Coaches

Pitch you can scan through this message board, search for threads on top coaches, you will find a great deal of unbiased info. Some coaches post here as well, Some of the best coaches refrain from posting on sites & message boards like this, They don't need the attention like some others. You need to do some research on your own.

While I appreciate your response Ibach, My problem is that most of the information here and elsewhere is biased. That is not an indictment, just a fact. People have their preferences and biases. How can parents sift through all of this to find a great coach? Also, I didn't think your backhanded swipe at coaches was called for. I know of many outstanding coaches who post on this site to learn and discuss the finer points of baseball. Actually, the coaches are one of the few types that post who are not looking for attention.

"They don't need attention like some others"

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black

That is really funny.

I am not a baseball guy, so when it came to finding out about skill development and overall demeanor, I wound up talking to the parents of current players.

There is no substitute for taking the time to watch a coach in action, either at a game or a practice. I know that it may be time consuming, but that is the only sure-fire way to eliminate bias in your judgement.

quote:

Originally posted by pitchandcatch97:
When I ask about high school or travel coaches, I find that if I ask five people about the same coach then I will get five different responses.

You shouldn't pick your son's HS based upon the stature of its baseball program. You should pick it based upon the quality of education it can provide your son. All baseball players are going to have to hang it up at one time or another. Either because their talent is no longer sufficient to allow them to continue to the play the game, they lose interest or due to injury. All of these things can happen at the high school level. The one thing that will always be left for him is his education.

This was the response from one of the coaches at my son's HS when I asked him about the baseball program. IMO he is right.

Travel, is another story. Gather as much information as you can. Try to ask the important questions for which there is not any interpretation. For instance, does the program practice, does it practice during the season, what is the coaches baseball background? Also, go out and watch the program's teams play. If you know baseball, you'll know if they are being trained properly. Respect for the game, hustling on and off the field, how they are wearing their uniform, how their parents behave, all things important. You are better off seeing it, versus hearing someone's opinion of it. My best piece of advise regarding travel ball is to try and find a coach that played the game at as high a level possible. Usually they run the type of programs in which you can't go wrong. However, these programs are only a small percentage of the ones available.

Finally, don't be afraid to allow your son to swim in the ocean with the big fish.

CPLZ and ballyall are on the money.

1)Get out and watch the coach's teams in action.
2)Ask people that KNOW what a good coach is.
3)After paring your list, talk to the current player's parents.

MOST IMPORTANT......START EARLY...about 1 year early!

Although I respect Tuzi's advice, I don't feel that practice is a major criteria nor do I feel that it is important that the coach played at a particular level.

Pitch, You are correct, I intended to refer to only a small group of "coaches" whose on-line demeanor seems a little unusual for people that talk of teaching the kids respect and how they help to build character? The majority of coaches post some really informative material. And as I said, some of the most respected don't even post on sites. I agree with I think Tuzi, You must first look at the schools academic qualifications, what percent go to college. You may want to check how many test and how many get in. The better private schools turn kids away that don't meet their criteria. What is the SAT & ACT avg score. What colleges do they attend? Then start talking to people in the community about the HS baseball programs, also hit the baseball academies. There, you will find people in the know. Regarding Baseball Academies I recommend that you explore Philosophers post to Fungomaster: Posted December 03, 2006 03:43 PM December 03, 2006 03:43

Fungomaster, There's a certain hitting instructor that also likes to "blow smoke" in the same direction, only with the chosen hitters he works with. Also uses four to five different screen names on this website." end post/

The devils in the details on that one!

The travel circuit is a little easier, at each age there are several top programs in each area. You can send me a PM and I will give you my opinion privately.

I can't speak for travel coaches.

For HS Coaches:

• Do they care about the kids regardless of whether they are starters or not?
• What does a coach do in the off season to prepare to win? (NOTE - weight room, plyometrics, ...
• What do former players have to say?
• What is the stature of that coach's program in your area?
• What are the strengths of the ENTIRE STAFF?
• What caliber of competition does this coach play? This would include conference and any tournaments!
• After 4 years with this coach and his staff, will you be satisfied that you did all that you could to give your kid his best chance of both a great high school career and happiness?

I don't know who all those are who post here, so I don't know all the HS Coaches that post here.

I do know who several who are HS Coaches and just about to a person they have a lot going for them, and a lot to offer the kids who play for them. My kid could play for CoachB25 or Playball2 any time because I have a very strong feeling that they can be trusted with having 4 years of influence on my kid. I'll bet you could say that regarding both on and off the field.

We have HS Head Coaches and assistants who post and about every one of them seems to have a very good perspective. Over the years I have been as critical as any about HS Coaching but at the end of the day (which is about where I am after watching a combined 7 going on 8 years of my sons playing HS Ball) I have come to the realization that as CoachB just said "giving your kid his best chance of both a great high school career and happiness" is really all that matters. And that goes for parents as well as coaches.

What coaches who care have is something not many parents have. That is perspective. Perspective on what matters and doesn't. Perspective that your son is not the only kid he has to worry or concern himself with. Persepctive that baseball will not likely be your son's life.

The stuff written here by people like CoachB, playball2, pitchdoc, k13, and all the others including some of The Travel Coaches who post on here...Duece, SIBullets, etc. is a million times more valuable than the volumes of puke written or quoted by the PT Barnum poster(s)

quote:

Originally posted by FastballDad:
.....
The stuff written here by people like CoachB, playball2, pitchdoc, k13, and all the others including some of The Travel Coaches who post on here...Duece, SIBullets, etc. is a million times more valuable than the volumes of puke written or quoted by the PT Barnum poster(s)

FB, I know I can't hold these guys jocks; but I wonder if you think I'm a PT Barnum poster? Your opinion matters to me.

Tuzi....that is funny. I'm sure you really don't care what anyone says but no, I don't know why you thought of it!