Body Language

Fortunately, it actually is something that can improve. Hands on the hips, dropping the head, staring at the ump/other players,etc. are signs and body language that some players get into the bad habit of showing. To coaches it may show the inability to handle tough situations emotionally and immaturity. To some umps, it means you are writing your own ticket to the bench if you persist. Passion is fine...immature pouting isn't.

Coaches don't like negative vibes from players. Some coaches are good at straightening out players with attitude, some don't want the hassle. Teammates don't like players like this either.

If your son is still playing at the college level, this probably isn't a real problem though while watching a college replay tonight, I saw a catcher for Santa Clara do some stupid stuff behind the plate in trying to show his displeasuure with the ump. I guess being down 14-1, he had to blame someone.

I must say, he does show his displeasure especially with basketball referees, but that sport is now behind him. I saw a player get ejected from HS game for telling an ump "you got to be kidding" after he rung him up for the third strike. I did not think son was showing so much of this in baseball. Oh well, I'm taking it as their loss, not his.

Popup,

A high school umpire that officiated a lot of my sons' games told me something after he was off to college ball that I took as a wonderful compliment, "Your boy was delightful every game. To look at him on the field, you could never tell if he was 10 up or 10 down."

I suspect that's what they want to see. Baseball seasons get longer as players advance to higher levels, and they just don't have the luxury to waste emotional energy on anger at umpires or themselves. Baseball players need to quickly learn from a situation, then put it away and move on.

When I have my scout hat on, the first thing I notice is body language. How he holds himself, his reactions to different situations especially pressure and adversity. There are thousands of kids with the same talent level out there so reading body language becomes a big tool on a first read.

I have found many times that the body language will indicate if the batter if confident in the box or if a pitcxher is going to get the batter out---even to a coach body language is important


The reason we have three games in our showcase events is so that coaches and scouts can see players perform or not perform in game situations--body language can tell a lot about a player

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A couple observations...

There are three types of body language...the good news is that the type that you mention can be improved.

The First is the one that you were given at birth, genetic. Size, handedness, speed, quickness, hands...then a certain intangible that everyone who makes decisions (scouts, coaches, recruiters) knows but no one can define...We were repeatedly told by scouts and coaches, that despite being left handed and really, really tall, that my two had no future, simply becasue they had "bad bodies...put togther wrong"...and that that was my fault because they got my genes...instead of my wifes.

The second, is the part of the body you CAN "fix", weight, strength, some footwork...things that CAN be solved with hard work and effort and work ethic. When a scout/recruiter sees those things it puts up a red flag. The good news is that this stuff can be markedly improved the bad news it takes time and effort and passion and dedication from inside, fro the player. Decsion makers love kids who have transformed themselves...I.E. Strasberg.

The third body langauge that is a reflection of attitude...and the good news is that it is hard for some, but it can be changed almost instantly, in a heartbeat. The good news is that is the most instantly changed portion. IN many cases all is takes is an understdning of WHY it is important.

Here is the problem, we may not like it but a big part of this "game" if you are going to move forward is impressing and getting the eyes of the decision makers...and emotional body langauge is part of the package. The way the "move up game" is played is (in part), is dependent upon packaging. We can ignore it, we can complain about it, and call it unfair, but that does not mean that it does not exist.

On the other hand many coaches LOVE a kid with visible, on the sleeve passion who cares...so there you go.

44
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quote:

Originally posted by Pop Up Hitter dad:
I must say, he does show his displeasure especially with basketball referees, but that sport is now behind him. I saw a player get ejected from HS game for telling an ump "you got to be kidding" after he rung him up for the third strike. I did not think son was showing so much of this in baseball. Oh well, I'm taking it as their loss, not his.

Sorry but it's your son's loss and not the schools. These coaches don't really know your son because all they are really seeing is a small glimpse into who he is on the baseball field. When they see the negative body language they now have to wonder what else in this kid's personality is negative. Is he a good teammate, is he going to pout when he gets pulled in a game, is he the kid who can't handle failure and several other things.

When you get players who are obviously better than the rest of the team they sometimes feel like they should get a hit everytime up or make every play but that's not going to happen. The absolute greatest HS players might hit in the neighborhood of .500 - that still means half the time they got out. They need to learn how to handle failure because one bad at bat could lead to several. Just because your better than everyone else doesn't mean you care more or entitled to more success than others.

Think of it like this - we have told you that body language is important and it's something that can change so why not do it? With negative body language there is a chance a coach will take a risk on him but chances are they are going to pass on him. But if he has great body language then it will never be held against him.

There is good body language and there is bad body language.
All coaches and scouts love a player with spunk, they don't like a player that shows frustration and disgust, either with himself (throwing helmet or bat) or his teammates (barking at them for bad plays or acting as if you are far more superior) or the officials calling the game (glares or words).
This is the first thing that is noticed when someone is watching a player. It's a major turnoff.
You want to be noticed, but not in a negative light.
To say it is their loss, means that you support this type of behavior he has displayed.
I would strongly suggest that as he heads to the next level you speak to him about what was mentioned to you, it IS something that can be changed overnight, and something he has to do or he won't get anywhere at the next level. You may be really good, but all your poor attitude does is gets you a seat on the bench.

I have always told my son that the most important body part is the part between the ears.

quote:

Here is the problem, we may not like it but a big part of this "game" if you are going to move forward is impressing and getting the eyes of the decision makers...and emotional body langauge is part of the package. The way the "move up game" is played is (in part), is dependent upon packaging. We can ignore it, we can complain about it, and call it unfair, but that does not mean that it does not exist

I have to agree that when a ballplayer throws his helmet and shouts a loud obsenity, he (or she in other sports) looks ridiculous. Same goes for parents. (Yes, I am guilty of complaining to umpires a few times, but no obsenities!).

My son is conscious that he needs to develop a "Presence" while on the field. When he steps into the batter box he wants to make sure that the opposing team knows that he is someone that they need to "contend with". Bad things can happen to them (the opposing team) if they are not careful.

He needs to look under control and In Charge of his position when on the field as well.

There are many reasons for this. One is the impact that it will have on the player personally as he plays the game. He will play with a greater degree of confidence. His team mates will also be uplifted by his positive demeanor.

Last but not least, good body language indicates that a player belongs on the field or in the lineup. He is comfortable with his position in life. Scouts want to see this. They want a player that is cool under adversity, who looks like he belongs and is uplifting to his team mates.

These are pretty important attributes that sets a player apart from the crowd which is ever thinning the further you head to the top. Sure if you hit .450 and have 20 HR's some of these characteristics, if they are a negative, may be overlooked. But that does not describe my player so he makes every effort he can to get the most out of his body and mind.

quote:

Originally posted by hokieone:
A high school umpire that officiated a lot of my sons' games told me something after he was off to college ball that I took as a wonderful compliment, "Your boy was delightful every game. To look at him on the field, you could never tell if he was 10 up or 10 down."

Good for you, for having raised a great kid. That made me smile.

44 very good observations. I see some examples used such as throwing bats, helmets etc. My son may make a face, drop his head but throwing tantrums, no. As a matter of fact, there was a kid on the Area Code team who showed far more emotion than my son did, off course a D1 picked him up. The coach that did select son seemed pretty excited. He got a fire sale of a ball player. I just hope he proves them wrong.