anyone have an opinion on this kid?
player
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Looks like so many others Dad.
really, like how?
He has good size and looks like a solid hitter but why is he wearing his hat backwards?
I'd like to know who that is?
I don't really understand why wearing your hat backwards is a bad thing.. The kid is just hitting with his dad with their own time. He isn't at practice or isn't at a game. There should be nothing wrong with that.. If he was at practice or a game then yea I would tell him to turn it around, but this isn't the case.
I was extremely impressed. Imagine being able to do that under such harsh conditions!
The dad was actually looking straight into a setting sun, yet was able to flip those balls in there perfectly!
My cap, frontwards or backwards, is off to you sir!
Expect a lot more You Tubers now!
And as for the backwards cap...it is often said that you must present yourself well "because you never know who will be watching". Who will see this particular video? Will they think differently of this player because of the way his cap is worn? I don't know...and neither does this kid or his father.
It is correct that this is just a dad with his son in the backyard, but since it is being presented here on the HSBBW the audience is no longer limited to those just watching from the patio or the relatives who must endure the home movies shown during 'holiday get togethers'.
The dad was actually looking straight into a setting sun, yet was able to flip those balls in there perfectly!
My cap, frontwards or backwards, is off to you sir!
Expect a lot more You Tubers now!
And as for the backwards cap...it is often said that you must present yourself well "because you never know who will be watching". Who will see this particular video? Will they think differently of this player because of the way his cap is worn? I don't know...and neither does this kid or his father.
It is correct that this is just a dad with his son in the backyard, but since it is being presented here on the HSBBW the audience is no longer limited to those just watching from the patio or the relatives who must endure the home movies shown during 'holiday get togethers'.
Why shouldn't he wear his hat backwards if he wants to. If hes a good player he will do well regardless of if his hat is on froeward or backwards.
Honestly, for me at least, all of the structure of these ultra intense leagues, even HS is taking thee fun out of baseball.
Honestly, for me at least, all of the structure of these ultra intense leagues, even HS is taking thee fun out of baseball.
The kid looks good!
About the backwards hat, I don't care after seen some big leagues stars wearing their hats backwards at the All Star Home Run Derby, years after years.
About the backwards hat, I don't care after seen some big leagues stars wearing their hats backwards at the All Star Home Run Derby, years after years.
Hoovedawg and KayMart4:
I'm a very old phart who has never, ever worn a uniform of any sort...not even the kind that requires you to ask "Do you want fries with that?".
My perspective regarding the proper way to wear a baseball uniform is from all of what I have learned and heard over the years. Baseball remains a game of structure within a framework of the team. That's the way it is.
Most all coaches demand and expect a lot of discipline from his players...and attention to the uniform is included in that. A deviation from the norm usually is not too well received. This is the way it is...and the way it should remain, in my opinion.
With that being said...I think it is very important for a coach to recognize that his team is made up of many individuals, some being free spirited and others not. It is his considerable task to successfully meld all of these different individuals into a competent, strong, united, and focused team that will meet or exceed his expectations. It is not an easy task...no way! It requires a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication...both from the players and the coach and his staff.
If, for some reason, a player, without question, is a much more productive team player with his cap on backwards then, and only then, should his coach take that into account. If team unity and focus is important to his coach, then the relaxation of the rules pertaining to proper and respectful wearing of the team's uniform is not going to happen...regardless.
Do you really think the way an individual player wears his cap influences his baseball abilities? Imagine a baseball team with little respect for the uniform...a team allowed to do as they please individually with regard to wearing the uniform. That team would look out of place on any baseball field, but might not even attract attention at the food court at the mall. Baseball games are played on baseball fields, not in food courts.
I'm not trying to be preachy or adversarial with those of you questioning the way a baseball cap is worn. There aren't too many freer spirits on this website than me, but even I recognize the value of both tradition and respect when it comes to maintaining the integrity of this great game of baseball.
Baseball should be fun. It is human nature to turn away from experiences that are tiresome, boring, stifling, or considered drudgery. If a coach senses that his team is thinking along those lines then he must find a way to change that because those are all counter productive. He may be able to accept an individual or two who think this about the game, but certainly not the majority of his team. Individuals caught up in that way of thinking will probably receive little to no attention from the coach.
So go out and have loads of fun playing the game you love. You can do it. This is what your coach wants you and the team to do. He knows that you will be more successful. Just be aware of the traditions and respect that the game deserves, because they influence mightily the good baseball coaches and how they run each of their programs.
I'm a very old phart who has never, ever worn a uniform of any sort...not even the kind that requires you to ask "Do you want fries with that?".
My perspective regarding the proper way to wear a baseball uniform is from all of what I have learned and heard over the years. Baseball remains a game of structure within a framework of the team. That's the way it is.
Most all coaches demand and expect a lot of discipline from his players...and attention to the uniform is included in that. A deviation from the norm usually is not too well received. This is the way it is...and the way it should remain, in my opinion.
With that being said...I think it is very important for a coach to recognize that his team is made up of many individuals, some being free spirited and others not. It is his considerable task to successfully meld all of these different individuals into a competent, strong, united, and focused team that will meet or exceed his expectations. It is not an easy task...no way! It requires a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication...both from the players and the coach and his staff.
If, for some reason, a player, without question, is a much more productive team player with his cap on backwards then, and only then, should his coach take that into account. If team unity and focus is important to his coach, then the relaxation of the rules pertaining to proper and respectful wearing of the team's uniform is not going to happen...regardless.
Do you really think the way an individual player wears his cap influences his baseball abilities? Imagine a baseball team with little respect for the uniform...a team allowed to do as they please individually with regard to wearing the uniform. That team would look out of place on any baseball field, but might not even attract attention at the food court at the mall. Baseball games are played on baseball fields, not in food courts.
I'm not trying to be preachy or adversarial with those of you questioning the way a baseball cap is worn. There aren't too many freer spirits on this website than me, but even I recognize the value of both tradition and respect when it comes to maintaining the integrity of this great game of baseball.
Baseball should be fun. It is human nature to turn away from experiences that are tiresome, boring, stifling, or considered drudgery. If a coach senses that his team is thinking along those lines then he must find a way to change that because those are all counter productive. He may be able to accept an individual or two who think this about the game, but certainly not the majority of his team. Individuals caught up in that way of thinking will probably receive little to no attention from the coach.
So go out and have loads of fun playing the game you love. You can do it. This is what your coach wants you and the team to do. He knows that you will be more successful. Just be aware of the traditions and respect that the game deserves, because they influence mightily the good baseball coaches and how they run each of their programs.
this is funny. he is relaxing in his backyard doing alittle soft toss. I'd bet money he doesn't wear his hat backwards at practice or games or in this case, to the field. looks to me he won't wear a hat during games being a catcher
Gotwood,
Absolutely Outstanding Message!
However it is something us old timers are probably going to have to adjust to. I do know some high level baseball coaches and scouts who really hate it. Many disallow it, even if not at the baseball field. I certainly understand the reason if riding a motorcycle or fishing in the wind.
That said things that are different are only different until the majority changes it. I remember Griffy Jr being one of the first to start this trend. It really took something away from my perception of him at the time.
One thing I really don't understand is how wearing your hat backwards makes the game more fun. How does it do that? Just asking.
Anyway, I see it so much now days that it just seems normal.
Have to agree with racab, the most important thing is that kid does look like he has a great frame and is very talented.
Absolutely Outstanding Message!
However it is something us old timers are probably going to have to adjust to. I do know some high level baseball coaches and scouts who really hate it. Many disallow it, even if not at the baseball field. I certainly understand the reason if riding a motorcycle or fishing in the wind.
That said things that are different are only different until the majority changes it. I remember Griffy Jr being one of the first to start this trend. It really took something away from my perception of him at the time.
One thing I really don't understand is how wearing your hat backwards makes the game more fun. How does it do that? Just asking.
Anyway, I see it so much now days that it just seems normal.
Have to agree with racab, the most important thing is that kid does look like he has a great frame and is very talented.
instead of commenting on the player and his swing,most are commenting on the ball cap?
He is in his backyard,just calmly hitting with dad.Whats wrong with that?
Looks like a smooth swing,but he seems to be "overstepping" with his front foot.Also looks like a well balanced athlete
He is in his backyard,just calmly hitting with dad.Whats wrong with that?
Looks like a smooth swing,but he seems to be "overstepping" with his front foot.Also looks like a well balanced athlete
pg staff you have private message
Thank you
It is interesting how first impressions affect people. It may be the proud dad coming on to give his kid visibility or even the player himself, but most of the comments are about his hat. I would even add comments about the shirt, if you want make an impression as a ball player and you want people to take you seriously, look like a ball player if you are going to send it out to the world.
Some scouts and coaches are turned off by players not looking the part, some don't care, why take the chance?
The clip is a little choppy but it looks like he stays back well and may have good bat speed (choppy video), and good through the strike zone....
Some scouts and coaches are turned off by players not looking the part, some don't care, why take the chance?
The clip is a little choppy but it looks like he stays back well and may have good bat speed (choppy video), and good through the strike zone....
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You can almost the divide the comments in this thread , without knowing posters, as youth and experience. Baseball is like LIFE. In fact in many cases it is life.
My Senior year in college (let's see... just under a thousand years ago) I went to a "group interview session" (you know, Weyerhauser shows up on campus with a bag of maybe 6 jobs, some of them intern, and interviews 100 kids). Sitting in the waiting room for my turn to WOW them, I was the only one with a coat and tie on (it WAS 1976). One of my classmates, also there for a turn, looked over at me, wearing a shirt and jeans, and looking me up-and-down, said..."who are you trying to impress wearing a tie?" My response at the time (very tongue in cheek) was... "yeah, you're probably right..." Oh, and I got one of two job offers that day.
Do you want to take that chance that the guy who's there to see you, in sports, in business, future father-in-law, is a free spirit... one who doesn't care if you brushed your teeth this morning, didn't clean the mud off your spikes, wouldn't get a haircut for the interview?
Society for 1000 years has had expected norms.... sure, they change, as life has to adapt. But being the James Dean (Rebel Without A Cause) in any situation has far more downside opportunities than upside. Is it fair? Why can't society see me for who I am? For the spirit I wish to be? "I want them to hire me for who I am, not how I dress..."
No, it's probably not fair. But it is what it is. And as long as there are 7 guys sitting next to you, in the "waiting room" (read dugout, foxhole, et al) and the only differing factor is a hat on backwards, I would chose to be the one not willing to leave my destiny in factors which I could have some say, but have no real control. I have known young people to not even be granted any interview for being 3 minutes late, good excuse or not, as there are no good excuses for lack of discipline.
Those among you who fit into the "youth category", who don't agree with those of us in the "experience category".... all I can say is we were all there not so long ago, made all the same claims that you are making, and those of us who have had some success in life (whether it be sports, commerce, or affairs of the heart) did not achieve it by wearing our hats backwards. We did it by playing by the rules of those who went ahead of us. For the time being, until you switch jobs with us, until you are setting the "norm" and we head off to white shoes, 4PM dinner and condos in Miami... you're pretty much being chosen based on our expectations.
I'd better get off this soapbox, before I fall off.
Life is not a breakfast cereal. Now go do the right thing.
cadDAD
.
You can almost the divide the comments in this thread , without knowing posters, as youth and experience. Baseball is like LIFE. In fact in many cases it is life.
My Senior year in college (let's see... just under a thousand years ago) I went to a "group interview session" (you know, Weyerhauser shows up on campus with a bag of maybe 6 jobs, some of them intern, and interviews 100 kids). Sitting in the waiting room for my turn to WOW them, I was the only one with a coat and tie on (it WAS 1976). One of my classmates, also there for a turn, looked over at me, wearing a shirt and jeans, and looking me up-and-down, said..."who are you trying to impress wearing a tie?" My response at the time (very tongue in cheek) was... "yeah, you're probably right..." Oh, and I got one of two job offers that day.
Do you want to take that chance that the guy who's there to see you, in sports, in business, future father-in-law, is a free spirit... one who doesn't care if you brushed your teeth this morning, didn't clean the mud off your spikes, wouldn't get a haircut for the interview?
Society for 1000 years has had expected norms.... sure, they change, as life has to adapt. But being the James Dean (Rebel Without A Cause) in any situation has far more downside opportunities than upside. Is it fair? Why can't society see me for who I am? For the spirit I wish to be? "I want them to hire me for who I am, not how I dress..."
No, it's probably not fair. But it is what it is. And as long as there are 7 guys sitting next to you, in the "waiting room" (read dugout, foxhole, et al) and the only differing factor is a hat on backwards, I would chose to be the one not willing to leave my destiny in factors which I could have some say, but have no real control. I have known young people to not even be granted any interview for being 3 minutes late, good excuse or not, as there are no good excuses for lack of discipline.
Those among you who fit into the "youth category", who don't agree with those of us in the "experience category".... all I can say is we were all there not so long ago, made all the same claims that you are making, and those of us who have had some success in life (whether it be sports, commerce, or affairs of the heart) did not achieve it by wearing our hats backwards. We did it by playing by the rules of those who went ahead of us. For the time being, until you switch jobs with us, until you are setting the "norm" and we head off to white shoes, 4PM dinner and condos in Miami... you're pretty much being chosen based on our expectations.
I'd better get off this soapbox, before I fall off.
Life is not a breakfast cereal. Now go do the right thing.
cadDAD
.
pm for pg
I'm an old guy, no real fan of backwards hat wearing but for the venue the video appears to be directed towards, I think it's immaterial.
The very short catching clip was interesting to me. I'd be interested in seeing more of that.
The very short catching clip was interesting to me. I'd be interested in seeing more of that.
A big kid who can hit, behind the plate is not exactly an oddity. What remains to be seen is whether or not he can handle a pitching staff, if the pitching staff has confidence in his defensive abilities and what kind of "field general" he is. The video doesn't show any of that. Minus all that and you may be looking at a future first baseman.
I could care less what players do with other hats when not with us but when with us the hats are to be on properly, not cocked to the side or backwards
It is just a matter of respect for the team you play for and REPRESENT every time you wear something with their emblem on
It is just a matter of respect for the team you play for and REPRESENT every time you wear something with their emblem on
Well said, TR.
KayMart4 I guess you're right. I mean I guess there is nothing wrong with it since he is just doing a little hitting with his dad in his backyard. But, I mean if you're going to send it out to people on a baseball website, it might be a good idea to present yourself the best way you can. For example, a scout somehow might see the clip and see that he has a great swing but might be turned away if he hates backwards hats. I guess I was just raised with coaches who would never let you do that no matter where you are practicing.
But on his swing I think he is a strong, powerful hitter and has plenty of size to go along with that and could play for a long time.
But on his swing I think he is a strong, powerful hitter and has plenty of size to go along with that and could play for a long time.
In my opinion I don't feel like a scout or coach should not recruit or draft a player because of the way he wears his hat. Now, I personally feel like you should wear your hat forwards during games, practices and in this case a tape if given out to coaches etc.. I can't remember the last time I wore my hat to practice or a game. I always have it with me, but I never have it on cause I'm a catcher. If I were to put it on then yes I would wear it straight. When I'm with my friends hanging out or whatever then I probably will have my hat on backwards. In no way does that make me disrespect the game. I respect the game by practicing hard, hussling on and off the field, listening to my coaches and peers, and finally by giving everything I can to the sport I love.
in my opinion, if this was a baseball practice then not only don't i like the hat i don't like the shorts either. while i'm being critical the shirt has to go as well. son's high school team let's the kids wear shorts, and that always bugged me. practice like you play.you'll never run, hit ,or throw in a game in a pair of shorts. why practice in them? just another old ****'s opinion.
if it's just a home movie to share with us,it's ok .but probably have to wonder why? but the kid looks like he can swing it.
if it's just a home movie to share with us,it's ok .but probably have to wonder why? but the kid looks like he can swing it.
How do you practice sliding in shorts?
Gingerly.
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From Gilligan's Island?
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From Gilligan's Island?
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yup!
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I'd say this thread's come unraveled... but then I look at Ginger's picture and realize we are supposed to be a family Venue...
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I'd say this thread's come unraveled... but then I look at Ginger's picture and realize we are supposed to be a family Venue...
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Yup...definitely unraveled!
I am so sorry---I thought this was a baseball site
It is TR...one with an occasional sense of humor. I've gotta' run...goodnight all!
I don't remember who said what regarding the need to follow the "dress code"--and I don't remember who said what regarding why not....and I don't remember who else said what....But it's my turn to comment.
If you are trying to market yourself, for example, with a resume---I'd bet that you would make sure that the words are all spelled correctly and the dates are all in the proper order. And the name of the recipient of the resume was not only correctly spelled, but it would be addressed to the correct person.
If you are trying to market yourself, for example, with a You Tube video, I'd bet that you would make sure that you would look the part--whatever that part would be.
If you are trying to market yourself via the High School Baseball Web with a You Tube video of yourself playing a portion of baseball, then you should look the part. Unless it is a "home video" and then it should stay a "home video". Know your audience.
I am a mature "fartette"--and am disappointed in the "slacking" of our culture. I bought George Carlin's 1972 album (huh?) "Class Clown" that had the cut "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television". It was funny. The whole album was funny. What I do not think is funny anymore is that you CAN say those words on television. Why? Because we have allowed it.
And if enough guys allow the hats to be worn backwards, then it, too, will be allowed...
Ya know, it's no big deal how anyone wears a hat. Inside out--whatever! But consider the video to be a resume. Would you send a resume with glaring misspelled words?
If you are trying to market yourself, for example, with a resume---I'd bet that you would make sure that the words are all spelled correctly and the dates are all in the proper order. And the name of the recipient of the resume was not only correctly spelled, but it would be addressed to the correct person.
If you are trying to market yourself, for example, with a You Tube video, I'd bet that you would make sure that you would look the part--whatever that part would be.
If you are trying to market yourself via the High School Baseball Web with a You Tube video of yourself playing a portion of baseball, then you should look the part. Unless it is a "home video" and then it should stay a "home video". Know your audience.
I am a mature "fartette"--and am disappointed in the "slacking" of our culture. I bought George Carlin's 1972 album (huh?) "Class Clown" that had the cut "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television". It was funny. The whole album was funny. What I do not think is funny anymore is that you CAN say those words on television. Why? Because we have allowed it.
And if enough guys allow the hats to be worn backwards, then it, too, will be allowed...
Ya know, it's no big deal how anyone wears a hat. Inside out--whatever! But consider the video to be a resume. Would you send a resume with glaring misspelled words?
One thing that we should keep in mind regarding a resume... This isn't one! Usually you will attach your name to a resume.
I have found out who this player is and he is definitely a prospect who is well known by someone who used to work for us and now runs Southern California for the Atlanta Braves.
I would take this kid in a heart beat. It's easy to get players to wear the hat the way you want... you just tell them how your team does things and then they do it. Until they get to the Big Leagues anyway.
I have found out who this player is and he is definitely a prospect who is well known by someone who used to work for us and now runs Southern California for the Atlanta Braves.
I would take this kid in a heart beat. It's easy to get players to wear the hat the way you want... you just tell them how your team does things and then they do it. Until they get to the Big Leagues anyway.
If he's well known why the cheap video?
It's just a video without a name attached to it, how do we know it's the only video of this player?
That video has stirred up 35 replies so far, with more yet to come. If nothing else doesn't the big athletic body create at least a little interest?
He is over 6'3 and weighs more than 215 and the video shows bat speed and smooth actions throwing to 2B and a strong easy arm.
From an athletic stand point, that video shows a lot! IMO
That video has stirred up 35 replies so far, with more yet to come. If nothing else doesn't the big athletic body create at least a little interest?
He is over 6'3 and weighs more than 215 and the video shows bat speed and smooth actions throwing to 2B and a strong easy arm.
From an athletic stand point, that video shows a lot! IMO
What I was asking was, you said he was well known. I was just curious as to why the marketing video to start with? Like I said earlier, big kids that hit playing catcher are not unusual. One of the reports I read on Hank Conger, I think. Might have been Max Sapp. But the point was one of them, maybe both, could find themselves playing first. I agree 100% on the apparent athleticism. There is a lot more to being a catcher.
PG Jerry is right. I would take this player in a NY minute. He has tools to play this game and I know who he is too...J.T. from Carlsbad H.S. He has plus power and a cannon for an arm behind the dish. It's hard to find a big bodied catcher like this. I found another big bodied catcher named James Rodriguez who is creating quite a stir down here in FL at current time. John Talley just may be another prospect who is about to make a late rise in stock 
He's the real deal! Believe he had a minor set back last year with a dislocated thumb but appears to be back to his ole self now! peace shep
He's the real deal! Believe he had a minor set back last year with a dislocated thumb but appears to be back to his ole self now! peace shep
It is sad. We look at a kid hitting, and throwing from home to second, somebody ask what we think about the kid and most of the websters comments are about the way the kid is wearing his hat. Is it this a baseball website?
The dancer is practicing in his livingroom, she can do it in pijamas if she wants. The question is how good she is dancing, and our answer is : I don't like the way she is dressed. Come on!
The dancer is practicing in his livingroom, she can do it in pijamas if she wants. The question is how good she is dancing, and our answer is : I don't like the way she is dressed. Come on!