Noll 17- Bend. 2, Whiting 10-6, Hebron 6-10, Bowman Academy 7-11, River Forest 9-12, Lake Sta- Team Records – Oregon-Davis 16-2, Culver tion Edison 11-8, and Boone Grove 2-13 14-3, Argos 10-8, South Central 12-7, Triton 12-6 and Lacrosse 5-11. Sectional 34 at Winamac- I like Winamac ______on their home floor. They have beaten Rens- ______selaer 54-50 and Delphi lost to Rensselaer in 2A – Canterbury 14-3 will be the team to overtime this year 58-56. A very even sec- beat up North. Bishop Noll will get to the tional though. Debbie Bolen’s young Blue Regional, but that will be the end for the jays have played better as of late also. Warriors. Other strong teams up North include Tipton 12-4, Oak Hill 16-3, Wabash 16 Team Records - Winamac 10-6, North -3, Northfield 11-6 and Westview 15-3. A big Judson San Pierre 5-11, Rensselaer 7-13, mega match up could be looming for Canter- Delphi 10-9 and North Newton 3-12. bury vs. Heritage Christian 20-1 in the State ______Finals. Ritter at 16-3 ______maybe the only team in 3A - Kankakee Valley and Griffith will make the way of it. Look for it to the regional and then falter to tougher Fort Wayne Canterbury teams. Look for Garrett 20-0, Concordia 16- to win the Northern 3, and Luers 15-4 to be the favorites. Don’t semi-state by around 20 count out SBSJ who is 13-4 [and they beat points or more. Merrillville by over 20 points], 14-4 Nor- well, and 15-5 Northwood. Benton Central Sectional 33 at Whit- from Oxford is 14-3 and Western is 16-2. ing – Hammond Bishop Any one of these teams in my view will be a Head Coach Vanita Gary Noll is 5-0 this season significant factor up North in 3A. This re- and the Bishop Noll Warri- vs. the teams in this sec- duces the chances of any region team getting ors are a favorite in Sec- tional. None of those to the semi-state. Down South No.1 Prince- tional 33

Email: [email protected] http://www.sportsworxnwin.com/ MAB MONTHLY Page 11 ton is 20-0 and Evansville Mater Dei is 19-1.

Sectional 17 at Griffith- Griffith plays a superior Northwest Crossroads schedule to any of these teams and will win this Sec- tional going away with its defense, experience, and in- tensity.

Team Records - Griffith 8- 10, Gary Lew Wallace 8-7, Hammond Clark 5-13, Hammond High 5-11, Hammond Gavit 6-12, Gary Griffith is considered the favorite in Sectional 17 Lighthouse CPA 6-7 and Valley is the favorite here but Knox only lost Gary Roosevelt 3-10. to KV by 11 this year. The Lady Redskins year in and year out have fared well vs. re- Sectional 18 at Hanover Central - Kankakee gion teams. Without graduated Blayr Poston, MAB MONTHLY Page 12

Hanover is not as strong offensively on their home floor this year. Also, this sectional has two brothers coaching against each other in Hanover’s Doug Nelson and Wheeler’s Dustin Nelson.

Team Records - Kankakee Valley 12-5, Wheeler 8-12, Hanover Central 10-9, New Prairie 3-14, Knox 8-8 and Calumet 3-15. ______4A - Super Strong teams down South will rule 4A again this year. Lawrence North is 20-1, Bedford North Lawrence is 18-1 and Columbus North is 19-2. 18-1 Homestead and 18-1 Penn will battle it out up North. With the dark horses being 18-2 Lake Cen- tral, 15-3 Gary West Side, 15-2 Logansport, 18-3 Mishawaka, 12-6 Merrillville, and 18- 1 LaPorte. 13-5 South Bend Washington has wins over Oregon –Davis and Merrill- ville also. I look for Homestead to defeat Jaclyn Heath is a big reason why the Slicers have a shot Penn in the Semi state up North. at a sectional title this year

Sectional 1 at Lowell – Lake Hoosier Bat Co. Central is 5-0 vs. the teams in “Turning Batters Into Hitters ” the sectional and West Side is th led by 9 grader Dana Evans Our bat is used by many Major and Minor League and they will be the toughest Players, along with College, High School and foe for LC. West Side lost 68- Youth League Players. We have the quality and service players expect. 60 to LC this year. Look for Gina Rubino to lead the way Custom Made for LC to win here with her 3 Let Hoosier Bat Be Your Designated Hitter! Baseball Jewelry point shooting. We have what the players want. Team Records - Lake Central Baseball Bat Stools 18-2, Highland 14-6, Gary Visit Us On Line at: Www.hoosierbat.com West Side 15-3, Lowell 10-7, 1-800-228-3787 (1-800-BAT-ERUP) For our many Gift Shop Items Munster 7-11, East Chicago MAB MONTHLY Page 13

Central 4-14 and Hammond Morton 9-11. America Broadcasting LLC and on Twitter as @mabsports. Sectional 2 at Hobart - Could LaPorte win a boys and girls basketball sectional in the same year? The Boys team just beat Crown Thank You for reading this preview from Point 58-53 and the Girls team is 17-1 and 8- Mid America Broadcasting, LLC. 0 vs. the Sectional Field. Merrillville’s “The heart of amateur sports.” Michigan State Bound Victoria Gaines is the X Factor here. If the Slicers can control her on both ends, they will win here. Look for the Lady Slicers to beat Merrillville with See Page 14 for the their strong guard depth. The Lady Pirates will need a big sectional from AJ Downs, girls basketball {who was out with an injury] to control the guards of LaPorte led by Jaclyn Heath. Mer- sectional draw! rillville is 7-1 vs. the Sectional Field with its only loss being to LaPorte.

Team Records - LaPorte 18-1, Merrillville 12-5, Crown Point 12-6, Valpo 9-10, Portage 10-10, Chesterton 10-10, Hobart 12-8 and Michigan City 4-15. ______Good Luck to all teams in the tournament! Listen to the tournament action on www.midamericabroadcasting.com and www.sportsjuice.com . For Girls basketball team by team previews go to the MAB Monthly Nov. 2013 issue on the website. Also, please join our Facebook page as Mid

Interact with MAB on 19615 Us Highway 12 Facebook at New Buffalo, MI Mid America Broadcasting LLC 269-469-0140 and on www.mocofloorsmore.com Twitter @mabsports for scores, updates, and sports news! MAB MONTHLY Page 14

IHSAA Announces Girls Basketball Sectional Draw

MAB MONTHLY Page 15

Class 4A Class 3A

1. Lowell (7)

Game 1: Hammond Morton vs. East Chicago 17. Griffith (7) Central. Game 1: Lighthouse CPA vs. Griffith. Game 2: Highland vs. Lake Central. Game 2: Hammond Gavit vs. Gary Wallace. Game 3: Munster vs. Gary West Side. Game 3: Hammond Clark vs. Gary Roosevel Game 4: Lowell vs. Winner of Game 1. t.

Game 5: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Ga Game 4: Hammond vs. Winner of Game 1. me 3. Game 5: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Ga Champion- me 3. ship: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game Champion- 5. ship: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5.

2. Hobart (8)

Game 1: Portage vs. Crown Point. 18. Hanover Central (7)

Game 2: Hobart vs. LaPorte. Game 1: Wheeler vs. Knox.

Game 3: Michigan City vs. Chesterton. Game 2: Calumet vs. Andrean. Game 3:Hano ver Central vs.New Prairie. Game 4: Valparaiso vs. Merrillville. Game 4: Kankakee Valley vs.Winner of- Game 5: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Ga Game 1. me 2. Game 5: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Ga Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Ga me 3. me 4. Championship: Winner ofGame 5 vs.Winner ofGame 6. Champion- ship: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game

MAB MONTHLY Page 16

Class 2A

Law Office Of Paul Barenie 33. Whiting (7) (219) 864-0188 Game 1: Hammond Bishop Noll vs. Hebron. 27 W. Joliet Street Game 2: Lake Station Edison vs. Bowman A Schererville, IN cademy.

Game 3: River Forest vs. Whiting. Game 4: Boone Grove vs. Winner of Game 1 See a listing of every . Indiana Boys Game 5: Winner of Game 2 vs. Winner of Ga Basketball All Star me 3. and the Colleges where they Champion- played at www.midamericabroadcasting.com ship: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5.

Class A

49. Kouts (7)

Game 1: Covenant Christian (DeMotte) vs. Washington Township.

Game 2: 21st

Century‐Gary vs. Morgan Township.

Email: [email protected] http://www.sportsworxnwin.com/ MAB MONTHLY Page 17

Game 3: Kouts vs. Westville. Game 4: Mar- Champion- quette Catholic vs. Winner ofGame 1. ship: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4. Game 5: Winner ofGame 2 vs. Winner of- Game 3.

Champion- 51. Triton (6) ship: Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game Game 1: Oregon‐ 5. Davis vs. South Central (Union Mills).

Game 2: LaCrosse vs. Triton. 50. West Central (6) Game 3: Culver Community vs. Winner of G Game 1: South Newton vs. North White. ame 1.

Game 2: Caston vs. Pioneer. Game 4: Argos vs. Winner of Game 2.

Game 3: West Central vs. Winner of Game 1. Champion- ship: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 Game 4: Tri‐County vs. Winner of Game 2.

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MAB Staff Girls Sectional Picks MAB MONTHLY Page 19

JT Hoyo, Andy Wielgus and Rich Sap- Andy Wielgus per take their turn at picking the girls sec- Sectional 1- Lake Central tionals winners as the tournament starts. Sectional 2 - LaPorte Andy and JT were in agreement in each of the sectionals that we picked Sectional 17 - Griffith (1,2,17,18,33,34,49, and 51). Rich went out on a limb and picked a few upsets. To Advertise JT Hoyo Sectional 1- Lake Central on our broadcasts or Sectional 2 - LaPorte in MAB Monthly

Sectional 17 - Griffith Contact Rich Sapper Sectional 18 - Kankakee Valley 219-973-7990 or [email protected]

Sectional 33 - Bishop Noll Bob Potosky Sectional 34 - Winamac [email protected]

Sectional 49- Morgan Twp. Brett Hill Sectional 51- Oregon-Davis [email protected]

JT Hoyo [email protected]

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Sectional 18 - Kankakee Valley ROGER BROCK 219-670-0011 Sectional 33 - Bishop Noll Sectional 34 - Winamac HAMMONDSPORTS.COM

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Sectional 49– Kouts Sectional 51- Oregon-Davis Join the Conversation on our Message Board! Talk about Football, Soc- cer, Baseball, Softball, Track, Cross Country, Vol- leyball, Wrestling, Basket- ball, Boxing, MMA, Auto Racing, & Recruiting. Post scores and get news! MAB MONTHLY Page 21 “You’ve got that Hungry Feelin!” Now Serving Chefs Choice

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Announces 2014 Class

MAB Monthly Staff Report MAB MONTHLY Page 23

The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently announced it’s 2014 class. The class includes four defensive players, two from Clockwise from top right: Punter Ray Guy, Defensive End Claude Humphrey, Linebacker Derrick Brooks and Defensive End Michael the offensive side of the ball and Strahan all are new Hall of Famers the first punter ever selected. Among those selected was former Giants DE Michael Strahan, a seven- AFC Champion teams with the Bills. Seah- time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion waks OT Walter Jones was selected in his who played his whole career in New York. first year of eligibility becoming the third Se- Derrick Brooks, an 11 time pro bowler, who attle player chosen to be enshrined. The 9 also won a Super Bowl as a linebacker for time pro-bowler had his number retired by Tampa Bay in his 14 year career joins him. the Seahawks as well. Staying on the defensive side of the ball, Ae- neas Williams, a DB who played for the Car- dinals and Rams was an eight time pro bowler who appeared in a Super Bowl with St. Louis. Fi- nally, DE Claude Hum- phrey, who split time be- tween the Falcons and Eagles over 14 seasons was selected. The offensive players selected are headlines by WR Andre Reed of the Bills who ended his career with one season in DC. He was a part of four MAB MONTHLY Page 24

From left: DB Aeneas Williams, OT Walter Jones and WR Andre Reed are among this year’s honorees

One notable special teamer was selected to the Hall of Fame when the Senior Andy Wielgus Committee selected former Raiders punter Ray Guy, Michael Strahan, Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy. Guy becomes the first punter ever Tim Brown, Charles Haley, and Marvin Har- enshrined in Canton. rison As the selections were made, some of the MAB staff made their picks of who they Rich Sapper would have chosen for the hall. Ray Guy, Jerome Bettis, Marvin Harrison, Tim Brown, Michael Strahan, and Tony Hank Kilander Dungy. Ray Guy, Morten Anderen, Jerome Bettis, Derrick Brooks and Tim Brown

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Davenport University’s Burt Paddock has his 150th career win.

By, Trisha Madura, MAB Monthly Staff Writer MAB MONTHLY Page 27

It’s the first of February. Davenport University Men’s Basketball faces Madonna at 3pm in DU’s home arena. After a long stretch of defense and hard work from the boys, Davenport fights for the 71-60 win on this snowy Saturday af- ternoon. And overall, this has helped Burt Paddock, head coach for the Panthers, Davenport University Head Basketball Coach Burt Paddock claim his career total of one hundred and fifty wins. court.” “I think the best part is thinking As for the number ten ranked Pan- back to all the great student-athletes, thers, where can Coach Paddock steer the coaches and families that are a part of our team from here? “It’s interesting - many program. I have been incredibly fortunate ask if I feel pressure to keep up the pace to be surrounded by so many quality peo- (winning) that we've set in our first 6 ple,” says Paddock, after an exciting win years. In all honesty I do not. I am not this past week. “In the end, no matter sure anyone can put more pressure on me how many wins or loses we accumulate, it then we (our team, staff and myself) put all comes down to relationships and the on ourselves. We love the challenge of friendships that we forge as we take this putting the greatest product we can on the journey each season. I owe a large debt floor while having the best student- of gratitude to all the players and families athletes possible. We continually strive to that trusted us enough to coach and guide put great people together.” Paddock’s these young men both on and off the confidence will be able to gear the team MAB MONTHLY Page 28

The Davenport University Basketball team who gave Coach Paddock his 150th Win for the WHAC tournament games coming (wins) I think we will just keep doing up shortly. “When you are able to get 15- what we do. We have a system, we re- 17 kids who are all driven and eager to be cruit a certain type of student-athlete and great - special things generally happen. In require them to work as hard as they pos- order to maintain a high level of production sibly can. If we can continue to do this -

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Trinity Lutheran School is state approved to accept vouchers! MAB MONTHLY Page 29 the wins will take care of themselves.” The 21- 5 Panthers will face Concordia this Wednes- day for their final away game for the season. With limited regular season games left, DU men’s basketball will play their final games Saturday, Febru- guess my only wish or hope moving for- ary 15th at 3pm, Wednesday, February 19th ward is that I never have to do anything at 8pm, and Saturday, February 22nd at 3pm else! I am truly living a charmed life.” for their final home games in Grand Rap- ids, Michigan, this season. For the team, the boys will continue to strive for success Interact with MAB on in the ending of their season this year, be- Facebook at Mid America ing led by such a motivational coach. “I Broadcasting LLC am so blessed to have the opportunity to and on work with these young people every day. I Twitter @mabsports

Email: [email protected] http://www.sportsworxnwin.com/ MAB MONTHLY Page 30

Indiana Pacers, Fever to Sponsor IHSAA Basketball State Tournaments

Press Release Provided MAB MONTHLY Page 31

The Indiana High School Athletic Asso- the start of sectionals ciation, Inc. announced an agreement this through the state championship games. evening with the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and The Pacers and Fever are believed to the be the first professional basketball fran- Indiana Fever (WNBA) to become the pre- chises in the country to partner with a state senting sponsors of the IHSAA high school association and its boys and girls basketball state tournaments. The Indianapolis tournaments. Colts have been the presenting The announcement was sponsor of the IHSAA state made this evening prior to the football tournament since Pacers‐Brooklyn Nets game at 2009. Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Fox “The IHSAA is extremely Sports Indiana. pleased to join forces with the The agreement begins Indiana Pacers and the Indiana immediately and continues Fever in the promotion of edu- through the 2016 state tourna- cation‐based athletics in our ments with the Pacers and Fe- state,” said IHSAA Commis‐ ver sponsoring and supporting both high sioner Bobby Cox. “Our partnership with school basketball state tournaments from these two storied franchises bolsters our MAB MONTHLY Page 32 commitment to ensuring that basketball re- mains an iconic mark of our state. I salute the leadership and vision of these two outstanding organizations in making this sponsorship a reality.” “Around the nation, the state of Indi‐ ana is known for many things,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Jim Mor- ris. “Not the least of which is the sight of basketball backboards in driveways, on barns and in playgrounds. Basketball, on all levels, is so important to our state. And the Pacers are very proud to partner with the IHSAA to help make high school basketball as great as it can be.” “Women’s basketball in the state of Indiana is as good as anywhere in the country,” said Fever President/GM Kelly Kraus‐ kopf. “On all levels; the state has produced NCAA titles, WNBA Champions and Olympi- ans. We know that every champion’s career begins with youth sports and we are proud Check out Region Sports Desk’s of our partnership with the IHSAA.” Shows, Highlight Videos and The girls tournament pairings were Recruiting Videos on announced (Feb. 2) at 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT with sectionals beginning Tuesday, Feb. 11. The boys pairings will be released on Sun- day, Feb. 23 with their sectionals opening on Tuesday, March 4.

www.youtube.com/user/ jtjrmoney8 Follow us on Twitter @mabsports MAB MONTHLY Page 33

Now Accepting Mid-Term Transfers and Students for 2014-2015 MAB MONTHLY Page 34 The Soft Toss Drill Is Fabulous If

You Use It Properly!

By: Larry Cicchiello Special to MAB Monthly

The baseball hitting benefits of the soft toss drill are incredible but this drill must be done properly. The soft toss drill is one of the best baseball coaching drills around and please don't ever sell it short. It is a great time saver to break a bad habit, get into a good habit or to simply maintain your baseball swing if you are in a good groove. Let's say you're into baseball coaching and you want to break a bad habit that one of your baseball hitters has suddenly gotten into. It may take about 300 swings for the baseball hitter's muscle memory to take over and break the bad habit. For you to throw this player enough pitches for him to get 300 swings would take a long time. Even if you went to the park every other day and threw 50 pitches a day to the hitter and they were all strikes, it would take a couple of weeks. Now you can see the 4) The soft toss drill only requires a bat, some base- major advantage if you can accomplish the same thing balls, a fence and an optional plastic bucket or two. in only a couple of days. I would much rather have my (One for sitting on and one for holding the baseballs) player struggle for a day or two instead of a week or Here is one of the better baseball tips on hit- two. That's awesome. ting. I know more than one person, including my 17 Remember, you don't have to be in a baseball year old son, who has a setup in the garage with thick hitting slump to practice your baseball swing. It is carpeting fastened to the wall of the garage and that simply one of the outstanding baseball coaching drills acts as a fence. You can then soft toss any time of the and do yourself a favor and make very good use of it. day or night. It can be ten degrees outside or even raining or snowing. You can still get your baseball Some Benefits Of The Soft Toss Drill: swings in. Regulation balls are not necessary and you can use a softer type of ball to practice damage con- 1) It doesn't even require a baseball field or a glove. trol in your garage or even in your back yard if you opt to soft toss there. (And you will remain on good 2) You don't need someone to round up all the balls in terms with your neighbors if a batted ball should go the outfield. over the fence and hit them or their house) If using non regulation baseballs, you will not detract from 3) The person doing the "soft tossing' to the hitter the benefits of the soft toss drill at all, as the swing is doesn't even have to have any baseball skills at all, so the same no matter what type of ball is being used for you can get anybody to "soft toss" to you. Please don't the drill. Many players, coaches and parents use this take this the wrong way but your grandmother can soft drill incorrectly. There are many variations and I've toss to you. I say that with total respect. Follow us on Twitter @mabsports… MAB MONTHLY Page 35 tried lots of them. hips, hands and elbows.)

My Favorite Method: 3) Softly toss the ball to the hitter, so that it has a slight arc up and then down. Aim for his back hip, or 1) You squat down or sit about 12 feet from a hitter a different spot if desired and the hitter hits the ball who is about 8 to 10 feet in front of a high fence. into the fence. Repeat with the remaining baseballs.

2) Be very careful. Make sure to avoid areas of the It's very important that this drill never be fence that have posts or the batted ball may come right rushed. The purpose is to have a good swing re- back at the hitter. Make sure the fence you are hitting peated many times until the hitter can do it in his into is high enough! The person doing the "soft toss- sleep. It is one of the best baseball coaching drills ing" should make sure to be in a very safe position so for getting a hitter to break a bad habit or to develop they don't get hit by the batted ball. a good habit through repetition. Once again, be very cautious of several 3) Your angle to the hitter should be just about like things. Be careful as to where you are when soft he's in the batter's box and you're in foul territory just tossing the ball to the hitter. Make sure there is noth- outside the foul line. In other words, if he's a right- ing in front of the hitter that can possibly have the handed hitter and you were soft tossing to him, imag- batted ball come right back at the hitter, such as a ine that you are positioned along the first base line, post in the fence. Make sure the fence is high slightly in foul territory. Stay very safely out of the enough so the hitter doesn't hit it over the fence, way so there is no chance that you can get hit by the which could be dangerous. batted ball. The amount of time spent to break a bad habit will be at an absolute minimum because you 4) Squat, kneel or sit down with as many baseballs as can soft toss a hundred balls in no time at all! you want to use right next to you. A plastic bucket is very helpful to sit on and and an additional bucket to hold the baseballs is also very useful. Larry Cicchiello is the successful author of “Excellent Baseball: 30 Seconds Away.” He Three Easy Steps Involved: unconditionally guarantees that ANY base-

1) Holding the ball underhanded, show the hitter the ball player, coach or baseball parent who ball. wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Some FREE tips at http:// 2) Drop your hand with the ball in it down toward the www.LarryBaseball.com ground and pause for about one or two full seconds. (At that point, the hitter should "load up," cocking his

Baseball coaching on hitting, pitching, fielding and base running for Little League, High School, College and Professional players. MAB MONTHLY Page 36 David Kay Joins RailCats RailCats Press Release Provided Did you Know?

GARY, Ind. — David Kay through 2012. Hall of Fame QB Johnny joins the Gary SouthShore David graduated from Unitas wanted to go to Notre Dame, but coaches RailCats as Assistant Gen- Hendrix College with a said he was too small eral Manager and Director Bachelor’s degree in Psy- and he went to Lousiville of Tickets for the 2014 sea- chology and a minor in instead. son. 2014 will be David’s Photography. David, the 9th season working in pro- son of USAF parents was Four athletes have won fessional born abroad both summer and winter baseball. in Wies- Olympic medals: Eddie Eagn (boxing/bobsled), He most re- baden, Ger- Jacob Tullin Thams (ski cently served many. He and jumping/8-meter yacht- as Director of his wife, She- ing), Christa Lunding- Tickets for riann, and Rothenburger (speed the Tulsa Drillers Double- daughters, Hayden and skating/cycling) and A Texas League affiliate of Parker, reside in Merrill- Carla Hughes (cycling/ the Colorado Rockies ville, IN. speed skating).

(2013). David knows his Season Tickets, Mini- Ice Hockey made it’s de- way around the ticket of- plans, and Flex ticket but at the 1920 summer fice as having served as packages are on sale now Olympics, the first win- Director of Tickets with for the 2014 season. For ter games was 4 years the Arkansas Travelers more information or to buy later. (2007-2012) and with the tickets call the RailCats at While Spring Training Carolina Mudats (2006). 219.882.2255 and ask to now occurs in Florida David was promoted to As- speak with one of our and Arizona, spring sistant General Manager of ticket specialists or visit training has been held in the Arkansas Travelers in www.railcatsbaseball.com. Cuba, Mexico, California 2008 – a position he held and even in French Lick Indiana, among others. MAB MONTHLY Page 37

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