Gruff vs. Class

Does your son play on the 15U HFB? If so I believe we played you guys last summer; I was then with the Olney Pirates. What school does your son go to?

I think the Stanford background has a lot to do with the way HFB staff run their organization. They are classy, well organized and very professional and they were extremely helpful and supportive of my sons during the recruiting process.

GO NAVY!!!BEAT army!!!!!

Dear Cuban Lefty:

Great name BTW!

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I would prefer not to say where my son goes to school, as although you would not say anything; someone else might and I would hate to have it impact my son.

My son did not play on the 15U HFB team last year, although he might move up during the summer to do so.

The Olney Pirates have a fantastic program. I don't know who your manager was, but the Sweeney brothers run a good program in Olney.

As far as HFB, I agree with Hot Mama that the Stanford, or better yet the higher institute of learning experience, really shows on the diamond.

Cuban Lefty...can I ask were you're playing?

I know that QO, Gberg, Watkins Mill and Seneca Valley under Gibson have some strong teams in the public school division.

Good luck this year!

Peace

I agree, it is a pain that some coaches use gruff as their approach to coaching.

Although I have a lot of respect for Brendon Sullivan, I see the gruff vs class reasoning a little differently. I do not believe the level they play ball has anything to do with it. I truly believe it is the individual, and their understanding they are teachers versus managers. I have heard horror stories of great hitters who were the worst hitting instructors, etc...


The "screaming method" versus "teaching method" is a coach who believes in deductive reasoning. I played baseball before, therefore I can coach baseball!

I truly believe the gruff approach is the male ego taking over. They do not want some young baseball player recognizing they do not understand the game of baseball. They will say things like, "Throw Strikes!," or "Wait Longer,"
both sounding like he is passing on beneficial baseball knowledge. Yet to the kid neither statement helps them become better.

It's disappointing, but the gruff coach is the last guy you would ever see attend a clinic on hitting, fielding, pitching, or any aspect of the game.

If your son attends a private school you can obviously make a change. If he goes to a public school, the gruff coach revitalizes the argument; should teachers be given preference at a public school over a non-teacher, regardless if the teacher knows anything about baseball.

Food for thought.

I play at The Bullis School. Actually played for Mr. Sweeney but feel that as a teacher he just wasn't up there. He was a good coach and led us to good things but the teacher and development at this stage is more important. Over the summer I am playing with Maryland Patriots and coach Chroniger as our coach. If your son is interested we do have 1 spot open for summer play. If you want to send me a PM I would be glad to speak with you.

Thanks
Cuban

Wow...great response Al.

Obviously you've been around and understand the game. You articulated what I could not.

Your points are correct.

I think Brendan and the other guys don't have anything to prove, plus they're doing it for a living. Their expectations are different. They want to see improvement from the player and are not so caught up in the final team record. Monetarily, their reputations rely on Johnny Jones the individual getting better, thus they have to be patient and dedicated to teaching the game.

Our only experiences with coaching have been with managers that have played the game. My son has played for 4 managers, 3 having played at a high college level and in the pros.

This "gruff" coach actually runs very productive practices. He's also new, so maybe he feels a tad insecure. I don't know.

My son attends public school, but after a camp he was offered a spot on two private school teams. After shadowing at one, he's wants to transfer there next year. From what I've heard, the coach at his possible school next year is "old school" too, but since this particular coach (you've spoken about his program on this board a few times in the past) knows what he's talking about it will be a no issue. We'll see how he does this year at his public school and take it from there.

Actually, my son really doesn't care about the coach's unfriendliness this year; however, he said it makes the experience and expectations be based on fear rather than enjoyment.

Sounds like most adult jobs in today's competitive economics...

I guess that was my actual point. Our sons are getting a taste of the real world and there is no more mommy and daddy ball. "You're on your own kid"...and maybe that's the way it should be. As a parent, you just want to shelter them from the pain and hardships that inevitably come for as long as you can.

Maybe it's me that's getting the life lesson.

Peace

Dear Cuban Lefty:

Thank you for the great lead regarding summer ball.

I will have my son contact you directly.

At the level at which you personally play, I understand what you're saying. Sweeney is no Steve Lombardozzi, Dave Caplan or Coach Dave Schultheis. I would have added Joe Stoltz to that mix...but just couldn't bring myself to do that...)) LOL...

BTW, where do you do your indoor work? Maybe we've seen you around.

Peace

My coach from 2 seasons ago in baberuth was the best coach that i have ever played for. He always got the most out of his ball players. He was a better teacher then most of my school teachers, he would let you know when uve done wrong and let you know when uve done good. he is now the coach of the FSK post 11 team. he showed me the true way to play baseball and he increased my abilities

Dear Pudge:

That's a great testament to your coach.

Keep up the good work ethic and keep learning!

Peace

I do my indoor work with Chroniger on Sundays at the Germantown S****rplex. Oh man--- Joe Stolz--- when I played fall MCBA that guy was crazy. I've never seen anybody get so rowled up. I think I probably know where your son got offered. I too was offered a place at another private school after the camp.

Cuban