I heard that but Im not sure.
Thank you for the congrats, he is doing ok but too many K's, seems to always be behind on count. This isn't HS anymore were you can hit o-2/1-2. Part or the learning experience.
Got hit in hand second ab in first game of dh today, took him out for xrays, negative but swollen. You think I heard this from him - nope Charlie White's dad called me because he knew I would be concerned.
Kids - parents are always the last to know.
Got the bad news last night.
Crack in hand, out 2-4 weeks.
Crack in hand, out 2-4 weeks.
That is a shame Bob... lets hope it is a short recovery time.
Rumors heading down to Ga Tech is
......lot's of Terp Freshman are ...unhappy.
Imagine that!
Also, Delaware Baseball is struggling, big time!
Heck, Delaware lost to Wilmington.... and twice.
Anybody else heading to Terpville for Gyhsels start?
......lot's of Terp Freshman are ...unhappy.
Imagine that!
Also, Delaware Baseball is struggling, big time!
Heck, Delaware lost to Wilmington.... and twice.
Anybody else heading to Terpville for Gyhsels start?
Bear,
If what you hear is true (lots of Terp freshmen unhappy), then I have one piece of advice for them...grow up!
I can't believe the mentality of kids (and parents) these days. Do freshmen think they are going to simply walk into an ACC environment and have an impact? Most of them probably need to add 15-20 lbs of muscle, improve their hand/eye coordination and really learn how to compete at the highest level of baseball. 18 year old boys (and yes, for the most part they are still boys), need to realize all those upper-classmen playing now went through the same thing they are going through now when they were freshmen.
If you want to play right away as a freshman you need to be extra special or perhaps choose another program to play with...something not quite as competitive.
Interesting to see how some kids react the first time they face adversity.
If what you hear is true (lots of Terp freshmen unhappy), then I have one piece of advice for them...grow up!
I can't believe the mentality of kids (and parents) these days. Do freshmen think they are going to simply walk into an ACC environment and have an impact? Most of them probably need to add 15-20 lbs of muscle, improve their hand/eye coordination and really learn how to compete at the highest level of baseball. 18 year old boys (and yes, for the most part they are still boys), need to realize all those upper-classmen playing now went through the same thing they are going through now when they were freshmen.
If you want to play right away as a freshman you need to be extra special or perhaps choose another program to play with...something not quite as competitive.
Interesting to see how some kids react the first time they face adversity.
nhmonty...your son looks like quite a player and someone who is going to help MD get out of the cellar.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Larry,
Thank you for the kind words. He is doing ok, selective hitter who gets himself in hole too much but hopefully he will learn and make adjustments and cut down on the K's.
Goal now is to get healthy and return in 3/4 weeks and make a small contribution to the team.
As I told Bear, the player to watch is
Charlie White, when the year is done I'm betting he is a team leader in a lot of offensive categories and his defense is outstanding (has a cannon for an arm).
Thank you for the kind words. He is doing ok, selective hitter who gets himself in hole too much but hopefully he will learn and make adjustments and cut down on the K's.
Goal now is to get healthy and return in 3/4 weeks and make a small contribution to the team.
As I told Bear, the player to watch is
Charlie White, when the year is done I'm betting he is a team leader in a lot of offensive categories and his defense is outstanding (has a cannon for an arm).
On the contrary Mr.Thompson. If it were my son and he was unhappy because he wasn't playing I would completely understand. Now, if he was happy because he was sitting the bench then I would be very concerned. I could hear it now, "Dad,this is great, I get to sit the bench every game". Also, you obviously have not seen these boys up close, they all have gained 15-20 lbs. since the beginning of the year, they're huge. I guess it all depends what they were told their opportunities would be during the recruiting process. Let's face it, some kids will leave after this year and it will be freshmen, it is the time to do it because they're pretty much stuck after this year. Some kids just need a change, things don't always work out the way you think. I don't think it's a matter of "they have to grow up", I think it's part of growing up.
Bubba - I have to side with Larry on this one. Coach B recruits the best because he has to in order to raise the bar at MD and improve the program. He is honest in his recruiting in that he promises everyone a chance to contribute - it is what these young men do with that chance that separates them. Most Freshman need to grow mentally and physically to compete to play at any level of college baseball, much less the ACC. I do not believe that Larry was saying all freshmen are cry babies, but the fact is that some need to realize that it is a combination of talent, work ethic, and opportunity that leads to success. Coach B gives them an opportunity every day in practice, they all have talent, but many do not possess the work ethic and mental side of the game. Many top players have had success in HS on talent alone and have never faced adversity. The adversity they face by not starting will make those that are mentally tough even tougher and those that aren't can go play rugby.
nhmonty I also like what I see in your son. I believe he has a bright future in baseball. Lets hope he gets back soon!
I agree with Larry as well in regards to player attitudes and work ethic. Many players are not used to competing for a job and putting in the hard work it takes to improve their skills to earn playing time. Being the best at your HS might have got you to UMD but now EVERYONE on the team was the best at their respective HS.
As Larry stated there are very few freshman that can walk in and contribute to an ACC team and Maryland probably has the most opportunity for freshmen to play. So the freshman who in their opinion have not seen sufficent playing time, must have some work to do in order to convince coach Bakich to play them. As a player you dont have to ACCEPT or like the fact you are not playing but complaining about your situation is not going to help you force playing time at this level because every player is replaceable. Some coaches actually WANT to see a players reaction when things dont go well or how they deal with adversity in order to gauge their character. So they can either bust their butts to get better or whine about it riding the bench and eventually transfer. Self evaluation AND reaction to constructive coaching criticsm is something that a lot of kids need to learn.
Coach Bakich cut over 2/3 of last years team while cleaning house so I have to believe that he would show any current player who is unhappy the door if he doesn't want to compete for playing time or is unhappy with his evaluation. ALL of these players should have been aware of this after seeing what happened to the previous years players. It is obvious that Coach Bakich is going to continue to bring in players so there always will be competition for playing time. It is no suprise what the agenda is in terms of playing time. If certain players think they are above this then they should seek another program to play for.
As Larry stated there are very few freshman that can walk in and contribute to an ACC team and Maryland probably has the most opportunity for freshmen to play. So the freshman who in their opinion have not seen sufficent playing time, must have some work to do in order to convince coach Bakich to play them. As a player you dont have to ACCEPT or like the fact you are not playing but complaining about your situation is not going to help you force playing time at this level because every player is replaceable. Some coaches actually WANT to see a players reaction when things dont go well or how they deal with adversity in order to gauge their character. So they can either bust their butts to get better or whine about it riding the bench and eventually transfer. Self evaluation AND reaction to constructive coaching criticsm is something that a lot of kids need to learn.
Coach Bakich cut over 2/3 of last years team while cleaning house so I have to believe that he would show any current player who is unhappy the door if he doesn't want to compete for playing time or is unhappy with his evaluation. ALL of these players should have been aware of this after seeing what happened to the previous years players. It is obvious that Coach Bakich is going to continue to bring in players so there always will be competition for playing time. It is no suprise what the agenda is in terms of playing time. If certain players think they are above this then they should seek another program to play for.
The largest part of this is simply playing time.
Another large part is bringing in transfers vs not bringing in transfers.
Freshman position players in the ACC typically do not receive a lot of playing time.
And with the new NCAA baseball transfer rules, (1 year sitting out should freshman transfer to 4 yr school) the landscape has changed!
I don't recall a 'special' freshman arm at Terpville this year! Did I miss something?
On another point of view, Larry, have you watched the Terps this year?
Another large part is bringing in transfers vs not bringing in transfers.
Freshman position players in the ACC typically do not receive a lot of playing time.
And with the new NCAA baseball transfer rules, (1 year sitting out should freshman transfer to 4 yr school) the landscape has changed!
I don't recall a 'special' freshman arm at Terpville this year! Did I miss something?
On another point of view, Larry, have you watched the Terps this year?
quote:Originally posted by all322:quote:Originally posted by larrythompson:
Bear,
If what you hear is true (lots of Terp freshmen unhappy), then I have one piece of advice for them...grow up!
I can't believe the mentality of kids (and parents) these days. Do freshmen think they are going to simply walk into an ACC environment and have an impact? Most of them probably need to add 15-20 lbs of muscle, improve their hand/eye coordination and really learn how to compete at the highest level of baseball. 18 year old boys (and yes, for the most part they are still boys), need to realize all those upper-classmen playing now went through the same thing they are going through now when they were freshmen.
If you want to play right away as a freshman you need to be extra special or perhaps choose another program to play with...something not quite as competitive.
Interesting to see how some kids react the first time they face adversity.
Nice Larry. Lecture players and parents based on a Bear rumor. A competitor that is happy to ride the bench is done. Kind of like when you accepted the bald spot and gave up on the combover.
all322 Don't assume that Larry doesn't know what it takes to compete. He has coached for a long time and has expereinced 1st hand the changes in attitude/expectations/dedication in players over the years. He never said that the kids in question should be "happy" and accept their fate. There is a reason these kids are not playing and rather than complaining maybe they need to reevaluate their positions. Are they expecting too much too soon in terms of playing time? Do they have things they need to work on to earn playing time? Rather than complaining they might need to re- evaluate themseleves. At this stage of his team rebuild I am quite sure that Bakich has evaluated his team and is not going to sit any kid who he feels has the talent to help him win games right now. So instead of complaining these kids shold get to work on improving themselves to earn some time.
As for Bear's "rumors" being validated. I would not question this as he attends many games and also knows many of the parents of the players. If I was a betting man I beleive there is a lot of truth behind his statement. I am sure he could validate your question and tell you WHO is complaining but that would not be appropriate, as the players need to work these issues with the coach. I also know a few of the players families and there ARE rumblings that some freshmen are not happy with their playing time. At this juncture of the season, one would expect some disatisfaction from kids who are used to ample playing time prior to college.
Our son got the bad news yesterday. Went to Maryland football team doctor, they blew up the x-ray and the bone is cracked all the way through.
Out four to six weeks.
Go Terps lets gets some ACC wins!
Out four to six weeks.
Go Terps lets gets some ACC wins!
Nh, so sorry to hear the news on your son. ugghhh
hope the time goes by fast for him and he has a complete recovery. Good Luck to the Team.
hope the time goes by fast for him and he has a complete recovery. Good Luck to the Team.
It appears the former Vandy Assistant Coach is trying to do to much to soon. If their are a number of unhappy freshman this year...it will negatively impact recruitment efforts next year. These kids play travel ball while in high school and basically trade information all the time. The old school mentality of being quiet and waiting for your turn is not relevant in today's college market. Kids have basically three years to produce to move on to the next level......The successful college programs today are built completely on trust between coaches and players --- Eric was known as a good recruiter while at Vandy -- but his coaching skills/leadership skills are much more relevant now as the head coach....Time will tell but unhappiness among those that he actively recruited as freshman --- this early into his tenure without any successful results has to be a concern.
I agree Trepfan, but the only thing I would add is it's not just freshman, many upperclassmen are upset too. From what I hear a lot of kids are upset at preferential treatment to some kids(for example,kids batting less than .100 and still playing and not giving other kids a chance). I think many of the freshman went there because they thought they would get an early chance. As far as Bakich coaching, I am very concerned from what I've seen so far. I've been to every game except Texas and they have not been the best coached team on the field, too many simple mistakes but as a Terp I'm telling myself he's young and learning too!
When a coach builds up a player in the press and sets high expectations it puts alot of pressure on the player to produce. If they struggle, which every hitter does, the coach gets put in a tough position. You bench the player and they lose confidence. You keep the player in the line-up and they continue to struggle you hurt the team, back up players grumble and the coach risks losing the team.
Besides not mentioning players names in the press till they do something good (never when they do bad)what do you do in this situation?
Besides not mentioning players names in the press till they do something good (never when they do bad)what do you do in this situation?
Bubbaball,
Stop by and introduce yourself at the beginning
of the Terps vs St John's game on Wed this week.
I'll be the good looking tall guy with a Brewers cap maybe sitting next to a great looking coed (weather permitting)
cheers
Bear
Stop by and introduce yourself at the beginning
of the Terps vs St John's game on Wed this week.
I'll be the good looking tall guy with a Brewers cap maybe sitting next to a great looking coed (weather permitting)
cheers
Bear
Lose second ACC conference series (Boston) -- has the coaching change made the program better?
sure is a joy reading the disgruntled posts----used to be atime when coches where given a chance before beinghung
Well said TRhit. Give him a couple years to see if all the guys he recruited are producing when they are Seniors. Remember he didn't get hired until July of 2009. Maybe that doesn't make a difference with JUCO guys but it does with High Schoolers cause let's face it, top 100 recruits are verbally commiting before they play a game their junior year (not saying it's always the case but it is becoming more prevalent)
Not sure who is being disgruntled here.
A crystal ball for the 2011 NCAA Regional Baseball Tourney sees a lock on the the following seven ACC Teams:
UVA, Florida St., Clemson, Georgia Tech, UNC,
Miami (FL), NC St.,
The five near bottom dwellings: Boston College,
Duke, Wake Forest & Va Tech, Terps... may not being able to gain in standings in 2011!
Hultzen has a strong case as the nation's best player after five weeks.
Dependant upon what Top 25 poll you like:
(2) UVA
(6) Florida State
(7) Clemson
(8) Ga Tech
(11) North Carolina
WoW!
And with Terps @ UVA next weekend and
then Fl St the next weekend after that, the Terps current #85 ranking is probably at a peak!
A crystal ball for the 2011 NCAA Regional Baseball Tourney sees a lock on the the following seven ACC Teams:
UVA, Florida St., Clemson, Georgia Tech, UNC,
Miami (FL), NC St.,
The five near bottom dwellings: Boston College,
Duke, Wake Forest & Va Tech, Terps... may not being able to gain in standings in 2011!
Hultzen has a strong case as the nation's best player after five weeks.
Dependant upon what Top 25 poll you like:
(2) UVA
(6) Florida State
(7) Clemson
(8) Ga Tech
(11) North Carolina
WoW!
And with Terps @ UVA next weekend and
then Fl St the next weekend after that, the Terps current #85 ranking is probably at a peak!
I hope that you all won't mind a few friendly reactions to some of the comments here.
It's hard to recall a new head coach at a major program who hasn't faced more than his share of criticism and disgruntlement initially. However, good coaches, like good players, often grow and develop into becoming better coaches; eventually finding a winning approach.
At the same time, they usually benefit from having several years to establish and recruit the sort of player they want to populate their roster and occupy their clubhouse. For these reasons, I'm one of those who would find myself among those suggesting some patience.
While I'm at it, I'll also add the observation that it's pretty darned challenging to consistently recruit players who have the capacity to compete at the highest levels of the game and really understand and accept the fact that they're one among many when they reach the major college level. As I've said before, fortunately, most players (and their parents) come to appreciate this and adjust to it. Sadly, some never do.
Finally, I'd like to go on record wishing Coach B. and the program the best. If all of the teams in the ACC can find a way to compete on a par with one another, it's only good for all of the rest of the teams and the conference as a whole.
P.S. Bear, I still recall that great conversation we had many moons ago during that clinic at Duke. Here's wishing you and the family all the best.
It's hard to recall a new head coach at a major program who hasn't faced more than his share of criticism and disgruntlement initially. However, good coaches, like good players, often grow and develop into becoming better coaches; eventually finding a winning approach.
At the same time, they usually benefit from having several years to establish and recruit the sort of player they want to populate their roster and occupy their clubhouse. For these reasons, I'm one of those who would find myself among those suggesting some patience.
While I'm at it, I'll also add the observation that it's pretty darned challenging to consistently recruit players who have the capacity to compete at the highest levels of the game and really understand and accept the fact that they're one among many when they reach the major college level. As I've said before, fortunately, most players (and their parents) come to appreciate this and adjust to it. Sadly, some never do.
Finally, I'd like to go on record wishing Coach B. and the program the best. If all of the teams in the ACC can find a way to compete on a par with one another, it's only good for all of the rest of the teams and the conference as a whole.
P.S. Bear, I still recall that great conversation we had many moons ago during that clinic at Duke. Here's wishing you and the family all the best.
Eric B. -- If you happen to read this thread prior to this weekend -- Your comment to me while you were at Vandy will be coming true.....let's see whose "butt gets kicked" -- Although it will not be the World Series in Omaho -- I will be sitting behind the visitor's dugout (where Maryland will be situated). Please look for me -- I will be wearing a bright orange shirt. Interesting how upset you were at the time and yet you leave Vandy and all your Vandy recruits to go to Maryland.
See you Friday, Saturday and Sunday.....
See you Friday, Saturday and Sunday.....
quote:Originally posted by Prepster:
I hope that you all won't mind a few friendly reactions to some of the comments here.
It's hard to recall a new head coach at a major program who hasn't faced more than his share of criticism and disgruntlement initially. However, good coaches, like good players, often grow and develop into becoming better coaches; eventually finding a winning approach.
At the same time, they usually benefit from having several years to establish and recruit the sort of player they want to populate their roster and occupy their clubhouse. For these reasons, I'm one of those who would find myself among those suggesting some patience.
While I'm at it, I'll also add the observation that it's pretty darned challenging to consistently recruit players who have the capacity to compete at the highest levels of the game and really understand and accept the fact that they're one among many when they reach the major college level. As I've said before, fortunately, most players (and their parents) come to appreciate this and adjust to it. Sadly, some never do.
Finally, I'd like to go on record wishing Coach B. and the program the best. If all of the teams in the ACC can find a way to compete on a par with one another, it's only good for all of the rest of the teams and the conference as a whole.
P.S. Bear, I still recall that great conversation we had many moons ago during that clinic at Duke. Here's wishing you and the family all the best.
Prepster,
Good copy.
I remember our chat like it was yesterday.
We were "chauffer's" at Duke's Junior Day - March 2006 (when the Blue Devils played Radford). It was the Hilliard show (ugh) at Duke, and I don't recall if Robert or Casey chatted early on (since each were hi in February, bye in Sept type kids).
You and I sat on the metal bleachers when Robert and Casey and Bard walked to Cameron from Coombs and another life-time experience with the Cameron Crazies!
I did notice Robert is seeking a career baseball path. I watched his growing and special relationship with Coach Fox. That is the one part
that Coach B may turn around at Terpville!
Keep in touch.
Go Terps!
Cheers
Bear
Bear:
Do you need a ticket for this weekend?
Do you need a ticket for this weekend?
quote:Originally posted by Trepfan:
Bear:
Do you need a ticket for this weekend?
Might make the Saturday day game, and if
so, my scout pass should be honored in Charlotesville.
Maybe remind the Cavaliers to take it easy on
the young Terps.
I know I won't be wearing an Orange shirt.
You can spring for a great steak and adult beverages
in old town, Saturday night!
cheers
Bear
One guys opinion on the frustration with this year's team may be setting expectations to high. Having a son on the team and being 500 miles away I get most of my information by reading everything I can about the team.
Alot has been written about turning the program around this year and that may be the problem. A a new CEO doesn't go into a failing business and turn it around in few months! You start by building a good foundation and build off that foundation. I don't think its any different with an athletic team.
Give the guy some time. He's young in both age and coaching experience. He will figure it out. I have spent less than 10 minutes talking with him over 8 months but I know he felt his team would compete for a ACC playoff spot via hard work, aggressivenes and determination. You may win a few games that way but you still need guys to perform. In the first twenty games some of the verterans (including JC trasfers have struggled) - that's baseball and that's not on the coach. They all may be pressing too much. They need to relax and have some fun playing and coaching the game.
Look at Georgia Tech's stats they have been a pitching and hitting machine, yes the BC series was disappointing and the next four series are brutal. If they can start to win some ACC games in the later part of the season it will be a good indication they are building for the future.
Alot has been written about turning the program around this year and that may be the problem. A a new CEO doesn't go into a failing business and turn it around in few months! You start by building a good foundation and build off that foundation. I don't think its any different with an athletic team.
Give the guy some time. He's young in both age and coaching experience. He will figure it out. I have spent less than 10 minutes talking with him over 8 months but I know he felt his team would compete for a ACC playoff spot via hard work, aggressivenes and determination. You may win a few games that way but you still need guys to perform. In the first twenty games some of the verterans (including JC trasfers have struggled) - that's baseball and that's not on the coach. They all may be pressing too much. They need to relax and have some fun playing and coaching the game.
Look at Georgia Tech's stats they have been a pitching and hitting machine, yes the BC series was disappointing and the next four series are brutal. If they can start to win some ACC games in the later part of the season it will be a good indication they are building for the future.
quote:Originally posted by Bear:quote:Originally posted by Trepfan:
Bear:
Do you need a ticket for this weekend?
Might make the Saturday day game, and if
so, my scout pass should be honored in Charlotesville.
Maybe remind the Cavaliers to take it easy on
the young Terps.
I know I won't be wearing an Orange shirt.
You can spring for a great steak and adult beverages
in old town, Saturday night!
cheers
Bear
See you there --
Congrats on Scotts 2 IP of shut out ball vs Towson Tigers, yesterday.
I heard Scott showed arm strength, was athletic off the mound, threw strikes and sat 85-87 with movement.
Regards
I heard Scott showed arm strength, was athletic off the mound, threw strikes and sat 85-87 with movement.
Regards
Thank you Bear! He reached 89mph....hopefully as the weather warms up his volicity will continue to climb.
UVA has been very cautious with his use -- He has been only used mostly against left-handed batters and this past appearance was the longest (two innings) he has had the opportunity to pitch. UVA has been absolutely fanastic in their connection with Dr. Andrews, the rehab with UVA trainers (12 months a year, twice a day) and his limited use thus far.....definitely an aspect to consider for future kids being recruited in terms of how do the colleges handle players injuried -- do they stand behind their players or seek other alternatives. Not sure how other Division One Colleges handle similar type situations.
Now it is time to "give back to the program" -- and Scott is committed to UVA for his senior year no matter what transpires in May -- and hopefully everything will continue to progress while he participates in the program next year.
UVA has been very cautious with his use -- He has been only used mostly against left-handed batters and this past appearance was the longest (two innings) he has had the opportunity to pitch. UVA has been absolutely fanastic in their connection with Dr. Andrews, the rehab with UVA trainers (12 months a year, twice a day) and his limited use thus far.....definitely an aspect to consider for future kids being recruited in terms of how do the colleges handle players injuried -- do they stand behind their players or seek other alternatives. Not sure how other Division One Colleges handle similar type situations.
Now it is time to "give back to the program" -- and Scott is committed to UVA for his senior year no matter what transpires in May -- and hopefully everything will continue to progress while he participates in the program next year.
Virginia vs Maryland - 14 to 1 --- Maryland pitching looked horrible.
My comments from the weekend series with UVa … Maryland has a long way to go.
The center-fielder tried to show up the UVa team when he spiked the ball on the mound after catching a line drive with the bases loaded, to keep the Maryland lead at 2-1. The only problem is he came in to pitch and after two quick outs, the defense gave the game away with 2 errors and then 3 hits. The team needs to learn how to win.
In addition:
- Players complaining to the umps on calls (and the coach letting it happen) is not the way to play the game.
- On 3-0 counts the batter would fake bunt (just like Little League), pretty pathetic.
- Dropped third strike and the batter just walks to the dugout, never even attempted to run to first.
- Extra hard slaps on pick-off moves to first
- The entire attitude of the team, very cocky and immature. Win first, and then show some confidence.
- Lack of respect for the game.
That is coaching and in my opinion this shows a team without character and class. That starts at the top. The coach is new, learning and maybe he ought to look at some of the other class programs like UNC, FSU, and UVa. They know how to win and respect the game.
The center-fielder tried to show up the UVa team when he spiked the ball on the mound after catching a line drive with the bases loaded, to keep the Maryland lead at 2-1. The only problem is he came in to pitch and after two quick outs, the defense gave the game away with 2 errors and then 3 hits. The team needs to learn how to win.
In addition:
- Players complaining to the umps on calls (and the coach letting it happen) is not the way to play the game.
- On 3-0 counts the batter would fake bunt (just like Little League), pretty pathetic.
- Dropped third strike and the batter just walks to the dugout, never even attempted to run to first.
- Extra hard slaps on pick-off moves to first
- The entire attitude of the team, very cocky and immature. Win first, and then show some confidence.
- Lack of respect for the game.
That is coaching and in my opinion this shows a team without character and class. That starts at the top. The coach is new, learning and maybe he ought to look at some of the other class programs like UNC, FSU, and UVa. They know how to win and respect the game.
Agree...it is "tone-at-the-top" Sort of reminds me when a recruit that was planning to visit Vandy for a official visit several years ago and decided prior to go and commit to another school. The kid advised Vandy to cancel the trip so as not to waste their time or money --- and the email sent by Eric B indicated that if he ever met the kid again he would "kick his ***" --- will he met the kid this past weekend at UVA-- and Eric B.'s lack of class email comment came back to haunt him.
Couldn't agree more Wagoneer, and I'm a Terp fan, a very concerned fan. It is not what I envisioned when Bakich was hired. I did expect a change in attitude but there is a right way to go about it. Show class win or lose. Seems they need to spend more time on how to play the game, not taunt the opponent. I also understand there will be some players not there next year and I wonder if the attitude thing has anything to do with it? I mean, you have the pitcher doing that yesterday and down at Texas the benches emptied, yes I'm concerned.
Maybe a fine line but also a big difference between trying to instill toughness/not backing down from UVA and players just acting like a bunch of primadonnas. In watching the two games yesterday I saw many of the same things mentioned above out of UMD. Im obv a Virginia fan but would like to see Maryland improve just because the more good teams in the ACC the merrier as far as Im concerned.
They aren't ever going to get on track in the ACC by spiking the ball on the mound or fake bunting on 3-0, though.
They aren't ever going to get on track in the ACC by spiking the ball on the mound or fake bunting on 3-0, though.
At the risk of stating the obvious, players at winning programs respect ability and toughness on the field. If the Maryland players bring that on a consistent basis, they'll win their opponents' respect. Antics of the sort mentioned here (and on national college baseball boards), do nothing but make the winning programs play even harder.
quote:Originally posted by Wagoneer:
My comments from the weekend series with UVa … Maryland has a long way to go.
The center-fielder tried to show up the UVa team when he spiked the ball on the mound after catching a line drive with the bases loaded, to keep the Maryland lead at 2-1. The only problem is he came in to pitch and after two quick outs, the defense gave the game away with 2 errors and then 3 hits. The team needs to learn how to win.
In addition:
- Players complaining to the umps on calls (and the coach letting it happen) is not the way to play the game.
- On 3-0 counts the batter would fake bunt (just like Little League), pretty pathetic.
- Dropped third strike and the batter just walks to the dugout, never even attempted to run to first.
- Extra hard slaps on pick-off moves to first
- The entire attitude of the team, very cocky and immature. Win first, and then show some confidence.
- Lack of respect for the game.
That is coaching and in my opinion this shows a team without character and class. That starts at the top. The coach is new, learning and maybe he ought to look at some of the other class programs like UNC, FSU, and UVa. They know how to win and respect the game.
Wagoneer,
The expression 'keeps p^issin the Baseball Gods off' is what we are trying to say regarding the Terp players actions (or reactions) on the field.
And I might add, the players are being directed
to perform this way including spiking the ball, fake bunt, slaps at pickoff's at 1b, 'enthusiasm',
and the one that I have raised my eyes brows several times, 'jumping into a pile for the pre-game dance while on the field' after the Umpires/Coaches swap line-ups and discuss ground rules!
And for what it is worth....... I think your opinion of what class is and the colleges is
a bit niave!
Trep........ I know I am getting more thin skinned reading your five year again story, and for the 100th time! Turn the page!
Prep: Good Copy
How many years is Eric's contract?