Son finished fall season last week and was expecting a break. Instead they have two hours of weightlifting three times a week, and two hours of conditioning twice a week. He thought he had been lifting hard on his own, but said its nothing like the workouts they are doing now.
Heaven on Earth yesterday. The weather and field were both perfect. I got there early for the next to last Fall contest; a Double header against a JUCO foe, set to begin @ 3pm.
I was able to leave town early, make the two hour drive in time to arrive @ 1pm for "on field BP" and then see their "in and outs." Watching Teams in their pre-game workouts is as much fun, and as revealing, as the game itself for me! I knew that at least this way I would see PrimeJr. on the field as he did not get in last week.
Anyway, saw every player take their on-field cuts and thought Prime Jr. looked sharper than anyone on the field. He centered every ball in all four of his cycles. But then, I'm his Dad so he always looks good to me.
I knew he wouldn't be playing defense for the Starters during game one so we weren't surprised he wasn't out there in the top of the 1st. It felt like Christmas though, to his mom and I, when we saw him "on-deck" in the bottom of the 2nd. He was the DH for the Starters! The situation; 0-0, 2 outs man on 2nd base. First pitched ripped up the middle for a two out RBI single. They went on to score four that inning. He went hitless the next two AB's but both were good at bats.
What a day for us. We choose to think it may be significant that he DH'd (I know I said in the other thread I hate the DH) in game one for the Starters rather than in game two for the Scrubs. But who knows? Certainly, as things end next week, he has an "inspirational moment" to cling to over the Winter and hopefully motivate his training.
What a game this is and what a long Winter it's going to be! I already have thoughts about how he should Train, and on what, over the Winter.
Sure, I need to "butt out" but old habits die hard. This turning loose stuff, in College Baseball, isn't easy, is it?
I was able to leave town early, make the two hour drive in time to arrive @ 1pm for "on field BP" and then see their "in and outs." Watching Teams in their pre-game workouts is as much fun, and as revealing, as the game itself for me! I knew that at least this way I would see PrimeJr. on the field as he did not get in last week.
Anyway, saw every player take their on-field cuts and thought Prime Jr. looked sharper than anyone on the field. He centered every ball in all four of his cycles. But then, I'm his Dad so he always looks good to me.
I knew he wouldn't be playing defense for the Starters during game one so we weren't surprised he wasn't out there in the top of the 1st. It felt like Christmas though, to his mom and I, when we saw him "on-deck" in the bottom of the 2nd. He was the DH for the Starters! The situation; 0-0, 2 outs man on 2nd base. First pitched ripped up the middle for a two out RBI single. They went on to score four that inning. He went hitless the next two AB's but both were good at bats.
What a day for us. We choose to think it may be significant that he DH'd (I know I said in the other thread I hate the DH) in game one for the Starters rather than in game two for the Scrubs. But who knows? Certainly, as things end next week, he has an "inspirational moment" to cling to over the Winter and hopefully motivate his training.
What a game this is and what a long Winter it's going to be! I already have thoughts about how he should Train, and on what, over the Winter.
Sure, I need to "butt out" but old habits die hard. This turning loose stuff, in College Baseball, isn't easy, is it?
Good stuff Prime9- so great you had perfect weather and got to see it all. We always go early to watch BP. Nothing wrong with DH'ing. That's how my son started as a freshman and we were just happy to see his name on the line-up board the 1st games of the season.
I imagine his team trainers have similar thoughts as to how they should train this winter. Most likely more rigorous than you think.
Son was shopping @ Goodwill for his Halloween costume (yes, they still do this in college) but said no drinking because they have weights early this morning. He said players had already thrown up with the tough work-outs so no one wants to drink and make it worse (hey, what ever it takes). You'll see that @ the college level they take their work-outs very seriously and those that work the hardest with off-season conditioning/weights get the most back during the season.
Good luck to all the posters players. And, no, turning them loose isn't easy but they usually make it pretty clear they don't need our prodding anymore.
I imagine his team trainers have similar thoughts as to how they should train this winter. Most likely more rigorous than you think.
Son was shopping @ Goodwill for his Halloween costume (yes, they still do this in college) but said no drinking because they have weights early this morning. He said players had already thrown up with the tough work-outs so no one wants to drink and make it worse (hey, what ever it takes). You'll see that @ the college level they take their work-outs very seriously and those that work the hardest with off-season conditioning/weights get the most back during the season.
Good luck to all the posters players. And, no, turning them loose isn't easy but they usually make it pretty clear they don't need our prodding anymore.
Now that the Fall games are over the three time a week weight workouts have began as well as running the mile every Monday morning at 6 AM. If the player doesn't beat the time from the week before, he runs a mile every morning of the week until he does. Son started with a 6 min 10 sec mile so we'll see how it goes from there. Last year he was able to put on about 10-12 pounds during this period but he lost most of it during the summer from running so much.
ThreeBagger,
I'm sure the returning players knew not to put their best times in week 1, and the freshmen went out their 100% or best effort. That is what you call a veteran move.
I'm sure the returning players knew not to put their best times in week 1, and the freshmen went out their 100% or best effort. That is what you call a veteran move.
great stuff,
yard jr doing ok not great, did not get the memo yet from the upperclassmen so he is really feeling his way.
I am ok with not being there just hard not knowing how he is really doing in the classroom and on the field. He says great but I get the feeling.....
yard jr doing ok not great, did not get the memo yet from the upperclassmen so he is really feeling his way.
I am ok with not being there just hard not knowing how he is really doing in the classroom and on the field. He says great but I get the feeling.....
Question not sure if this is the area to post it but....
Yard jr told by coach he is going to the northwoods league, but wondering if he should have had a contract or document from the team by now or not?
Or does this go thru the coach?
Does anyone know??
Yard jr told by coach he is going to the northwoods league, but wondering if he should have had a contract or document from the team by now or not?
Or does this go thru the coach?
Does anyone know??
quote:Originally posted by gonyard:
Question not sure if this is the area to post it but....
Yard jr told by coach he is going to the northwoods league, but wondering if he should have had a contract or document from the team by now or not?
Or does this go thru the coach?
Does anyone know??
If his coach says he will be going to a summer team, he should be fine. The coach will get the paperwork to give to your son.
Fall workouts are coming to a close. This past weekend players scrimmaged in Halloween costumes with the coaching staff also participating. French maid at fb, Superman at 2nd, Telatubby at ss, Mario brother at 3rd, Ninja and Martians in the of and a banana on the mound was in a word hilarious. Great fun to watch and the kids had fun too just goofing around abit. The final scrimmage of the fall will be the 3 game "World Series" losing team will wash cars as a fund raiser.
Prime9,
I enjoyed reading your post.
That might be even bigger than you think, regardless of where he did it in the lineup.
The starters v. the scrubs labels can be misleading in the college fall scrimmages. If he was hitting in the top of the second, he was likely facing one of the top pitchers or pitching prospects.
Last night, Mitch Moreland from the Texas Rangers, who hit a dinger from the nine hole, was asked if it bothered him that he wasn't lower in the hitting order.
He said,"I'm just glad to be in the lineup."
He's done very well in the fall more of it on his own than ever before.
He'll know what to do over the winter break.
Ask him what the coaches have said.
The winter is long until it starts up again in the spring..........
But, a fire has been lit............
I enjoyed reading your post.
quote:The situation; 0-0, 2 outs man on 2nd base. First pitched ripped up the middle for a two out RBI single. They went on to score four that inning. He went hitless the next two AB's but both were good at bats.
That might be even bigger than you think, regardless of where he did it in the lineup.
The starters v. the scrubs labels can be misleading in the college fall scrimmages. If he was hitting in the top of the second, he was likely facing one of the top pitchers or pitching prospects.
Last night, Mitch Moreland from the Texas Rangers, who hit a dinger from the nine hole, was asked if it bothered him that he wasn't lower in the hitting order.
He said,"I'm just glad to be in the lineup."
quote:I already have thoughts about how he should Train, and on what, over the Winter.
He's done very well in the fall more of it on his own than ever before.
He'll know what to do over the winter break.
Ask him what the coaches have said.
The winter is long until it starts up again in the spring..........
But, a fire has been lit............
After 22 weeks of rehab, son is now running.He said at about 50-75% of normal.He has been taking coach pitchd bating practice, but had not faced a pitcher live since May.got to Dh ad got one at bat.hard grounder to ss. I am happy for him.
quote:Originally posted by fanofgame:
After 22 weeks of rehab, son is now running.He said at about 50-75% of normal.He has been taking coach pitchd bating practice, but had not faced a pitcher live since May.got to Dh ad got one at bat.hard grounder to ss. I am happy for him.
Good to hear he is making his steady comeback!
Tough road to comeback from an injury!
dswann,
That's just the type thing to take a little of the pressure off the guys. You can tell, his coach isn't one of those uptight guys!
quote:Originally posted by fanofgame:
After 22 weeks of rehab, son is now running.He said at about 50-75% of normal.He has been taking coach pitchd bating practice, but had not faced a pitcher live since May.got to Dh ad got one at bat.hard grounder to ss. I am happy for him.
FOG; What a long, tough road for all in the family. I'm guessing you take your moments where you can get them thru this. Sounds like he's got some hitting in and now can continue to work to be ready by Spring.
I sincerely wish you all the best from here out as I can't imagine going through an injury like that!
Prime,
Honestly it is tough.To have to go to all the team workouts,plus 4 rehabs a week,plus practice and 16 units.This has been the hardest fall ever.Hasnt really seen pitching since May when he was hurt.
He has been crushing the ball during batting practice, and he is cleared to face live pitching in a game,but the coach wont let him participate in scrimmages until he is 100%.So most likely wont get any live hitting in scrimmages.
It is tough as he won a starting spot last year, but with limited at bats it will be tough.
Injuries are a part of the game,but with school and all the rest of it, and to add rehab, it is a lot.My husband went down this weekend for the alumni dinner.I had to miss unfortunately because I had to put my 8 year old shepherd to sleep yesterday.So I missed seing my son, and lost my dog.
I cooked up several of my sons favorite meals,and my husband stayed with him this weekend to help with somethings.
I hope he can win his spot still.
Honestly it is tough.To have to go to all the team workouts,plus 4 rehabs a week,plus practice and 16 units.This has been the hardest fall ever.Hasnt really seen pitching since May when he was hurt.
He has been crushing the ball during batting practice, and he is cleared to face live pitching in a game,but the coach wont let him participate in scrimmages until he is 100%.So most likely wont get any live hitting in scrimmages.
It is tough as he won a starting spot last year, but with limited at bats it will be tough.
Injuries are a part of the game,but with school and all the rest of it, and to add rehab, it is a lot.My husband went down this weekend for the alumni dinner.I had to miss unfortunately because I had to put my 8 year old shepherd to sleep yesterday.So I missed seing my son, and lost my dog.
I cooked up several of my sons favorite meals,and my husband stayed with him this weekend to help with somethings.
I hope he can win his spot still.
God speed to your son in his recovery, I understand what a heart wrenching experience an injury can be.
It is great to know that he has been cleared to play and should be ready by spring. If he can hit, he will be in the line-up
My best wishes for a great season!
I am sorry to learn of the loss of your dog, it is amazing what an integral part of a family and companion an animal can become.
It is great to know that he has been cleared to play and should be ready by spring. If he can hit, he will be in the line-up
My best wishes for a great season!
I am sorry to learn of the loss of your dog, it is amazing what an integral part of a family and companion an animal can become.
quote:So I missed seing my son, and lost my dog.
Sorry again FOG: We lost our Shepherd to cancer at about the same age. They are special animals. We now have two more (brother & sister); eight months old. Wow, they are cute but chew rocks and move lawn furniture for fun!
Wishing your son the best next year. Have a feeling his bat will get him back in that line-up!
quote:Sorry again FOG: We lost our Shepherd to cancer at about the same age. They are special animals. We now have two more (brother & sister); eight months old. Wow, they are cute but chew rocks and move lawn furniture for fun!
I know I want another one.They are such characters.But we are getting older and not sure we can do another big dog.
K sorry for hijacking the thread.LOL
fan of game - I don't read the site often enough - sorry to hear of the injury. It is so hard, I know. And then to loose your dog too. I have two 11 year old girls that hang around with me all day long - those dogs get to be such a large part of our lives.! All my best to you and your family - glad to hear your son is getting better bit by bit.
Freshman son has had some ups and downs in his first semester of college. Most of it what you would expect, some of it more than the normal transition stuff all kids go through. I'm proud of how he has handled it.
With that said, I need to brag on him a bit. His D2 is playing their Fall World Series. Son's side is up 3-2 after five games. Son is 11 for 16 after five games and went 4-4 today with three doubles. Best part of the day for him was late in the game the starting catcher, who is playing for the other side in the World Series, looked at my son and said, "Is there any pitch you can't hit? I've called everything I know to call and you've hit all of them."
Losing side has to paint the outfield fence, so son is hoping they close it out tomorrow. He has heard that painting the fence is a pain in the butt.
With that said, I need to brag on him a bit. His D2 is playing their Fall World Series. Son's side is up 3-2 after five games. Son is 11 for 16 after five games and went 4-4 today with three doubles. Best part of the day for him was late in the game the starting catcher, who is playing for the other side in the World Series, looked at my son and said, "Is there any pitch you can't hit? I've called everything I know to call and you've hit all of them."
Losing side has to paint the outfield fence, so son is hoping they close it out tomorrow. He has heard that painting the fence is a pain in the butt.
Great news! I knew your son was going to be a tremendous hitter from the first time I saw him swing it. Tell him I said hello and congrats on a great fall!
Thanks, Coach. I'll tell him. He thinks the world of you and your opinion will mean a lot to him.
quote:With that said, I need to brag on him a bit. His D2 is playing their Fall World Series.
Hot Corner Dad: It's ok to enjoy the good times. Great Series for your son. Hitting like that won't go unnoticed and will help the next few months fly by to the Season opener!
My son seems to be on the same D2 schedule as yours is. His team is up 2-1 in their WS and hope to finish it today. Either way, fall season team stuff ends tomorrow. Yesterday's game was a 3-0 affair with the opposing team no-hit until the ninth! Our guys aren't seeing offense like your son is throwing up (they all point to the Nike BBCOR bats and a very talented pitching staff: Conference winners last year and just missed qualifying for World Series).
Jr. is 1-14 through the first three and not happy but no one is consistently pounding the ball. He's hitting fifth in line-up as a Freshmen and says he's barreling some up but not much to show in the base hit column. He says the AB's have been good, just not productive. Hopefully, that turns around today.
All in all, fall ball has been a very positive and enlightening experience of what playing College Baseball is all about. He's stayed on top of his academics, gained some size/strength, stayed injury free and fared well (until this Series anyway). So, as I tell him; all is good and there is a whole lot of baseball ahead if he works hard.
I've enjoyed the Thread. Good luck to all in the coming season.
quote:
He says the AB's have been good, just not productive. Hopefully, that turns around today.
Prime9, I think this comment from your son is very important. Most young players are so fixated on the outcome of ABs that they miss the process. When my son was getting ready for his senior season he told me all these statistical goals he had set, and I replied that what if he only had one goal: Focus on having good ABs one after another. Then let the chips fall where they may. Your son sounds mature enough to realize 1-14 doesn't tell the whole story.
Frankly, the last few games are a fluke for my son. Only once in a blue moon does a hitter have everything drop in. It's a thrill when a streak like that comes along, but sure as the sun is setting tonight that hot streak is going to cool off.
Freshman son just finished up his "World Series" this past weekend. I am definitely having major withdrawal from lack of fall ball (I guess watching him play 6 years of fall club baseball will do that). I was limited to one alumni game and a doubleheader against a local college. Few if any parents attended the inter-squads so I did not go. He meets with the coach later in the week, so he will know where he stands, and if he has a summer assignment. Mid-term grades were great!
I'll say it again, I have enjoyed every post in this thread!
You'll find that you have to change your focus and encouragment when your kids are at the next level - exactly like all you have done here. You have to find a way to feel good about yourselves when you fail 70% of the time. Quality at bats is one key way to do that. Sure, going 4-4 is going to help the team but I would encourage all of you to focus on those things like hitting the ball hard, moving runners, RBI's on fielder's choices, getting hit by pitches, drawing a walk, sac flies, sac bunts, going first to third on a base hit, stealing a base, making a great defensive play, etc, etc, etc.
There are a million ways to win a baseball game without putting up great stats on a given day. The key is to remain positive and ultimately focus on the team winning. Based on every response in this thread, I can tell that the kids whose parents post here are lucky. Their parents get it and understand what it takes for success.
Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes it eats you. If your team wins that day, you will ultimately be eating the bear. I always tell people, those kids you are facing have nice scholarships. They have parents and grandparents who want to see them do equally as well. Learning to deal with failure in a positive/constructive manner might be the most important skill kids can learn as they advance in this game and in life.
You'll find that you have to change your focus and encouragment when your kids are at the next level - exactly like all you have done here. You have to find a way to feel good about yourselves when you fail 70% of the time. Quality at bats is one key way to do that. Sure, going 4-4 is going to help the team but I would encourage all of you to focus on those things like hitting the ball hard, moving runners, RBI's on fielder's choices, getting hit by pitches, drawing a walk, sac flies, sac bunts, going first to third on a base hit, stealing a base, making a great defensive play, etc, etc, etc.
There are a million ways to win a baseball game without putting up great stats on a given day. The key is to remain positive and ultimately focus on the team winning. Based on every response in this thread, I can tell that the kids whose parents post here are lucky. Their parents get it and understand what it takes for success.
Sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes it eats you. If your team wins that day, you will ultimately be eating the bear. I always tell people, those kids you are facing have nice scholarships. They have parents and grandparents who want to see them do equally as well. Learning to deal with failure in a positive/constructive manner might be the most important skill kids can learn as they advance in this game and in life.
Good points CD. I think many poster's sons were great stars in high school who hit .400, .450, .500 and up and its often hard to adjust to the fact that the days of a hit every other AB are gone. That's why its so important to learn to appreciate all those other valuable baseball outcomes that you listed. I know I've had to adjust and with the new bats even more so.
These posts are simply awesome for me to read. From all accounts my son has and is having a great fall. He is grown up so much and matured as a baseball player as well. I used to be able to tell what kind of day he had on the field by the tone of his voice when I talked to him. If he had a couple of hits his voice was up beat. If he had a bad day on the field I could tell because he would sound down and out on the phone. Now I simply can not tell. He might have gone 2 for 3 with a couple of doubles or gone ofer.
It is simply about having quality at bats and feeling like your moving in the right direction. Its about getting better and helping your team win. Its all a learning process. I remember after a summer game this past summer when I actually got to go see him play. He had a very good game a couple of balls banged off the wall for doubles a single and a great game behind the plate. As I walked up to him after the game I said "Boy you swung it well tonight." He said "Yeah but you know Jake swung it great and he had nothing to show for it. He crushed three balls right at them."
Prime as you know a stretch like that is just called "Baseball"
Sometimes you crush it and it gets caught. Sometimes a bad swing produces a base hit. He will be fine. The game will humble you and you learn as you grow in the game. When its going good be thankful and ride it. And when its not your turn for it to go good your only one swing from changing that. Good luck to your boys.
It is simply about having quality at bats and feeling like your moving in the right direction. Its about getting better and helping your team win. Its all a learning process. I remember after a summer game this past summer when I actually got to go see him play. He had a very good game a couple of balls banged off the wall for doubles a single and a great game behind the plate. As I walked up to him after the game I said "Boy you swung it well tonight." He said "Yeah but you know Jake swung it great and he had nothing to show for it. He crushed three balls right at them."
Prime as you know a stretch like that is just called "Baseball"
Sometimes you crush it and it gets caught. Sometimes a bad swing produces a base hit. He will be fine. The game will humble you and you learn as you grow in the game. When its going good be thankful and ride it. And when its not your turn for it to go good your only one swing from changing that. Good luck to your boys.
Son went 0-5 today and his team lost game 6 of their World Series. Game 7 is on Thursday. He obviously wasn't happy about losing or taking the collar, but when he described his ABs he was really objective about it.
He acknowledged the ABs where the pitcher got the better of him; he noted a couple where his approach wasn't what it should have been; and then he described hitting the ball hard and not getting anything to show for it. He also said he made some plays on defense, and since that is the part of his game that needs the most work, I could hear the pride in his voice about it.
As I listened to him describe it all, I was proud of the mature outlook I was hearing. Some days you just tip your cap to the other guys and move on.
He acknowledged the ABs where the pitcher got the better of him; he noted a couple where his approach wasn't what it should have been; and then he described hitting the ball hard and not getting anything to show for it. He also said he made some plays on defense, and since that is the part of his game that needs the most work, I could hear the pride in his voice about it.
As I listened to him describe it all, I was proud of the mature outlook I was hearing. Some days you just tip your cap to the other guys and move on.
I wonder if many here have a similar situation talking with their sons as we do. He never has gone into much detail on his progress and how he's doing during practices and when we ask him the answer usually boils down to one word responses: Well; Fine; Ok; Bad. His mother and I find ourselves trying to decipher these responses into something we can digest and understand. It's not unlike trying to figure out the old Homeland Security color codes to get a grip on how concerned or safe you should feel.
However at the same time, when I was down there last weekend for his intra-squad scrimmage games, we had a ball and he told me he's very happy and wouldn't want to be anywhere else so that was music to my ears.
Generally speaking I have to agree with what others have said and implied at here about how important it is for players to focus on the team more and less about themselves exclusively. Certainly baseball has a very strong individual component to it and everyone obviously wants to get on the field but if all you have is your blinders on about your own individual status you are missing an important part of the experience, me thinks. Finally I also think that if you are a me-first kind of player that you better produce because you are an easy target for coaches to identify and weed out.
However at the same time, when I was down there last weekend for his intra-squad scrimmage games, we had a ball and he told me he's very happy and wouldn't want to be anywhere else so that was music to my ears.
Generally speaking I have to agree with what others have said and implied at here about how important it is for players to focus on the team more and less about themselves exclusively. Certainly baseball has a very strong individual component to it and everyone obviously wants to get on the field but if all you have is your blinders on about your own individual status you are missing an important part of the experience, me thinks. Finally I also think that if you are a me-first kind of player that you better produce because you are an easy target for coaches to identify and weed out.
I think like most boys (men) it can be hard to get details out of them when you call. The good news is that during the season when you go to watch them play you'll get a lot more info face to face.
What works great is offering to take them with a friend or two out to dinner after the game. Usually they'll talk more around friends or the friends will give you more info. And if on the road they love to save their per diem money and will gladly dine with mom and dad to save their own money!
And as the season goes on you'll probably make friends with the parents on the team and they can be a great source of info. It's really tough having a freshman player and not knowing yet where they fit into the coaches plans. It will become clearer in the spring so try to sit back and relax and just enjoy it. Like high school, college goes way too fast.
What works great is offering to take them with a friend or two out to dinner after the game. Usually they'll talk more around friends or the friends will give you more info. And if on the road they love to save their per diem money and will gladly dine with mom and dad to save their own money!
And as the season goes on you'll probably make friends with the parents on the team and they can be a great source of info. It's really tough having a freshman player and not knowing yet where they fit into the coaches plans. It will become clearer in the spring so try to sit back and relax and just enjoy it. Like high school, college goes way too fast.
Prime Jr. finished yesterday with his Team winning 6-0. He ended well in that his good AB's found holes; his two out single started a 2 run rally and his last at bat was a triple off the 403' marker in center.
He was laughing on the phone telling me that his last at bat was his best, nothing last waiting until the last minute .. ha!
As all you veteran Dad's have posted they do really learn more about a sense of Team in College ball. It has been interesting to then hear him say yesterday, "and Dinger(his roommate) had a great hit and Kenny made a great play up the middle to throw me out by a step on my first at bat." And CABB, we have on a number of occasions taken him and three or four of his Freshmen buddies out to dinner which has been a riot to see them all interact together. And then, at the field, they do open up and thus far it has been really rewarding.
Thanks to all here, and the high school experience, I know to soak it all in while I can because it will be over far too soon.
This site is a great resource which reminds me that I have not yet made my contribution ..... Julie, I promise I will remedy that....
He was laughing on the phone telling me that his last at bat was his best, nothing last waiting until the last minute .. ha!
As all you veteran Dad's have posted they do really learn more about a sense of Team in College ball. It has been interesting to then hear him say yesterday, "and Dinger(his roommate) had a great hit and Kenny made a great play up the middle to throw me out by a step on my first at bat." And CABB, we have on a number of occasions taken him and three or four of his Freshmen buddies out to dinner which has been a riot to see them all interact together. And then, at the field, they do open up and thus far it has been really rewarding.
Thanks to all here, and the high school experience, I know to soak it all in while I can because it will be over far too soon.
This site is a great resource which reminds me that I have not yet made my contribution ..... Julie, I promise I will remedy that....
Prime9 - very cool. I was expecting you to say he finally got one out with those BBCOR bats. 
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
On Saturday, I was speaking with some coaches who are just completing Fall Ball.
One aspect they mentioned had just been a point of serious discussion with their teams. It won't be a separate thread on the HSBBW. For many players though, it is at least as important as Fall Ball.
It is what happens with players and teams over the next 3 months.
Players, and teams, who don't work as hard, if not harder, during individual/voluntary workouts can lose whatever edge they gained, will remain the same or regress.
Players, and teams, who look to take a 3 month vacation, mentally or physically, don't understand what it takes to succeed in college baseball. Most give themselves "no chance" of competing when "play ball" starts again in February.
This is where college baseball is a "grind," where "grinders" become leaders, and leaders build winners.
What happens between now and February will impact many players and teams in how they look back at the season in May or June.
One aspect they mentioned had just been a point of serious discussion with their teams. It won't be a separate thread on the HSBBW. For many players though, it is at least as important as Fall Ball.
It is what happens with players and teams over the next 3 months.
Players, and teams, who don't work as hard, if not harder, during individual/voluntary workouts can lose whatever edge they gained, will remain the same or regress.
Players, and teams, who look to take a 3 month vacation, mentally or physically, don't understand what it takes to succeed in college baseball. Most give themselves "no chance" of competing when "play ball" starts again in February.
This is where college baseball is a "grind," where "grinders" become leaders, and leaders build winners.
What happens between now and February will impact many players and teams in how they look back at the season in May or June.
quote:Players, and teams, who don't work as hard, if not harder, during individual/voluntary workouts can lose whatever edge they gained, will remain the same or regress.
Most certainly that is the case. Some players need a little "mental break" and maybe even a short overall R&R period from competition. Others may not want or need it. Our first game is Feb 4th. Spring semester classes begin Jan 10th so I'm guessing Team practices would need to begin then as well? So, the Winter Team break is really only about two months?
I talked with Jr. last week after they had a period of off-days following their World Series contests. He and another hitter were getting some "cage reps" in and the Asst. Coach saw them and proceeded to give them a hard time about it. Jr. says "he's (the Coach)the type that apparently believes strongly in that down time means no reps.
Now I'm guessing they will begin this week, after short few days off, back to their daily "group" routines that consist of cage hitting, weight room, throwing, bull pens, speed & agility, etc.
I told PrimeJr. to "maintain" as he always has; don't stop hitting work or throwing for more than a few days! I've said this in other places, but fine motor skills begin to digress very quickly when not being worked. I would prefer to see him swinging daily to keep his feel and timing in tact! Also, I see no competitive or physical advantage in curtailing throwing. Again, not 100% all out competitive reps, but good maintenance work.
I think infielddad is talking about more than just taking extra hacks off the machine or doing a few extra squats in the gym. College baseball is very much a physical sport...throwing harder, hitting further, running faster. But the game involves other aspects as well. People can prepare their bodies until the end of time, but the fact of the matter is that baseball is a difficult and grinding sport, and one that requires a lot of mental preparation as well.
Many people view mental preparation as the time that a player spends previous to the start of a particular game in getting themselves prepared to make the necessary adjustments to perform successfully. But if the groundwork isn't set in the offseason for mental toughness and mental stamina, then the player will find an inability to consistently mentally prepare themselves for success once the season rolls around. The Division I baseball schedule is 56 games in about 13 weeks. Plain and simple, that's a lot of baseball.
My offseason is very much spent making mental pros and cons checklists. I note the things that I do particularly well and the things I could potentially improve to make myself a better pitcher. Then I go about ways to actually make these improvements. Sometimes it means doing a little extra running, or lifting a little more. Sometimes it means watching video, or doing dry mechanical work. Sometimes it means to back track and work on a different aspect of my baseball abilities that could in turn relate to what I need to work on.
I happen to be more specific in my training ways than many others, and I consider myself somewhat of a perfectionist in that respect. I strive to make everything I do on the field the best it can possibly be, and the groundwork for that starts with mentally preparing yourself to do these things. It takes more than going out there and throwing the ball around to be successful. It takes more than listening to the coaches and doing what you're told to be successful. There are thousands of other college baseball players out there that are doing the exact same thing you are. What you need to figure out is what it takes to separate yourself from the majority, ever so slightly, so that you have an edge on the competition. Whether the ultimate goal is to raise your batting average, to lower your ERA, to get drafted, to help your team win a few extra games, to get your picture in the paper, to impress your girlfriend in the stands, whatever. The success starts in the winter when the base period of mental preparation begins. And if a player can prove to be mentally tough through the slow grind of the offseason, the on-field stuff becomes fun and easy.
Many people view mental preparation as the time that a player spends previous to the start of a particular game in getting themselves prepared to make the necessary adjustments to perform successfully. But if the groundwork isn't set in the offseason for mental toughness and mental stamina, then the player will find an inability to consistently mentally prepare themselves for success once the season rolls around. The Division I baseball schedule is 56 games in about 13 weeks. Plain and simple, that's a lot of baseball.
My offseason is very much spent making mental pros and cons checklists. I note the things that I do particularly well and the things I could potentially improve to make myself a better pitcher. Then I go about ways to actually make these improvements. Sometimes it means doing a little extra running, or lifting a little more. Sometimes it means watching video, or doing dry mechanical work. Sometimes it means to back track and work on a different aspect of my baseball abilities that could in turn relate to what I need to work on.
I happen to be more specific in my training ways than many others, and I consider myself somewhat of a perfectionist in that respect. I strive to make everything I do on the field the best it can possibly be, and the groundwork for that starts with mentally preparing yourself to do these things. It takes more than going out there and throwing the ball around to be successful. It takes more than listening to the coaches and doing what you're told to be successful. There are thousands of other college baseball players out there that are doing the exact same thing you are. What you need to figure out is what it takes to separate yourself from the majority, ever so slightly, so that you have an edge on the competition. Whether the ultimate goal is to raise your batting average, to lower your ERA, to get drafted, to help your team win a few extra games, to get your picture in the paper, to impress your girlfriend in the stands, whatever. The success starts in the winter when the base period of mental preparation begins. And if a player can prove to be mentally tough through the slow grind of the offseason, the on-field stuff becomes fun and easy.