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Currently reading October 1964 by the "great" writer David Halberstam. In the book there is a short story on George Crowe. I had the opportunity to play against George in El Paso, TX. He played 1b on the Willie Mays All Stars and I played on the Army Team. I played 1b, but "way back"onto the OF grass when George was at bat.

George, a powerful 6'4" left hand hitter had lead the Majors with 12 pinch hit HR.

During a Cards game, George would sit in the dugout in "slippers" until the 7th inning. When the Manager needed a pinch hitter he would signal George to prepare.

George had studied the pitcher Carlton Willey for 7 innings. He said to a teammate. "that young man will throw me a slider inside and I will hit it over the 355' sign.

Two innings later that was exactly what happen.

"study and observe"!!!!!!

Bob

Last edited by Consultant
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2022NYC

you can teach the young man to observe and study. 1st step is to "turn off" the cell phone as he walks to the field.

 Which way is the wind blowing? where is the sun?  Do the opposing players have their shirt tuck in?  When at the field are the foul lines slanted.  When the opposing pitcher warms up, does he have command of each pitch. if not "take away".  During the infield/outfield is the opposing team accurate with throws. Games are won because of taking the extra base. Stay away from Double plays. Study the batters box do not stand in the same holes as the previous hitters [you will be swinging up]

Best wishes.

Bob

 

For all the physical fundamentals I worked with my son in various sports I was thrilled when he asked me the following question ...

“Did you ever feel like the game slowed down so much you had all the time you needed to make the right decision in a split second?”

He asked because he thought it was weird he had this ability. He was fourteen at the time. He wasn’t aware it was the 6th tool.

My son likes to watch Javy Baez (I know this player came up in previous threads mentioning 6th tool). RipkenFanSon particularly likes Baez' positioning , quick tags, and overall awareness.

Not related, to the above, son had a "6th tool moment" in a college game. Opposing third baseman made a crucial error, and he was shaking his head as he returned to his position. The next inning he struck out, still muttering as he took warmups in between innings, and kicked a little dirt. Son sees all this and says to himself, this player's head is not in the game. As he approaches home plate son is thinking, "There is no way he'll be able to field a bunt."  First pitch of the inning as son leads off- bunt single to 3rd base.

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