Coach
@CoachBradley9
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Just A Single!!!!!.WHY has the single become so under-appreciated? ExIt velocity and home runs seem to get all the attention! Show me a player with a knack for stroking a single with 2 outs and runners in scoring position and I will show you a player I want on my team!!.
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Breaking News!!!.NCAA has lifted the DEAD PERIOD!!.In person recruiting begins on June 1!!!!.Here we go!!.
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Becoming more common for players to opt out of high school baseball to train and play with their travel teams! Working with your friends that you go to school with each day and playing for the name on the front of your jersey is still an incredible and lifelong experience!.
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This is awesome! Our Jesper Horsted finding out that he made the Chicago Bears 53 Man Roster!!
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I caught in the Big Leagues for almost 10 years! I believe that I am more than qualified to call pitches at the college level but I choose NOT to!! Would never take that responsibility away from the pitcher/catcher relationship!! More to come about this!!!.
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George Brett was getting ready to play his last game! Asked what he wanted to do in his last AB. He said “I want to hit a routine ground ball to 2nd and bust my ass through first base for an out! I want people to remember that is what I did for my entire career!” .@Royals.
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Body Language!.Can’t stress the importance of having positive, energetic body language! Should be the same whether you are playing well or not! A great way to set proper body language is by RUNNING to and from your position each inning! We Are Watching!!!.
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How many of you also believe that your baseball skills improved because of hours spent with friends using these sophisticated training devices!!
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In my opinion…. This is perfection!!!.
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Looking forward to recruiting in person again! I sincerely hope that I have the opportunity to watch you give up a home run, strike out or make an error!! How you REACT to failure or a tough loss will show me a great deal about your character as well as your baseball mentality!!.
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A line drive base hit to CF is a really good thing no matter what the exit velocity is!! Play the game to make a contribution to your team and not for the metrics!!.
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For hitters, exit velocity off a tee and for pitchers, maximum velocity from pull-downs are useful to see progress but ultimately you have to be able to take your skills into competition. We make our recruiting decisions based on “How you play the game!”.
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Are we now using data and analytics to justify bad performances? If I went 0 for 5 with 2 K’s and 4 LOB and we lost the game, it would not make me feel any better just because I had 2 Quality At Bats and hit one ball with 106 exit velocity!. 0 for 5 is 0 for 5! A loss is a loss!.
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Need to remember that someone is watching you play! I may not be at your game but I am usually a text or phone call away from someone involved in your game! You would be amazed at the information that is shared among the baseball community! Attitude can never take a day off!.
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Today is the day we celebrate all those that have worn .“The Tools Of Ignorance!”.Happy National Catcher’s Day!
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Without a doubt the best video of the year!!!.
This ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️. A kid may not have the perfect swing. A kid may throw weird. A kid may clank the catch. But if that kid is having fun playing the game, he’ll keep playing the game. COACHES/PARENTS: Let our game be just that. a game. A fun game.
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Anyone who has ever put on the gear is part of the club! “Band of Brothers”.We were a little short handed today so I decided to help out with bullpens! I am going to be a little sore tomorrow!! 😳
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Velocity is nothing more than a number! That includes off the mound as well as at the plate! There is much more to being a good player than what can be measured!!.
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MLB teams have 2 or 3 bunt defenses and 2 or 3 pick-offs! High school and college teams have 9 or 10! The fundamentals of this game are hitting, throwing, catching and base running! The more time you spend on those skills, the less you need to worry about trick plays and gadgets!.
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If I have a player too wrapped up in mechanics I bring them to the tennis court! I just toss tennis balls so that they have to move to the ball! Amazing just how many good things happen to the swing when you are athletic, have balance and only think about making solid contact! ⚾️
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So important for young players to remember that the best players at 12 aren’t always the best players at 15! The best players at 15 are not always the best players at 18!.Get to work and make yourself a better player!!.
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We all need to remember that baseball is still a game played by real people! It is not a scientific experiment or mathematics formula!.Very difficult to quantify heart, competitiveness, instincts and much more!! Use the data but don’t become completely dependent on the numbers!.
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Watching recruiting videos today! So many players Over-throwing and Over-swinging!!! We are looking for Easy-velocity and Easy-Bat Speed if that makes sense!!.
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Body Language!!.Catcher’s can never bring bad body language or negative energy to the field!! Brings everyone down!!! Positive energy is a must!!!.
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If a player is not capable of hitting the ball out of the ballpark, why are we teaching them to hit fly balls? At most levels of baseball or softball fly balls are easy outs!Need to help players understand what they need to do in order to have success!!.#knowyourgame #linedrives.
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Texting my 90 year old Mom. I told her that we had some injuries on our pitching staff! Jokingly, I asked her if she could throw a few innings for us! Her reply is priceless!. “Your old mother feels her age more and more but my competitiveness would say”give me the ball”! 😂😂😂.
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Baseball from an offensive standpoint is becoming like golf! Instead of batting coaches who can teach players how to hit in games MLB teams are hiring SWING coaches!! There is a difference! As I have said before “having a great swing does not necessarily make you a great hitter!”.
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September 1, 2021!.We can officially start communication with the 2023 high school grads!!.
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Pitcher Only!.Need to stop using this term! Now! You are still a Ballplayer! Need to be able to hold runners, field your position and throw to bases! Not even 10 AM here and have already seen several mistakes from the mound! Be a complete player!! More to pitching than velocity!.
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NOT picking up the balls from the cage after your swings, is the best way to alienate yourself from your teammates as well as to tick off your coaches! .Just Saying!!! ⚾️⚾️⚾️.
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This recruiting trip is over! Heading home tomorrow!OBSERVATION: the simple skill of being able to throw the baseball does not seem so simple anymore. Hard to find position players with strong, accurate arms. Backspin and carry is critical! Throw more often! Go Have A Catch!.
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Red Flag!.I will be honest when I say that I am a little concerned when a player transfers out of a High School or changes Travel Organizations every year!! There are often legitimate reasons but the Red Flag does go up!!.
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Mice ate holes in our tarp! They went undetected! We had to do some extra work to make the field playable! So you want to be a college baseball coach? 🤦🏼😆
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A childhood friend just sent me this picture of 11 year old Scott Bradley! So thankful that I grew up at a time when Sandlot Baseball ruled the day! No fancy uniforms! No parents! No private lessons! Just figure things out! Baseball morning till night!
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To All Pitchers!!!!.If you can Command the strike zone with more than 1 pitch, Change Speeds, Field your position and throw to bases as well as Control the running game then there will be opportunities to play at some level of college baseball!!!.
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Hoping that the NCAA lifts the Dead Period status and allows us to watch games in person, starting June 1!! Looks promising!! Official decision coming in the next few days!!!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.
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Nothing worse than an umpire looking for a confrontation! Dan Bellino needs to be suspended by MLB!
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Just finished a scrimmage! Reminded our pitchers that the primary objective with each pitch should be to record an OUT! Pitchers far too often look for nothing but called or swinging strikes! Pitchers can’t be afraid of contact. They need to remember just how hard it is to hit!!!.
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Excited to be working on my recruiting schedule for the summer!!.I will remind all of the players once again:. “Someone is always watching!”.
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I understand that I am getting older and I learned baseball in a different time BUT I believe that the best way to evaluate a players performance is simply. Was he able to make a contribution in helping the team win a game?. That contribution could show up in many different ways.
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Recruiting Infielders!!. Efficient Movement. Reaction and First Step Quickness. Proper Rhythm and Game Clock. Accurate Throws With Carry. Ability to Throw From Different Arm Angles. Athleticism To Field and Throw On The Run . Notice no mention of 60 time or raw arm strength!.
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Who remembers the first time wearing metal baseball spikes?? 🙋🏼♂️🙋🏼♂️🙋🏼♂️. I remember the feeling of the spikes in the turf and then the clackity-clack sound when you stepped into the dugout! Also, represented playing on the BIG Field for the first time! #memoriesofthegame.
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2023’s should be e-mailing coaches at the schools they are interested in as well as filling out the online questionnaire! Include a short video link of your skills. Video should be of good quality and relatively short. Different angles are appreciated. This can create interest!!.
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Angels hit 4 SOLO home runs and lost to the Rangers 7-4 last night! Ranger pitchers did not walk anyone! .Pitchers: Don’t be afraid of contact and do your best to limit the damage!.The best pitchers in baseball are not afraid of SOLO home runs!!.
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Recommendation!!.I love for my catchers to work on their footwork and throwing by taking ground balls at 3rd!! Field and throw in rhythm! No extra steps! Also, have them turn double plays from 2nd to work on the transfer! Use your catchers mitt!! Will make you more athletic!!.
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Hopefully NCAA will allow us to get back on the road to recruit after June 1. Until then keep the video links coming!! Should be no more than 5 minutes. Mix of game and practice video is best. Love to see your skills from different angles! Really appreciate video of good quality!.
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2 Strike Hitting is more a more of a mindset change as opposed to a swing change. Might widen my stance a little and trust my hands more! Would also back the throttle down a bit but still wanted hard contact! Less timing to my swing and more reaction!.
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Never left the batting cage in the Big Leagues without pretending there was a runner on second base with 2 outs! Practiced hitting a single to the opposite field. Don Mattingly would say that he just wanted to SERVE the ball over the SS’s head and in front of the LF! Execution!.
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Nothing has changed!!!Hitting is and always be about hitting line-drives! Some just go higher than others!!!.
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In my opinion Field of Dreams game was terrific because we celebrated the game and it’s simplicity! Much of the night was spent reflecting on having a catch with a friend or family member! Baseball does not get more basic than having a glove on one hand and a ball in the other!.
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61 years old and very thankful that I grew up when I did! Lived right next to a school with athletic fields. Had a sandlot situation every day of my life! No private lessons, no select travel teams. We were given the opportunity to figure things out on our own! Was Like Heaven!.
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So you want to be a College Baseball Coach?.So many aspects of the job other than teaching the game! Pre-Game Work! Showing off my dragging skills! 😂
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To anyone who throws BP!.I just completed the ever elusive PERFECT BP session!.4 groups, 4 rounds of 8 swings with ALL strikes!! 😀⚾️.Fortunately nobody mentioned anything and there was no jinx!!
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Good time to remind everyone that the most important pitch you will ever throw is the NEXT one! The most important swing you will ever take is the NEXT one and the most important defensive play you will make is the NEXT one!.
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Amazing how often players tell me that they don’t want to play on a team in the summer because they want to TRAIN and attend camps and showcases!!! 😳😳😳 .I hope that this does not become the new normal! PLAY, COMPETE, ENJOY!.
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Power!!!.Power and especially home run power is the last concept that hitters figure out!!! Power develops with growth, maturity and experience. It cannot be rushed or emphasized to the younger hitter!!! Main emphasis for the lower levels should always SOLID CONTACT!!.
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POP Times! 🤦🏼.The most mis-represented numbers on record! 1.8 Really? No stance, catch the ball in front of the plate, no concern about accuracy and infielders catching the throw in front of the base! I rarely use a stopwatch. Look at: Footwork, transfer, accuracy and carry! 👍🏻.
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Definitely a place for WOOD bats but as a college coach trying to make decisions on recruits, I would love to see some tournaments with METAL as well! Many of the 17U not strong or skilled enough for WOOD! Difficult to evaluate infielders! Very few balls hit with pace!.
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Want to make sure that you celebrate each and every day you get to put on a uniform and play this game! .Be grateful!!.
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Pump The Brakes!!.2023’s should not hit the panic button if they have not committed yet!! 2024’s really?? The Power Conferences commit the elite players early but for the rest of the programs at every level D1,D2,D3, NAIA and Junior College there is plenty of time. Have Patience!.
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Recruiting!.Through security at Newark Airport and at my gate! First recruiting trip in almost 2 years! CA here I come!!.
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To All Catchers!!!.If I ever have the chance to watch you play and I DON’T notice you, it means that you had a GREAT defensive game!! Dropping balls, chasing balls to the backstop and not being able to throw the ball back to the mound will get you plenty of attention!!!.
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I don’t have the formula! My generation played and practiced. No specialized training! I am a product of town leagues and American Legion! This generation trains and plays travel ball! Very little practice! Should be a balance! Maybe meet in the middle?.
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Transcript!!.So important that you challenge yourself in the classroom! High Academic schools want to see Honors and AP courses on your transcript! GPA starting in the 9th grade counts! The better the student you are, the more athletic opportunities you will have!.
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Catching Bullpens!.Yes, we know that you would rather be taking BP with the others BUT this is critical in your development! Great place to improve but also a place to create bad habits! Focus! Learn your about your pitcher and earn his trust! Show that you care! LEADERSHIP!!.
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So Batting Average does not matter! 2 outs, runners on 1st and 2nd! Bottom of the 9th in a tie game! Would you rather have a .350 hitter with 3 home runs or a .220 hitter with 30 home runs at bat! Single wins the game! I am not a math major but the numbers favor the .350 hitter!.
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My idea of practice is not getting instruction or waiting for a team events! My idea of practice was throwing a ball off a wall for hours or hitting off a tee by myself! Need to remind the young baseball and softball players that it only takes ONE person to work on your skills!.
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Story time!.Rick Porcello came to our Winter Camp when he was 15 years old. Was clearly better than everyone else but did not act like it! Interacted with everyone, picked up balls, helped clean up at the end!.Remember this as you participate in Camps and Showcases this summer!!.
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Receiving quite a few e-mails from the 2023 student athletes! I am being totally honest when I say that I don’t really understand the importance of max exit velocity for hitters! Maybe exit velocity from games and don’t forget to factor in a big ZERO for every swing and miss!!.
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VERSATILITY Nothing gets me more excited about a potential recruit than knowing he has the ability and baseball smarts to move around the Diamond and legitimately play multiple positions!! Shows a willingness to put the team first!!!.
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Asked to engage with Twitter last January! Agreed to tweet each day for 2021! This is my last day! Have enjoyed more than expected but I have always had a sense of when to leave a party. I learned from many of you and will continue to communicate with new friends.Happy New Year!.
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It is easy to figure out which players have a true passion for the game!! They just can’t seem to get enough! How they approach coming to the field each day! How they take care of their glove! How they talk about and watch the game! In most instances this passion is contagious!.
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Launch Angle!.In my opinion a proper launch angle is more the result of a good on plane swing as opposed to an objective! My old eyes tell me that a line drive leaves the bat in the desired range! I don’t need a protractor! Hard enough to square up a round ball with a round bat!!.
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A catchers main responsibility is Running The Game! Calling pitches is only a small part of this! Setting the pace of the game, keeping the pitcher in rhythm! Instilling conviction and confidence! A pitcher’s commitment to the pitch is more important than the pitch itself!!.
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You hear this from parents and coaches but make sure the school you select is where your want to be! Take athletics out of the picture! Your athletic journey will eventually end! For some, sooner than later! Select a school that will help you develop in all areas of your life!.
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Interview with Wade Miley after his No-Hitter!.Said that the catcher forgot his scouting card and no pre-game meeting either! In his own words they were “just winging it and going on feel!” Also, that CF was reading pitches and location to position himself instead of reports! WOW.
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Great Drill! Incorporates baseball skills, shifting and conditioning! We hit 5 consecutive grounders to each infielder. After completing that play, the infielder starts the next one from that spot! In the end they make plays all over the infield and condition at the same time!
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POP Times are just one example of players wanting to excel in Showcases as opposed to developing as complete players. 60 times, raw arm strength, infield/outfield, velocity and BP are other examples. I attend many Showcases but I look at ACTIONS more than data and results!!.
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Average Exit Velocity!!.Can we please factor in a ZERO for every swing and miss or at least for every strike out when calculating Average Exit Velocity! Would make the data more meaningful!.
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The debate is how to produce the proper launch angle! My generation never discussed launch angles! We wanted to hit line drives to all fields! Everything is way more technical today but a swing that produces consistent line drives is what all hitters should be looking to develop!.
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Having a perfect swing does not necessarily mean that you are going to be a good hitter!!.Mindset, approach, focus, pitch recognition along with the willingness to compete are far more important than the swing itself!!.
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Putting Balls in Play!. Does not mean taking defensive swings with 2 strikes! It is about approach and game planning! Pitchers are taught to get ahead so when facing elite arms you may need to be aggressive early in the count! Get them before they get you!.
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Need to keep reminding younger players that there is just so much more to becoming a good player than just perfecting your swing or pitching delivery!! Learn and experience how to play the entire game as opposed to just having personalized skill instruction!!!.
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Really enjoying the broadcast! Joe Buck and John Smoltz are very good! Very little use or discussion of any of new technology! No K-Zone, exit velocity, launch angle or home run distance! .Just Baseball!!!.
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ADVICE!!.Once you commit or are accepted:. Don’t Look In The Rear View Mirror! . Don’t waste time or energy worrying about who else the coach is recruiting! Athletic mortality is always near by!Get to work and be ready to compete for playing opportunities. Nothing handed to you!.
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Contrary to popular belief Calling A Game is not rocket science!!!.A simple thought to remember:. PITCH EXECUTION is more important than.PITCH SELECTION!!!.
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My Mom just sent this! 11 years old! No official league, no coaches and no parents! Just kids playing ball and having fun! Game started at dusk and finished when it was dark! I am so thankful I grew up when this was the norm!! 💪🏻⚾️
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Monday’s Mentors!.Pat Tillman.I am fortunate that my father survived the Frozen Chosen during the Korean War! When I think of Memorial Day I think of Pat Tillman! God Bless all of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice!!
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I mentioned a few weeks ago that I have a very close coaching friend who has been diagnosed with glioblastoma! Former Georgetown Head Coach Pete Wilk was at our game today and needs thoughts and prayers! He will continue to fight! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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For all of you expressing concern about my catchers missing BP while they catch bullpens, trust me that as a former catcher, I make SURE that my guys are always rewarded with extra swings either before or after!! 😂😂😂.
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My pitching coach Mike Russo have been amazed at just how professional our bullpens have been the past two weeks. The reason is simple! No radar gun, no Rhapsodo! Focus is on tempo, efficiency and command instead of velocity and spin rate! We use Rhapsodo, just not all the time!
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Going through withdrawal!.First full year not being a Baseball Dad! May need to find some kids in the neighborhood that want to take some swings today! Love throwing BP!.
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With Minor League rosters being announced it just breaks my heart that MLB yanked baseball out of some amazing towns! Jobs were lost, history and tradition ignored! Teams were forced to release players and fire staff!! I have great memories from my time in the lower levels! 😢😢.
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Make sure that you commit to becoming the best Student Athlete possible and not just the best athlete possible! Take advantage of all the opportunities both on and off the diamond!.
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For some reason I have been thinking about Kirby Puckett this morning! Once told me that he tried to hit every pitch right back through pitchers mound! Said that this enabled him to hit different pitches and speeds! What a tough out he was!!
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