How to build a successful program...

A successful program really starts at the younger ages. You can have the best high school coach and program but if the feeder programs don't keep the kids interested, you're fighting a losing battle. I know that Milford had some very talented teams in youth baseball several years ago but as the kids got older, they weren't encouraged to keep playing and the result is that you have very few playing baseball or at least taking it serious as they get to high school age which is unfortunate. Is Milford youth baseball encouraging kids to work at baseball and play as much as they can? Does the Middle School coach encouraging kids to work and play as much as they can even once school season is over? (I have heard he doesn't...)

Bottom line, if you really want to understand why the program isn't as successful, you need to take a critical look at what is going on at the younger ages. Keep those younger kids playing and working at baseball and the high school program will grow from there.

Good luck this season. I hope to see Milford play.

BAC

Without suggesting that it’s the only way to build a program, I’ll share the approach used by Bedford Legion. Bedford has historically been very successful at the Little League level and has enjoyed some success with Babe Ruth All-Stars and the Black Flies AAU program; however, not all of the players ended up at the same high school. Manchester West, Trinity, Guertin, Brady and Derryfield were destinations. Bedford players helped Jutras (Goffstown also played a big role) have some very good Legion teams over the years, but some players also played for Sweeney and Post 79. With the opening of the new High School in Bedford, came the opportunity to bring Legion ball back to town – Bedford won the state crown in 1989 and disbanded the following year. We started with a Junior Team and a young, knowledgeable, high-energy coaching staff – parents support the team in administrative roles. Winning the state championship in year one was a very pleasant surprise and brought some positive attention to the program. The original plan was to stick with Junior Legion at least until the high school was full and to work closely with Jutras to feed their Senior program. For whatever reason, Jutras was not interested in double rostering Bedford Junior Legion players which accelerated the timetable for starting a Senior program. The Junior coaching staff moved up and were backfilled with like minded coaches with the philosophy being 2 teams 1 program. Although 2009 didn’t bring any state championships, both teams had winning records and just missed the playoffs. The vision is to create a well defined path for players from tee-ball through Legion and encourage collaboration between the levels. There will always be players who seek “greener pastures” but well coached, adequately funded, competitive teams will hopefully be attractive to most. The high school program should be the beneficiary of this approach. 11 of the 14 players from last years varsity roster played senior legion baseball last summer (9 for Bedford – 2 for Jutras) and another 6 from the JV roster played junior legion – a few were double rostered. Keep in mind Bedford had no seniors last year. The senior team also benefits from Merrimack players and welcomes them as an integral part of the long term success of the program. Depending on their home address, eligible players from Amherst are also welcomed to tryout for either team. The majority of the players workout in the off season and the Legion program sponsors a reasonably priced indoor “spring tune-up” before the high school season starts. Having 2 lighted, 90’ diamonds in town certainly helps as well – the lights for both fields are the by-product of fundraising initiated by the Babe Ruth board and a testament to collaboration at all levels.

Matt – if you can convince your parents to move to Bedford before 31-Mar, we could use a great shortstop. JK and good luck energizing Milford baseball.

Feeder Program and a committed group of parents/supporters of the Local Baseball Program yield strong high school programs. We at the GSBA see this year in and year out, great example Salem. They have such a committed youth baseball board, who go above and beyond to provide their players the ability to learn the game and play in the spring, summer and fall. They focus on the instruction of not just the players but the coaches as well so that the fundamentals are reenforced from a young age through Babe Ruth, giving the high school coaching staff a great starting point. Look at Salem last year, realistically this was a weak Salem team yet they still competed through out the year, this is a reflection of the youth program developing players.

Our Summer and Fall leagues provide programs like Salem a place to pick up more games against quality teams, it is no surprise that teams who participate in our league tend to be successful in high school, because their players are prepared, preparation through experience.

Matt good post, Showcase League tryouts have been posted visit www.nhbaseball.org or www.granitestatebaseball.org and visit the NH Baseball Calendar specifically the month of August. UConn has been added to our host schools for 2010.

Multiple Bedford players have participated in the GSBA Fall Showcase League and have enjoyed the experience and the exposure afforded by the league. Although we have no affiliation with GSBA, we appreciate the role they play in our shared goal of promoting quality, competitive baseball for NH baseball players.

Although I havent played in the GSBA,I love what they have done.. Hopefully there is a post high school? For summer of 2011!!!! I dont know if Im going down to play at the cape yet so I think it would be a great idea!!!

matt are you a junior?

I wish... Im a senior